Facial scarring is usually the result of prolonged healing processes following an abrasion, laceration, or burn. Physiologically, facial scarring is no different than scarring on any other part of the body; however, because the face is highly visible, facial scars are far more noticeable.
For this reason, they can take an emotional toll on a person. If you have visible facial scarring and are searching for ways to improve it, you can use the below mentioned treatments. Please make note that treatments are listed first to last as they pertain to increasing severity of scarring and are only meant to educate. It’s always recommended that you arrange a consultation with your primary care physician, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon before undergoing treatment.
Oils and Over the Counter Creams
One of the keys to preventing scar formation is to keep the injured area from becoming too dry. You can use the following oils to keep wounds or already formed scars moist and protected from the sun:
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Silicone gel sheeting
- Aloe Vera
- Tea tree oil
- Helichrysum essential oil
- Emu oil
You can also use over the counter scar medications in the same manner. Popular brands include Mederma, Scarguard, and Kelo-cote. Frequent and consistent use the key. You should follow instructions as given to you by your physician. Usually, application needs to be done at least once a day for a period of at least one month.
Prescription Creams
Tretinoin is a commonly prescribed medication. It’s a vitamin A derivative that’s most often referred to as Retin-A. It helps skin produce collagen. Collagen helps wounds and scars heal by replacing damaged skin cells with a stronger, less elastic tissue. Retin-A is usually applied daily, but only at night time because it causes the skin to become sensitive to sun.
Hydroquinone is another commonly prescribed medication. It works in a different manner than Retin-A. It’s a bleaching agent that only lightens the appearance of scars. It’s prescription form is concentrated to a level of four percent. Like Retin-A, it can cause skin to become sensitive to sun. It also contains sodium metabisulphite, which can cause severe allergic reactions.
Micro-Needling
Micro-needling is a rather new minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needle pricks to stimulate the production of collagen near the scar. Patient satisfaction following micro-needling is high. The procedure produces good results with minimal pain and low risk of infection; however, the procedure might need to be repeated to achieve maximum results. Micro-needling is considered a cosmetic surgery procedure; thus it can be done by a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
The idea that facial scarring is something that you have to just deal with until the body takes care of it on its own is not an accurate one. There are definitely treatments available to help speed up your body’s natural healing processes. The most important step you can take is the first one. Consult a physician who can get you on the right track in regards to treating your visible facial scars.