Problems of scarring
Many people with scars caused by acne, an injury or surgery feel self-conscious particularly if that scar is on the face.

Removing a scar is difficult and depends on the size of the area and the extent of the scarred tissue. Scars can be treated in a variety of ways and your surgeon will advise you on the best course of action.

However, it is important to stress that there are a number of factors that will influence successful removal. These include whether the scar is raised or depressed; if the scar is restricting movement or if it is particularly long.

In most cases scars cannot be removed permanently, however they can be made less visible through a variety of anti-scarring measures.

Methods of scar reduction
These include, but are not exclusively restricted to, processes known as dermabrasion (smoothing away skin) and laser therapy. Surgeons can also open an old scar with an incision and stitch it again to make it less visible. They may be able to inject fillers to lift a sunken scar flush to the level of the surrounding skin.

Different techniques are applied to different types of scarring. The options need to be discussed with your surgeon.

Dermabrasion for acne or injury scars
In simple terms, dermabrasion removes the upper levels of the skin to reduce scar tissue caused by acne, injury or surgery. Effectively, the surgeon ‘sands’ off this layer of skin using a custom designed instrument. As the new skin grows and the treated area heals imperfections are reduced.

Important considerations of dermabrasion treatment
For people with darker skin tones it is vital that you discuss this treatment and how it will impact on you individually with your surgeon. Depending on the tone of the skin there is a chance that dermabrasion will cause discolouration or blotches. Also it is unlikely that those with active acne will be treated due to a risk of infection.

If it is felt that dermabrasion is a good method of treatment for you, it is important to bear in mind that afterwards the skin will be bloody. It will also be sore for several weeks afterwards.

The full effects are unlikely to be seen until up to 12 months after treatment. During that time it is vital that you wear sunblock to protect your skin. As with all skin treatments there is an element of risk and the results depend on a variety of factors from skin type and elasticity to age and general health. You must discuss these factors thoroughly with your surgeon.

Laser therapies for acne or injury scars
Laser therapy and intense pulsed light therapy are used for a wide variety of skin blemishes particularly acne scarring. In simple terms both these techniques use intense light to penetrate the first layers of skin to effectively remove it. The process stimulates a new layer of skin to grow. When the area fully heals scarring is visible than before.

Important considerations before laser treatment
The red and usually weepy skin that appears following laser treatment usually continues for several weeks. The final results of the treatment are unlikely to be seen until up to almost 10 months later. In many cases your surgeon will recommend a course of further therapy several months after your first course of treatment.

It is important to note that laser treatment may potentially cause uneven colouration in darker skin types. So it is important to discuss these considerations with your surgeon thoroughly.
The effectiveness of the treatment also depends on a wide variety of personal situations. These vary from skin type and levels of elasticity to age and general health. With all forms of surgery there is a level of risk. Again, your surgeon can advise you on how these risks apply in your case.

Deciding on surgery
During your consultation you may want to know:

• About the surgeon’s qualifications.
• How many operations of your procedure are carried out each year.
• How you prepare for the surgery.
• What realistic results can be expected and when.
• How long the results will last.
• About the side-effects and possible complications.
• How long it will take to recover.
• What happens if anything goes wrong.