Dermatology Blog

At some point, most people will develop scars. Scars are new collagen fibers that form when our body attempts to repair and replace injured skin. Most scars are flat, pale, and barely visible. But in some instances, they can cause pain, distress, and self-consciousness.

Here are a few types of scars:

• Sunken or Pitted scarring occurs when skin volume is lost. This appearance is common with surgical and acne scars.
• Hypertrophic (keloid) scars develop from too much collagen production as the scar heals, creating a raised, sometimes discolored appearance.
• Red, white or brown discoloration can develop after trauma to the skin or an inflammatory reaction in the skin. Many patients consider these scars (although technically they are not) and are bothered by their appearance.

What causes scars?
Scars result from damage to the skin, anything from chicken pox to trauma. Scars also occur from surgical procedures such as c-sections, or as a result of chronic skin conditions, like acne. The more severely the skin is damaged, the longer the healing process, and increased risk of developing scarring.

How can I prevent scars?
Whether a result of a traumatic injury, surgery, or a skin condition, it is very important to follow proper wound care. The wound should be kept moist with Vaseline or an antibiotic ointment if there is a risk of infection. Certain activities must be handled with care, being mindful of not stretching the affected area. Once the wound is closed, apply sunscreen to protect against damage from the sun's UV rays.

Can I erase scars?
While complete removal of scars isn't possible, they can be improved with cosmetic, surgical and laser procedures. Recent studies have shown that treating scars early produces a much better cosmetic result. With our state of the art technologies, we can design a custom treatment plan for your scars. For example, there any many treatment options for acne scarring. Lasers can improve skin colour and texture, while dermal fillers can help restore volume in depressed areas. Compass Dermatology will design a program that's right for you.

How can I find out which treatment is right for me?
For acne, acne scarring and hypertrophic (keloid) scars, patients need to obtain a medical referral from a family physician.

For cosmetic treatments, you can schedule a consultation directly with Compass Dermatology.