Your Healthy Skin is Our Priority
General Scar Information
Scars, both large and small, are sometimes a pain to deal with and can often take a toll on one’s self-confidence. If you’re dealing with troublesome scars, whether it be from a prior injury or from a common skin condition like acne, there are many treatments available today to help improve the appearance of the scar.
At The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, we’re experts in skin health and can help address the appearance of scars through a variety of treatments, including topicals, and more. Keep reading to learn more about scars, such as what skin conditions can cause scarring and how we treat scars at our clinic.
What Causes Scars?
Scars are a result of the body’s natural healing process. After an injury, the body’s biological process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues is triggered.
During the wound healing process, new collagen fibers (a naturally occurring protein in the body) form to mend the area, resulting in the formation of scar tissue that typically has a different texture and quality than the surrounding tissue. What’s left behind is a healed area that is often visually different from the surrounding skin.
Scar Treatment FAQs
To help you get a better idea of how we approach scars and scar treatment at The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, take a look at our expert answers to frequently asked questions below.
There are several different types of scars, including:
- Keloid Scars – This type of scar results from an excessive or exaggerated healing process. There’s an overproduction of collagen even after the wound has fully healed, leading to an overgrowth of tissue that’s often raised above normal skin level and may extend beyond the area of the initial injury.
- Hypertrophic Scars – Typically appear on the wound site in raised, thick, discolored clusters. Sometimes they appear similar to a keloid scar but generally don’t go beyond the injury boundary.
- Acne Scars – There are many types of acne scars, ranging from deep pits to scars that are angular, raised or wavelike in appearance.
- Contracture Scars – This type of scar generally forms due to an injury that causes significant tissue destruction, such as burns or injury to the joints. The skin and underlying tissue pull together for healing, which can often impair the ability to move.
- Atrophic Scars – These develop below the skin surface, producing a sunken appearance due to scar tissue replacing the normal subcutaneous tissues such as fat.
- Stretch Marks – Striae, otherwise known as stretch marks, form due to breaks in the connective tissue caused by the rapid shrinking or expanding of the skin. The most common causes of stretch marks are pregnancy and rapid weight loss.
Depending on the type of scar you have, treatment may vary. A board-certified dermatologist will help you find the best option to achieve the treatment results you desire.
Scar Treatment Photos
Schedule Scar Treatment at The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington
Do you have a troublesome scar that impacts your self-confidence and affects your daily life? At the Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, our team of board-certified dermatologists are here to help.
Depending on the type and severity of a scar, we offer several scar treatment options. Schedule a skin consultation today or give us a call at 910-782-0028 to learn more about how we can help you restore your healthy-looking skin.
Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 910.782.0028.