As technology becomes more advanced and treatment methods continue to refine, there are more scar removal treatments available.
While not all scars can necessarily be completely removed, there are effective scar treatment options that can noticeably reduce the appearance of scars over time. There are different types of scars that you may be looking to treat, and a variety of methods that are designed to target scar tissue in different ways.
At The DOC Clinic, we use several different methods, so that our patients can find the right option to suit their needs. We can treat scars with cosmetic filler treatments, different types of advanced laser technologies, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, microneedling, radiofrequency technology, focused keloid scar removal treatments and the subcision method.
In this blog, we’ll explain how our scar removal treatments work and discuss your potential suitability for each type of treatment.
Cosmetic volume-adding treatments
For certain types of scarring – particularly scarring that has a more hollow appearance, such as some acne scarring – facial volume treatments can be used to fill in the area.
While the treatment is more commonly used to add volume to areas of the face for aesthetic purposes, it can be effective when addressing scars that leave depressed divots in the skin. However, unlike other types of scar removal treatments, the effects of facial volume treatments are more temporary and typically require follow-up treatments to maintain results.
The option can be suitable for those who do not have any active skin conditions or active acne in the area, have good skin elasticity and have realistic expectations for the results.
Our laser treatments that are suitable for scarring: Fraxel Laser and Fotona Laser
Laser devices make for common scar removal treatments, as they can precisely target scar tissue without harming surrounding skin and at a power level that can be tailored to your needs.
At our clinic, we use the Fraxel and Fotona lasers, which can each be effective treatment options for a variety of types of scarring.
The Fraxel laser uses fractional photothermolysis technology, using thousands of laser columns to target precise areas of the skin, leaving surrounding skin untouched. The laser energy triggers the skin’s healing response to gradually repair the scar tissue in the area over time. It can treat the face, neck, hands, chest and other areas of the body.
The Fotona Dynamis SP laser is an erbium-based (Er:YAG) laser. Depending on the condition of your skin, it can perform treatments in a fully ablative mode or a fractional laser resurfacing mode, allowing us to select the option that will be most suited to your needs. The device is generally more suitable for those with fairer skin types, as darker skin types may experience more complications, such as hyperpigmentation. Those who have been on acne medication within the last six months, have a predisposition to keloid scars or are pregnant or breastfeeding won’t be suitable for the treatment.
Essentially, each of our laser devices work in slightly different ways, which allows us to select the method that would work best for your skin.
Another laser treatment we offer is the Genesis laser, which can be a suitable option to treat pigmentation and redness that can be associated with scarring – however, to specifically target scarring, Fraxel and Fotona are preferred.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments
The PRP method uses platelet-rich plasma to encourage the skin to heal over time. Platelet-rich plasma is taken from the patient’s own blood, which avoids the need to use foreign substances.
The treatment works by withdrawing and processing a sample of the patient’s blood, and isolating the platelet-rich plasma. The plasma is then placed into the area of scarring, to help encourage collagen and elastin production.
Since the treatment works slowly over time, patients typically need more than one treatment session. Depending on your needs, a treatment plan of two to four treatments spaced apart by six weeks, may be most suitable.
The treatment option can be suitable for those wanting to try an innovative method that avoids the post-treatment downtime that is typically involved with other options.
Microneedling and radiofrequency treatments: Secret RF
Combining microneedling with fractional radiofrequency technology, Secret RF stimulates collagen production in a targeted manner to help heal scar tissue.
The device uses ultrafine needles to carefully puncture the skin, while simultaneously delivering controlled radiofrequency energy into the skin’s deeper layers. Depending on the extent of your scarring, the needles can be adjusted to penetrate the skin at different depths.
Secret RF can be suitable for a variety of skin types and tones, but isn’t suitable for those with active acne or skin conditions in the treatment area, as the microneedles can cause complications.
As a different mode of treatment to laser, microneedling and RF technology can potentially be more effective in targeting certain types of scars than others. During a consultation, we can assess your scars and discuss whether one of our laser devices or Secret RF may be suitable.
Keloid scar removal treatments
Keloid scars are a type of scarring that becomes raised, dark or red, large and can protrude noticeably from the skin. It can occur after a surgical procedure at incision sites, from an injury or after an infection.
Since keloid scarring is a condition that could be triggered by our other methods of treatment, it would require a more specialised approach.
At The DOC, Dr Ed Omarjee has over 20 years of experience as a Cosmetic Doctor, and has treated over 1000 keloid scars using a variety of refined methods.
With a personalised treatment plan, a keloid scar treatment approach could include silicone gel products, pressure or compression therapy, topical steroids, or even scar removal surgery, in some cases.
If you have keloid scarring, it’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr Ed to discuss your options in further detail.
The subcision method
For depressed acne scars, which are scars that are hollow in appearance, the subcision method can be used to carefully lift the scar tissue.
This is typically performed with a local anaesthetic and works by releasing the fibrous bands beneath the skin that pull on the skin and cause a hollow appearance.
While it is often used for acne scarring, it may also be suitable for other types of depressed scars. A consultation would be required to determine if the type of scar is suitable for this method.
Why choose Melbourne’s The DOC Clinic for scar removal treatments
The DOC Clinic and its team are led by leading cosmetic physician Dr Ed Omarjee.
We use a variety of methods to treat scars, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored, personalised plan to meet their needs as effectively as possible.
With extensive experience in treating scars, particularly keloid scars, Dr Ed Omarjee can closely assess the condition of your skin and recommend the most suitable treatment approach.
To book an appointment at The DOC Clinic, please get in touch with our team at your nearest location.
