Scar Removal Overview
No two scars are alike- even on your own body. Scars can happen many different ways- some of the most common being from an accident, surgical incision, or burn. Any breakage in the skin produces collagen as part of the healing process. When too much collagen is produced, a scar is formed. These marks can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance and interfere with your overall wellbeing.
The depth of a scar is a key element in its treatment, and Dr. Siegel regularly sees patients who have wasted hundreds of dollars on treatments like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and fillers that are ineffective to remove deep scars. Once a scar is formed, it can never be completely erased.
However, there are ways to hide or reduce the severity of the scar so it’s not easily seen by the naked eye. Dr. Siegel has the experience and skill required to remove many different types of scars based on their location, age, depth, and other important factors- all in a way that’s custom tailored to you.
The Scar Removal Process
Consultation
If you want to pursue facial scar removal in Houston, the first step is scheduling a meeting with Dr. Siegel. During this initial appointment, he will examine your scar tissue, discuss any cosmetic concerns you have, and create a customized treatment plan to suit your needs. He will meet with you for as long as it takes for you to feel comfortable and confident moving forward with our team for any facial scar removal you’d like done.
Preparation
If you’ve recently experienced scarring, you may need to wait some time before undergoing facial scar removal. Scars form over a six- to twelve-month period. During this time, they may change. Because of this, Dr. Siegel recommends waiting on any scar removal until they have fully matured, and are finished developing so you get complete, lasting results. Once we are sure that enough time has passed for you to undergo facial scar removal, Dr. Siegel will schedule a treatment appointment with you. He will give you a detailed, customized set of instructions to follow for your particular procedure plan to get the best possible results.
Procedure
Dr. Siegel most often performs laser scar removal. He has been effectively treating scars for over a decade, and has found the Lumenis CO2 laser produces the most consistent results for many patients’ needs. The exact techniques he will utilize depends on your unique circumstances and scar tissue. When scars are deep and/or cover a broader area of the face, he generally performs a micro-release of the scars. This is done by adhering a thin layer of fat filler to the underlying tissues so that the scar will not sink down into the skin, smoothing out scars by creating a more even skin texture. Dr. Siegel may also employ different methods for specific types of blemishes like nose scar removal, acne scar removal, and burn scar removal. No matter which type of scar removal treatment(s) Dr. Siegel performs for you, he will personalize your procedure to your particular needs.
Recovery
After your procedure, you should be able to return to work immediately. You may experience slight inflammation, discomfort, tenderness, and/or discoloration around the treatment area for several weeks. Your scar will likely take several months to completely heal and diminish in appearance. Depending on the severity and type of scar you’re removing, you may need to return to our office for follow-up treatments. Our permanent scar removal process offers long-lasting outcomes. Remember that once a scar is formed, it can only be improved upon, not erased. Even after treatment, there is a small risk that the scar will return. Dr. Siegel will offer his professional opinion on your unique case to determine which option will give you the most satisfying results.
Scar Removal FAQ's
Whether or not your results are permanent depends on a variety of different factors. In some cases, laser scar removal offers lifelong outcomes, and in other cases, the scar comes back. Dr. Siegel strives to make each scar removal last as long as possible by using the most advanced technology at his disposal. Considered the gold standard for CO2 lasers, our Lumenis CO2 UltraPulse has had a long history of proven results in treating conspicuous scars. This device can be adjusted to treated scars depending on their depth, size, and the patient’s preferred recovery time. The laser essentially vaporizes superficial scars by stimulating collagen to reduce scar visibility over time. For deeper scars, it creates a smooth contour that gradually makes them less noticeable. You can also help make your results as permanent as possible by having the recommended number of treatments and follow ups, carefully following the after-care instructions, and maintaining a healthy skincare regimen.
Dr. Siegel’s scar removal treatment process can reduce the appearance of many different types of scars. For acne scars, we can help erase years of skin neglect. Dr. Siegel can also mask and minimize the look of burn scars. In addition, he can assist you with raised, pitted, or red scars. If you’re interested in scar removal, we suggest that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Siegel. At your first appointment, he can tell you whether or not we can treat your particular scar.
There is no single answer to this question. The number of scar removal treatments you require will depend on the type, depth, size, shape, texture, and appearance of your scar, as well as your particular cosmetic preferences and medical needs. You may need only one treatment, or you may require several to obtain the outcome you want. Dr. Siegel will discuss the number of treatments he expects you will need at your initial consultation.