Scars (cont.)
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.
Last Editorial Review: 12/17/2007
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