How to Remove Scars

Scars can be bothersome, uncomfortable, and aesthetically unappealing. In some cases, they may lead to more serious issues, such as limited mobility. Fortunately, there are numerous medical and natural remedies you can try to address scars that are causing concern. For minor scars, you can attempt natural remedies like rosehip oil or onion extract. If home treatments don't work, consider trying over-the-counter medications or consult your doctor about stronger options. You can also prevent or reduce scars by properly caring for wounds.

Try applying rosehip oil daily. Some evidence suggests that applying rosehip oil to scars every day for six months or longer can significantly fade the scars. Dilute the rosehip oil with a carrier oil like coconut or avocado oil and apply it to the scar twice a day for several weeks or until you see improvement.

• Rosehip oil can be found in health stores, pharmacies, or online.
• Do not apply rosehip oil or any essential oils directly to the skin, as they may cause irritation. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil or moisturizer first.
• Use 15 drops of rosehip oil for every 30 ml of your chosen carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil), unless a doctor recommends a different dosage.

Use onion extract to soften scars. Studies show that applying onion extract to scars every day for at least four weeks can help soften scar tissue and improve its appearance. Look for over-the-counter scar treatments containing onion extract and follow the instructions on the packaging.

Apply vitamin E ointment to scars with caution. There is conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of vitamin E in scar treatment. Some studies suggest it helps improve scar appearance, while others claim it may cause irritation and do more harm than good. Discuss with your doctor about using vitamin E ointment and follow the instructions on the product label carefully.

• Start by applying a thin layer of vitamin E ointment to the scar, gradually increasing the amount if no adverse reactions occur. Always follow the recommended dosage on the label or as advised by your doctor.
• Discontinue use if you experience side effects such as skin irritation, itching, burning, redness, or a rash.
• If you decide to try vitamin E ointment, perform a patch test first. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area, like the inner arm or behind the ear, and wait 24-48 hours to check for any reaction.

Try over-the-counter silicone gel for new or old scars. Silicone gel or silicone sheets are some of the most effective at-home scar treatments. While silicone works best for new scars, it can also help soften and fade older scars. For best results, apply silicone gel or sheets for 8-24 hours a day over several months.

• Silicone gel or sheets can be found at most pharmacies or purchased online.

Use scar creams for small scars. There are many over-the-counter creams and ointments that help fade scars. Be sure to read the ingredients on the product label and consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns. Look for products containing:

• Retinol cream. These products are especially effective for treating scars.
• Glycolic acid. This ingredient has also been shown to effectively reduce acne scars, especially when combined with retinoic acid.
• Protective or moisturizing ingredients like oxybenzone (sunscreen), mineral wax, or paraffin.

Explore chemical peeling methods for light scars at home or in a clinic. Chemical peeling is often effective for less severe scars, such as those caused by acne or chickenpox. Consult with a dermatologist about professional chemical peeling, or you can try over-the-counter chemical peel products at home.

• At-home chemical peels tend to be less effective than professional treatments but can still help fade light scars.
• Peels containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid-mandelic acid blends can be quite effective.

Ask your doctor about fillers for deep scars. If you have deep or depressed scars, dermal fillers can help improve their appearance. During this procedure, a soft substance such as fat or hyaluronic acid is injected beneath the scar tissue to fill it in. Speak to your doctor to see if this option is right for you.

• Fillers are a temporary solution, as the injected substance will break down over time. You may need to undergo this treatment every six months.

Look into dermabrasion for acne or chickenpox scars. Similar to chemical peeling, dermabrasion is commonly used to smooth the skin's surface. During this procedure, a motorized brush with metal bristles is used to safely abrade the scar tissue. The procedure is relatively quick but can be uncomfortable as you will remain awake.

• Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, like aspirin, and avoid specific skincare products before the procedure.
• It's also advisable to avoid smoking both before and after the procedure.
• Once the skin has healed from the dermabrasion, you should protect it by applying sunscreen, cleaning the skin regularly, and using ointments as directed by your doctor.

Consider laser treatment for severe scars. While laser therapy cannot completely eliminate scars, it can significantly improve their appearance and alleviate symptoms such as pain, itching, and stiffness. If you have a severe scar, discuss laser or light therapies with your doctor.

• The effectiveness of this method depends on several factors, including your health conditions and any medications you may be taking. Be sure to provide your doctor with detailed health information before starting laser treatment.
• Follow the aftercare instructions carefully for optimal results. For example, you will need to protect your skin from sunlight after the treatment until it fully heals.
• Some medications, supplements, or stimulants may slow down the recovery process and reduce the effectiveness of laser therapy. These include tobacco, vitamin E, aspirin, and topical products containing glycolic acid or retinoids.

Consult your doctor about surgical scar revision. If you have a troublesome scar that other treatments haven't improved, discuss surgical options with your doctor. The scar may be thinned, shortened, camouflaged, or even hidden in natural folds and hairlines.

• If you choose surgical scar revision, set realistic expectations. Surgery may not completely remove the scar, and you might need several surgeries to achieve the best results.
• Not all scars are suitable for surgical revision. Consult with your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to determine whether this option is right for you.
• Surgical scar revision is typically most effective for scars that are at least 12-18 months old.

Consult your doctor about skin graft surgery for treating particularly deep scars. In this procedure, a surgeon removes a small, healthy piece of skin from another area of the body to replace scar tissue. The surgeon will cut away the scar tissue and graft the healthy skin to the area. Check with your doctor to see if this approach is suitable for your type of scar.

• The graft is usually taken from behind the earlobe.
• You may need to undergo surface skin regeneration a few weeks after surgery to address any color or texture differences between the graft and surrounding skin.
• Follow your doctor's pre- and post-surgery care instructions for the best results.

Consider cryosurgery for treating thick or raised scars. In cryosurgery, a doctor injects liquid nitrogen into the scar to freeze the scar tissue. This treatment destroys the scar tissue, which will eventually fall off. Post-surgery care is crucial to ensure proper healing of the scar.

• The scar tissue may take several weeks to slough off, and additional weeks will be needed for the new skin to heal.
• Adhere to the home care instructions provided by your doctor, which will include how to bandage and clean the wound.
• Your doctor will prescribe medication to help manage pain during and after the procedure.
• Cryotherapy can sometimes alter the color or pigmentation of the skin.

Use cortisone injections to soften hard scars. Steroid injections can help shrink and flatten hard scars. This method is particularly effective for treating raised or hypertrophic scars resulting from an exaggerated healing process. Typically, you will need cortisone injections every 4-6 weeks until the treatment shows results. Consult your doctor to determine if this is a good option for you.

• Cortisone injections work best when combined with other treatments, such as cryotherapy.
• Your doctor may mix the steroid injection with a numbing agent to reduce pain.
• Possible side effects of cortisone injections include thinning skin, skin ulcers, and changes in skin pigmentation.

Clean new wounds regularly. Keeping the wound clean can help prevent infection, irritation, and scarring. Wash the wound daily with warm water and a mild soap to remove germs, dirt, and debris.

• Avoid soaps that contain strong fragrances or dyes.
• If the wound has been medically treated, follow your doctor's instructions for cleaning and bandaging the wound.
• Don't worry about using antibacterial soap. Studies show that antibacterial soap isn't more effective than regular soap in preventing infections and may even cause more harm than good.

Moisturize the wound with mineral oil ointment during recovery. Scabs on wounds can increase the likelihood of scarring. To prevent scabbing, apply mineral oil-based ointment (such as Vaseline) to a clean wound. Then cover the wound to keep it clean and moist.

• Change the bandage, clean the wound, and reapply the ointment daily, or whenever it gets wet or dirty.

Treat burns with aloe vera. Medical researchers have found that aloe vera heals burns more effectively than mineral oil. To reduce scarring, apply 100% pure aloe vera gel until the wound heals.

• Second- and third-degree burns larger than 7.5 cm require urgent medical attention. Do not attempt to treat severe burns on your own.
• You can also ask your doctor for a prescription for silver sulfadiazine to prevent infection in second- and third-degree burns.

Avoid direct sun exposure to the scar during the recovery period. Even after the wound has healed, protect your skin to minimize scarring. For any new scars after the wound heals, apply sunscreen or cover it with clothing (e.g., long sleeves) until the scar fades or disappears.

• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
• For surgical scars, doctors typically advise avoiding direct sunlight for at least one year.

Get stitches removed according to your doctor's instructions. If your wound required stitches, you can minimize scarring by following the prescribed timeline for stitch removal. Removing stitches too early or too late may result in more noticeable scarring.

• Do not attempt to remove stitches at home. Go to a medical facility for proper stitch removal.
• Stitches on the face are usually removed after 3-5 days, 7-10 days for the scalp and chest, and 10-14 days for stitches on arms and legs.