Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is the Best Way to Remove Scars?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Scars are notoriously difficult to remove completely, and many people find them disfiguring or unattractive. According to some experts, there is no failsafe way to remove scars completely, although many treatments exist that can help reduce the appearance of some scars. If you are looking for a way to remove scars or at least make them less visible, there are a variety of treatments and remedies for you to try.

Scars are caused when the dermis, or lower layer of the skin, is damaged. As the wound heals, a fibrous tissue replaces the skin. Depending on the type of injury, a scar can look like a scrape, a lump of tissue, or a pockmark. The appearance of scars often decreases with time, but some, particularly those from acne, can remain discolored for many years.

Laser resurfacing may be performed to remove scars.
Laser resurfacing may be performed to remove scars.

Some suggest that the best way to deal with scars is to prevent them from ever forming. A diet high in vitamins, particularly vitamin E, can help skin heal faster and without scarring. If you have a wound that appears to be scarring, consider treating it with Vitamin E daily. This may help prevent a scar from forming or may lessen its appearance.

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic technique used to lessen the appearance of some scars, particularly those left by acne. By blasting the skin with finely-ground minerals, raised scars can be smoothed out. While effective in some cases, microdermabrasion is less successful with sunken or “ice pick” scars. Microdermabrasion treatments are often done in one-month intervals for 6-12 months, and cost between $50-$150 US Dollars (USD) per treatment. This treatment is often touted for its lack of recovery time, for in most cases skin will be only slightly red after treatment and be back to normal within 24 hours.

Substances similar to bleach may be helpful in lessening discoloration from scars.
Substances similar to bleach may be helpful in lessening discoloration from scars.

Laser resurfacing is a fairly new way of trying to remove scars. In most laser treatments, the skin is exposed to a laser that vaporizes skin cells, allowing new skin to grow. Theoretically, if the laser destroys enough skin to get beneath the scar, the scar will disappear. Although laser technology is still being improved, it seems to be one of the more accurate ways to remove scars. Treatments vary in price, depending on what method of resurfacing is used, but are begin around $2000 USD.

Scar tissue.
Scar tissue.

Over-the-counter products exist that can help reduce the discoloration, if not remove scars completely. These work in a variety of ways to help diminish how scars appear. Some use silicon, which has been shown in some studies to make the skin appear smoother and less varied in tone. Others use a substance similar to bleach to remove hyperpigmentation and lessen discoloration from scars. While over the counter products are certainly less expensive than cosmetic procedures, they tend to have an iffy success rate.

Acne can leave behind scars and marks.
Acne can leave behind scars and marks.

Scars are an indelible imprints of experience, and may not be as bad as they seem. If you can look at a scar and proudly recall that you rescued a friend, or fought of a lion, or did a really impressive jump off the swing set, you may have no need to remove your scars. If your scars make you feel embarrassed or unsightly however, new and improved treatments, such as laser resurfacing, may be able to help you look in the mirror with a smile again.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon329076

I am 40 years old and I have an old scar on my leg and do not wear shorts or skirts because of it. I searched a lot and tried a lot of things, but still no effect. What should I do? Laser is very expensive and I cannot afford it. Please give me some suggestions that would be cheaper and easier for me.

anon309301

My scar is big and red and right across my face. It's been there for 36 years, and I'd like to make it stand out less. Some say it adds character. I think that's a nice way of saying it adds 'ugly.' I would be much happier if it was anywhere else on my body. You can wear a skirt, just wear dark pantyhose! What should I do, wear a mask?

amypollick

@anon167886: If you can find it, get some Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil. I know it's available online. I have a scar on my throat from thyroid surgery and it is very visible. The Skin Therapy Oil has helped my scar. I use it in the morning and evening.

*But* don't worry about a scar. Unless I wear something with a high neck, my scar is visible to anyone who sees me. But that's all right. A scar is nothing to be ashamed of. Just be who you are and don't think about it. That scar is just a little bit of disturbed skin. It has nothing to do with who you are as a person. Take care!

anon167886

my scar is so visible that am not able to wear a skirt and i have to be in trousers every day.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Laser resurfacing may be performed to remove scars.
      By: danr13
      Laser resurfacing may be performed to remove scars.
    • Substances similar to bleach may be helpful in lessening discoloration from scars.
      By: homydesign
      Substances similar to bleach may be helpful in lessening discoloration from scars.
    • Scar tissue.
      Scar tissue.
    • Acne can leave behind scars and marks.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Acne can leave behind scars and marks.
    • Thiosinaminum may be used for healing scar tissue.
      By: Artem Furman
      Thiosinaminum may be used for healing scar tissue.