Can old scars be “fixed”?
A. Unsightly scars can have an affect on one’s overall appearance and self-image. There are numerous procedures available to better camouflage an existing scar. Although a scar can never be removed in its entirety, it can often be camouflaged to a point where it is barely perceptible. The chosen procedure depends on the location and orientation of the scar. Scars which are wide, depressed, or running against what is referred to as the relaxed skin tension lines or laugh lines, often need surgical excision and re-closure in hopes of improving the scar into a fine line. Also, the orientation of the scar, at times, is changed to fall within the relaxed skin tension lines for better camouflage. Other techniques that may be used in conjunction with scar revision surgery are skin-resurfacing techniques, such as dermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing. These help to smooth and contract the scars for further camouflage.
