Scar Treatments

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pittsburgh, PA

Scar Treatments Beleza Plastic Surgery

Restoring your skin with scar treatments is an effective and safe way to achieve a smoother appearance after surgery, acne, or an injury. Disfiguring scars can affect your self-esteem, clothing choices, and quality of life. Approximately 100 million people undergo surgery each year which results in scarring. (1) If you are suffering from acne, it can be particularly difficult to get rid of scars on your own.

At Beleza Plastic Surgery, we offer several different types of customizable treatments specifically designed to diminish the appearance of scars. We have decades of experience treating all skin tones and types with surgical and non-surgical scar therapies. Scars do not need to be permanent. If you are ready to finally get rid of your scars, contact our office to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can revitalize your skin:

About Scar Treatments

Scars can alter your quality of life, especially when you have to adjust your clothing or skincare routine to cover them. Facial scars can be especially difficult to conceal. Scar treatments can improve the appearance of scars so you do not have to struggle to conceal them every day. Your treatment will depend on your scar’s location because some areas of your body have thinner, more delicate skin than other areas. We offer several different customizable treatments based on the type, shape, color, size, and location of your scar to restore the tone of your skin with Morpheus8, Intense Ppulsed Llight (IPL), ResurFX™, and SkinPen® treatments that are customizable for your needs.

Types of Scars

We offer different types of scar correction for scars that are:

  • Atrophic: If you have small depressions or divots in your skin from acne called atrophic scars, we can reduce their appearance. A common type of atrophic scar that results from chickenpox and acne is called a boxcar scar. Approximately 75% of atrophic scars are acne scars. (2) Pitted scars, hollow indentations on the skin, are also a type of atrophic scar that forms when your skin does not heal properly.
  • Acne-related: Acne-related scars are very common, and result from inflammation during your body’s healing process. (2) In a recent study, approximately 47% of people who had acne also had scarring. (3) Aside from boxcar scars, there are also ice-pick and rolling scars that can develop as a result of acne. Each type should be treated with a different approach.
  • Hypertrophic: Raised, thick, bumpy scars that have a similar appearance to acne scars form when there is too much collagen in your skin. Surgical scars are often hypertrophic and affect deeper layers of your skin depending on the type of incision you had during your surgery. Risk of hypertrophy can be increasedincrewased depending on where on the body the scarring is located.
  • Keloid: A keloid scar is similar in structure to a hypertrophic scar, but the tissue spreads across a larger area. Keloid scars are characterized by scarring whichtissue that extends beyond the original wound and covers the skin with thick tissue.

Scar Treatment Candidates

You are likely a good candidate if you have scars from surgery, acne, or injury that you would like to eliminate. SomeMany candidates have thick, raised scars (keloid scars) or changes in the texture of their skin from the scarring. We can address these concerns with our customizable scar treatment packages. The best candidates are nonsmokers who are leading a healthy lifestyle and are prepared to take care of their skin. We can recommend a treatment based on the condition of your scar. Treatments that target the upper layers of your skin such as Morpheus8 and SkinPen® are best for patients with lighter, surface-level scar tissue. For patients with deeper scars, we can treat them with Morpheus8 and ResurFX™ or Intense pulsed light (IPL).

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is a minimally- invasive radiofrequency microneedling treatment that stimulates collagen production and improves cell turnover rates. The resurfacing treatment can help your skin heal from sun exposure and aging. It can also improve the appearance of acne scars for a more even skin tone and natural radiance.

During the treatment, we use a handheld device to puncture your skin with delicate 24k gold needles. The needles deliver radiofrequency energy through these micro injuries that heats the skin and stimulates collagen for a tightening effect. The collagen also reduces the appearance of acne scars and surgical scars. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, and you can return home immediately after.

IPL

Intense pulsed light (IPL) reduces hyperpigmentation, rosacea, spider veins, and acne scars with targeted pulses of light energy (photorejuvenation). The treatment can help you achieve a more even skin tone and texture. During the treatment, we can deliver pulses of light energy at different wavelengths depending on the condition you wish to treat. The treatment also heats the skin to eliminate pigments while leaving the rest of the skin unaffected, reducing downtime. However, the ability to customize the thermal impact of the treatment reduces the risk of side effects such as burns and blisters. The treatment helps your skin stimulate collagen to reduce the appearance of scars with light energy that rejuvenates your skin’s deeper layers.

ResurFX™

ResurFX™ stimulates collagen production with laser light and heat. ResurFX™ is a non- ablative laser, meaning that it heats the deeper layers of your skin to stimulate collagen. Instead of resurfacing the upper layers of your skin, the treatment penetrates deeper for more intense regenerative benefits. ResurFX™ is also a fractional laser, meaning that the energy disperses in a pixelated pattern a targeted, consistent scar treatment.

ResurFX™ creates tiny injuries to the surface of your skin to stimulate collagen and help your skin renew itself. We can significantly reduce acne scarring, enlarged pores, and stretch marks with the treatment. During the treatment, we will use a handpiece to apply the fractional light to your skin and we can adjust the depth of penetration based on the depth of the scar we are treating. CoolScan™ scanner technology keeps your skin at a comfortable temperature. Since the treatment targets the deeper dermis, you will see tighter, smoother skin over time.

SkinPen®

SkinPen® is an FDA-cleared microneedling device that penetrates your skin and creates microchannels to help stimulate your body’s healing response. It is proven to treat acne scars and facial wrinkles for smoother skin and a more even skin tone. (4) Microneedling stimulates collagen types I, III, and VII to strategically help restore your skin from scarring and signs of aging. (4)

Before your treatment, we will cleanse your skin. During the treatment, we will apply a conductive gel and a numbing cream to your skin before moving the SkinPen® gently along your skin’s surface in even strokes. The pen contains 14 microneedles that penetrate its surface quickly and we can adjust their depth based on the thickness of your skin. Although you will likely experience some redness, discomfort, and puffiness immediately after the treatment, your sensitivity should resolve in 24 hours. We can also prescribe a recovery serum to help your skin heal and reduce side effects. Results can last for up to six months with proper skincare.

Scar Treatment Consultation & Preparation

During your consultation, a licensed aesthetician will meet with you to discuss your expectations, examine your skin, and create a treatment plan that meets your needs. Please come prepared to discuss your medical history and any outstanding conditions you have. If you have a history of skin cancer, eczema, or infections, we will need to discuss them to create an effective plan for restoring your skin. Although your preparation instructions will depend on the type of scar treatment you receive, general preparation includes the following:

  • Avoid topical retinoids: Retinoids affect the strength and thickness of your skin barrier and reduce water loss. (5) If you use retinoid products we may need to delay your scar treatment because they could affect its ability to work effectively.
  • Protect your skin from the sun: Wearing sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure can prevent the scars from pigmenting and becoming more pronounced.
  • Avoid chemical peels: If you use an at-home chemical peel or any acid-based exfoliants, we may need to delay your treatment.

During your consultation, we can discuss additional treatments to help you achieve beautiful, smooth skin. To learn more about the treatments we offer, see our blog.

Surgical Scar Revision Treatment

Depending on the type of scar you have, Dr. Wooten may be able to cosmetically reshape it for an improved appearance. During a surgical scar revision treatment, topical, local, or general we can provide anesthesia are all available for your comfort. The type of anesthesia you receive will depend on the severity of your scar. Dr. Wooten can make a layered incision to remove the scar tissue that extends below the surface level of your skin to improve your scar’s appearance: (6)

  • Z-Plasty Incision: We can treat linear scars by repositioning the scar’s central tissue with an incision that is parallel to the skin’s relaxed tension lines (RSTL).
  • W-Plasty Incision: We can make a triangular incision to adjust the scar tissue depending on the type of scar you have.

If you have a scar from a severe burn, we may use pharmaceutical tissue substitutes to close the incision. During your consultation, we will examine your scar to determine the best procedure for your skin type and needs.

Scar Treatment Recovery

Scar Treatments Beleza Plastic Surgery

After a scar treatment, you will need to take good care of your skin to help your scar heal. Avoiding sun exposure is especially important. UVA and UVB rays can affect the healing process by damaging your skin or causing the scars to pigment. After a surgical scar revision, you may experience swelling or discomfort while your skin heals. This is temporary and should resolve after 1-2 weeks as the new scar fades. We will provide specific instructions to help you care for your skin properly.

At-Home Scar Treatment Products

You will need to use the appropriate scar treatment products as directed by our team. Depending on your treatment, we can provide Silagen silicone scar sheets or a topical gel to support your skin during your recovery. Silagen products are plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free topical scar therapies:

  • Silagen Sheets: With medical-grade silicone scar sheets, we can correct scar contraction and help your scars fade more quickly. We can trim the sheets to fit your scar comfortably.
  • Silagen Gel: We can provide non-comedogenic medical-grade silicone that dries quickly and is safe for sensitive skin.

Before using a Silagen treatment at home, you must cleanse your skin. You should not place the treatment on your skin after applying creams, lotions, or other skincare products. You may need to use the treatment daily for several months to improve the appearance of your scars.

The Cost of Scar Treatments in Pittsburgh

The cost of your treatment will depend on the severity of your scars and their size. During your consultation, we can provide an all-inclusive quote to help you meet your aesthetic goals. Contact our office to learn more about how we can help you get rid of your scars.

FAQ

Can scar revision completely remove scars?

The success of scar revision depends on various factors, including scar type, location, and individual healing response. However, the goal is to improve the appearance and create smoother, less noticeable scars.

Are scar treatments painful?

No, scar treatments are not painful. You may feel some minor discomfort after microneedling. We provide topical anesthesia during the treatments and can discuss your specific procedure during your consultation.

Will I need multiple scar treatments to see results?

The number of treatments you need will depend on the condition of your scars. We will examine your skin and provide a specific treatment plan based on your needs.

References

  1. Jourdan, Marie, et al. “Skin Care Management for Medical and Aesthetic Procedures to Prevent Scarring.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. Volume 12, Oct. 2019, pp. 799–804, https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s218134.
  2. Yasmeen Jabeen Bhat, Rehman F, Hassan I, et al. Fractional Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars: Our Experience at Tertiary Care Hospital of North India. 2023;16(1):42-48. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_23_21
  3. Liu, Lin, et al. “Prevalence and Risk Factors of Acne Scars in Patients with Acne Vulgaris.” Skin Research and Technology, vol. 29, no. 6, 1 June 2023, https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13386. Accessed 11 July. 2024.
  4. Alqam M, Wamsley CE, Hitchcock TM, Jones Brian C, Akgul Y, Kenkel JM. Efficacy and tolerability of a microneedling device for treating wrinkles on the face. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;22(1):206-213. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14985
  5. Zasada M, Budzisz E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2019.87443
  6. Goutos I, Yousif AH, Ogawa R. W-plasty in Scar Revision. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(4):e2179. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002179