In this Article

• How does scarring happen?
• What are the types of scars?
• What are the possible treatments?
• Does insurance coverage apply to scar treatments?
• Scars Glossary
• Scars Index

What are the possible treatments?

The treatments for scars will vary depending on multiple factors. Scar treatments may include:

• Over-the-counter or prescription creams, ointments or gels. These products can be used to treat scars that are caused from surgical incisions or other injuries or wounds. If you are under the care of a plastic surgeon and your scarring is the result of cosmetic or plastic surgery, ask your surgeon for his or her recommendation if over-the-counter treatment is sufficient; otherwise, he or she will prescribe that which best suits your personal case. Oftentimes, treatments can include corticosteroids or certain antihistamine creams for scars that cause itching and are extremely sensitive.
  
  Likewise, if you are under the care of a dermatologist for severe acne and have scarring as a result of acne, you should ask your doctor for his or her recommendation if you haven't already received it. Your doctor can also recommend or use pressure treatings or silicone gel sheetings to help treat scars or as preventative care.



• Surgical removal or treatment. There are many options to treat deeper wounds and scars depending on your particular case: skin grafts, excision, dermabrasion or laser surgery. You can receive a skin graft, where the surgeon removes skin from another area of your body. This is often used in the case of burn victims. If you've got scarring that impairs function, surgery can help address those problems. Like other surgeries, you and your doctor will determine together if you will have local anesthesia with an oral sedative or general anesthesia that will put you to sleep. If you've recently undergone plastic, cosmetic or other surgery that has caused your scars, it is best that you wait at least one year before making a decision about scar treatment. Many scars fade and become less noticeable over time.



• Injections. In the case of protruding scars such as keloids or hypertrophic, your doctor may elect to use steroid injections. He or she may use this as a stand-alone treatment, or in conjunction with other treatments.
  
  Other types of injects, such as collagen injections or other "fillers," may be useful for some types of pitted scarring although these are not usually permanent solutions.

Does insurance coverage apply to scar treatments?

If your scar is physically impairing you in any way, you may be able to get coverage from your insurance carrier. You can ask your doctor to write a letter detailing your particular case, such as if you are a burn victim. He or she can also take photos to help prove your case. If you are undergoing scar treatment for cosmetic purposes, you will most likely have to pay for it all yourself. If your scars are caused from cosmetic surgery, make sure you understand all the implications of insurance coverage for any elective surgery that is not medically necessary.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Plastic Surgery.

Edited by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, April 1, 2005.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Mohs Surgery - Find out about Mohs micrographic surgery, a procedure that removes skin cancer under local anesthetic. Read about complications, reconstruction, recovery, treatment and scarring. Source:MedicineNet Dermabrasion - Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a procedure in which the skin is frozen and then a specialized instrument is used to "sand" the skin. This abrasive or planing action improves skin contour as a new layer of skin replaces the treated skin. The new skin generally has a smoother appearance. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic Laser Resurfacing - Laser resurfacing directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin. Laser skin resurfacing removes skin very precisely, layer by layer, resulting in fewer problems with hypopigmentation (lightening of skin). This popular procedure is known by several other names, including lasabrasion, laser peel or laser vaporization. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic Read 27 more Scars related articles ... New Surgical Technology Holds Promise of Painless, Scarless Procedures Body Contouring Surgery Improves Health Tip: Stretch Marks New Atrial Fibrillation Surgery Improves Results Health Tip: Minimize Scarring After a Burn Women at Higher Risk of Abnormal Burn Scars