Following an injury to the skin, your body heals by forming a scar. Especially when the scar is located on the face, it can create an undesirable cosmetic effect. In these cases, there are a number of treatments available that can dramatically improve the appearance of your scar, restoring your clear, healthy and beautiful skin.
Types of scars
All scars are not created equal. In fact, there are a wide range of scars that can affect the facial skin. Fortunately, leading facial plastic surgeon in Seattle Dr. James M. Ridgway is highly skilled in reversing them all, including:
Keloid scars
When the body produces an excessive amount of scar tissue in response to an injury, it forms a large, hard and bumpy growth called a keloid. These scars can significantly alter your appearance and tend to be larger than the original wound.
Acne scars
Unfortunately, acne tends to leave lasting marks on the skin. These marks may appear as deep indentations, permanently discolored skin and excessively large pores.
Contracture scars
Contracture scars may form following a second- or third-degree burn. This type of scar causes a tightening of the skin and prevents it from moving properly.
Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars also appear as red, raised scars, however they are not larger than the original wound.
What causes scars to heal poorly?
Scarring is part of the body’s natural healing process, and it’s comprised of multiple steps. When any one of these steps is interrupted or altered, it can influence the quality of the scar. For example, here are just a few of the circumstances that are known to result in poor scar healing:
- Wound infection
- Tension on the wound during healing
- Wide tissue injury
- Re-injury
- Sun exposure
- Family history of poor scarring
- Any combination of the above
What scar treatments are available?
Every scar is unique and requires careful consideration from a surgeon who is highly skilled in the art and science of among the best scar treatment Bellevue has to offer. With that said, below are a few of the most common procedures Dr. Ridgway uses to remove his patients’ scars and restore their smooth, clear and healthy skin:
Laser skin resurfacing
This powerful treatment can be used on virtually any scar. It works by removing your damaged skin one layer at a time, ultimately eliminating the scar and revealing your smooth and clear complexion underneath.
Dermabrasion
A gentle but effective treatment, dermabrasion involves using a special tool with rough edges to remove the damaged outer layers of your skin. The process creates tiny wounds which your body heals by producing new collagen, causing new, undamaged skin to grow and dramatically improving the appearance of the scar.
Subcision
Subcision is the ideal scar treatment for patients with deep, rolling acne scars. To perform the procedure, Dr. Ridgway will insert a sharp blade into the skin, breaking up the scar tissue to restore a smooth facial appearance.
Schedule a consultation
If unsightly scars are affecting your appearance and harming your confidence, we encourage you to schedule a consultation for among the best scar treatment Seattle has to offer with Dr. James M. Ridgway. During your private meeting, he will carefully evaluate the marks that concern you most, before composing a custom treatment plan designed to restore your smooth and blemish-free complexion.
Schedule a consultation
