Fortunately, there are a great many options for scar removal. This is great news, especially for people that are a bit uncomfortable undergoing surgical procedures. Here's a quick look at the different types of resurfacing techniques you can choose from.

Laser Therapy Options

Although laser therapy is not capable of completely eliminating scars, it is a very popular procedure for achieving scar reduction. In fact, you can choose from a wide variety of lasers that are used to treat different skin problems.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

These types of scars are usually treated with pulse dye lasers (PDL). If necessary, topical, local anesthesia is used. If the scar you are trying to treat is located in a sensitive area, such as lips, fingers, etc, the doctor may suggest using intralesional anesthesia.

The most common side effects may include redness and rashes that will clear up in a short period of time. If the problem persists; you should consult with your doctor.

Normal hypertrophic scars may require from two to four sessions. However, if you're trying to treat keloid scars, you may need to undergo more than 4 sessions.

Stretch Marks

Lower energy PDLs can also be used to treat stretch marks. This type of treatment should not produce as many side effects as a higher energy PDL and you will probably only need to undergo one or two treatments before seeing positive results..

Atrophic Scars

Ablative lasers work the best with these types of scars. A common way of treating raised scars is with carbon dioxide lasers and Er:YAG lasers. Since this scar treatment procedure is more precise than other resurfacing techniques, it offers better results and less collateral damage.

Resurfacing Techniques - Other Alternatives

Chemical Peels

Chemicals peels have been used for centuries to help remove blemishes and scars. They consist of using different chemicals to remove different layers of the skin. For example, deep chemical peels help remove the epidermis as well as part of the dermis, while a light chemical peel will only remove the epidermis.

These treatments usually require up to two weeks of recovery time. The skin will crust over. When the scabs fall off, the skin underneath will be smoother and younger looking.

Dermabrasion

This type of procedure uses an abrasive tool or particles to "sand off" the skin. As with chemical peels, dermabrasion requires the care of a medical professional and the use of anesthesia to achieve proper scar removal.

Scar Creams

Scar creams not only help eliminate damaged tissue, it can also promote good scar healing. If you want to help a scar heal properly then the scar removal cream should be applied as soon as the wound has closed. To remove scar tissue, you will need to be consistent about its application.