Petroleum Jelly for Scars

Petroleum jelly was first discovered in its raw form, some two hundred years ago. However, it became a popular ointment only a century ago. Petroleum jelly was first launched as an ointment for skin injuries, under the brand name 'Vaseline' in Brooklyn, New York. Ever since, it has been widely used to cure all sorts of skin problems. Pure petroleum jelly, which contains no chemicals or perfumes is considered as the best moisturizer even for sensitive skin.


What is Petroleum Jelly?
Petroleum jelly, also called as petrolatum is a flammable, semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons. It has a melting point of about 37°C. Its appearance is pale yellow and translucent. In its purest form, it does not have any taste or smell. It is hydrophobic (water repellent) and also insoluble in water. Petroleum jelly is often mistaken for glycerol due to their similar texture. However, glycerol is not a hydrocarbon, but an alcohol. Nonetheless, both have tremendous healing properties.

Petroleum Jelly for Scars
Petroleum jelly to heal scars is widely used in the field of medicine. Applying petroleum jelly on wound accelerates the healing process. Due to its hydrophobic properties, petroleum jelly prevents any fluids from entering the wound. It forms a barrier around the wound, so as to protect the wound from bacteria and other foreign objects. This barrier also prevents the loss of moisture from the wound. Moreover, petroleum jelly prohibits the formation of thick scab, which delays the healing process. This scab is also responsible for the wound marks. Its working mechanism is somewhat similar to silicon sheeting or a bandage.

Effectiveness of Petroleum Jelly in Treating Scars
Petroleum jelly is effective only for treating fresh cuts and wounds. It is hardly effective in treating old scars. In case of fresh wounds, petroleum jelly inhibits the formation of ugly scars on the skin. This is done by producing collagen in the body and petroleum jelly stimulates collagen production. Collagen is a component in the skin, which is responsible for its fullness. When the scar is old, petroleum jelly fails to stimulate collagen production. Thus, there is no scope for the improvement in the appearance of the scar.

Petroleum Jelly for Skin
There are several uses of petroleum jelly in improving the overall quality of skin. Following are some of the petroleum jelly uses in skin care.

* Apply some petroleum jelly on chapped lips or dry hands to make them soft.
* Before going for any beauty treatment on hair or skin, dab generous amount of petroleum jelly to protect the skin or hair from harsh chemicals.
* Always apply a layer of white petroleum jelly before doing heavy make up, it helps later to remove make up quickly.
* While working with paints and greases, apply some petroleum jelly before wearing gloves.
* Put some petroleum jelly on your feet and gently massage before going to bed.

Petroleum jelly for scars is effective only as long as the wound is fresh. Also, you need additional treatment to encourage the healing process. In case of deep or serious wound, consult your physician before attempting to treat it with petroleum jelly.

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Acne Scars on Back

Before getting on to the treatment for acne scars on back, it is important to understand acne scars. It is very common for the acne scars to develop on the back because of severe, inflamed cystic acne. However, in some individuals, even superficially inflamed acne, can leave their scars on healing. In medical terminology, acne scars on back are called follicular macular atrophy. Acne scars on the back or on the face leave their mark on an individual's personality. Those most affected by the acne scars are individuals in the age groups of 11 to 30 years. Acne scars are considered as the mark of imperfectness.

How can you find out that you have acne scar on the back? These scars can be pinpointed by the existence of whitehead pimple on the skin of the back. They undermine your confidence and self-esteem. For these reasons alone, it is important to remove acne scars on back. So, go through the following information on causes and treatments for acne scars on back, which I hope you will find useful.

Causes of Acne Scars on Back
It is believed that, in most cases, the genetic makeup or the genes inherited are responsible for the development of acne scars on the back. Of course, there are several additional reasons, also, such as increased tissue formation or loss of body tissue over a short span of time may be other the causes. Causes of acne scar formation are as follows:

* Acne scars on back that occur because of increased tissue formation, are referred to as the hypertrophic and keloid scars. They are caused by the build up of the collagen in the skin.
* The loss of tissues may happen when you get rid of a zit by popping it. Get rid of the habit treating the zit in this way and it would be the first step towards controlling acne scars on the back or anywhere else on the body.

Acne Scars on Back Treatment
You may use essential oils for acne, acne creams that work effectively, before consulting a dermatologist. However, if they fail to produce proper results, then consult a medical professional such as a dermatologist, in order to remove acne scars on back. Acne treatment for sensitive skin may differ from acne treatment for oily skin or cystic acne diet to treat acne. Depending on the results that you want to achieve, the doctor may advice you to opt for one of the following treatments for acne scars on back:

Chemical Peels
These are useful in treating small depressed scars. Chemical peeling may also effectively cure blackheads or whiteheads to treat existing acne. Be aware that chemical peels may not be useful in treating keloid scars. The procedure may have to be repeated, to improve extensive acne scars on back.

Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is commonly used to treat acne scars on back. It reaches deeper levels of skin, than the chemical peel procedure. Dermabrasion is a preferred treatment for deeper and hypertrophic scars, such as keloids scars.

Laser Treatment
You can use acne scar laser treatment for the purpose of painless acne scar removal. The lasers used have tissue-penetrating capacity and can successfully treat acne scars on back. YAG laser surgery for acne is used to sculpt irregular scarring because of its ability of deep tissue penetration. The carbon dioxide laser treatment may be employed by your doctor to reshape acne scars, by tightening collagen fibers in the skin to treat and elevate the acne scars on back.

Soft-Tissue Augmentation
This procedure can be employed to treat acne scars, due to loss of body tissues. The acne scars on back are elevated by injecting substances like, subcutaneous fat or collagen under them to level them with the surrounding skin. Read more on back acne scar treatment and back acne home remedies.

In some cases, steroids are injected directly, into the acne scars on back for treat acne scar removal. Surgical procedures such as keloid surgery, to treat deep scars, are necessary. These treatments should be carried out by a competent dermatologist for them to be effective. I hope the information presented above on the acne scars on back and the procedures to treat them is satisfactory.

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Laser Treatment for Scars

Not every scar can be shown off as a medal nor does every scar reveals secrets. There are scars which are meant to be hidden under the cloak and away from the staring eyes of the world. I am sure that this is how every man and woman who has a scar on their body feels. When a small zit can make you self conscious, one can only imagine what a scar does to people. One is constantly aware of it, not only that it also dents your self esteem. Even though you would want to ignore it, you just can't. For such people, there are alternatives for getting rid of scars. Laser treatment for scars is one avenue which people are nowadays opting for.


Identifying The Scar

Before going on to know the laser treatment for scars, it is advised to know what kind of scar you have. Dermatologists differentiate scars on the basis of its color, texture, or even size. Given below is a list of scars which can be improved with laser treatment.

* Keloid Scars: This scar causes itchiness and can be painful upon touching, and is usually a result of injury. Our skin can, sometimes be overactive in healing the injurious part of the body, hence it makes a thick scar tissue which does not heal over the time. Burn injuries, piercings or even acne can lead to keloid scars.
* Contracture Scars: Burn victims are afflicted by this kind of scars as burning causes the skin to tighten, thus resulting in disfigured skin. Often the scar goes beyond the damage exterior tissue, and may have damaged the muscles as well. Read more on how to get rid of burn scars.
* Hypertrophic Scars: Although similar in appearance to keloid scars, it does improve with time. Surgical marks, some burn marks or wound tissue can be classified under the hypertonic scars category.
* Acne Scar: Acne pits can be deep but its effect on a person's psyche can be deeper. Sometimes, severe acne can leave scars that may not be deep but look like a waves or are angular shaped.

Laser Treatment for Scars

You must have heard of numerous gels, ointments, creams that claim to eliminate the stubborn scars from your body. But if you are tired of such tall claims and want solution which will actually make you better instead of only burning a hole in your pockets, you can go ahead and discuss how to get rid of scars with the use of laser treatment of scars with your dermatologist. Over the years, laser technology has achieved new heights in treating scars and skin abrasions. There are quite many methods of laser therapy available but the most effective laser treatment for scars are given mentioned below:

* Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment: Nowadays, it is known as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing or just laser skin resurfacing. This procedure is done with use of ultra-pulsed beams on the affected area which help to remove the damaged skin and reducing scar tissue. Not only scars but wrinkles, birth marks, warts, and even enlarged oil glands could be gotten rid of with this laser treatment for scars.
* YAG Laser Treatment: Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser treatment is a popular laser treatment for acne scars left as a result of severe acne. According to studies, the pitted acne scars are effectively and successively treated with the use of short pulsed laser beams. This laser technology is also being used in the hair removal process and correcting spider vein problems.
* Intense Pulse Light (IPL): Another option of laser treatment for scars on face or any other part of the body is intense pulse light. Cheap and effective, IPL treatment has done wonders in the niche of hair removal treatment. This laser technology can also be used for curing sun damaged skin, correcting broken capillaries, and for removing birth marks too.
* Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment: Hypertrophic epidermal tissues are treated with this laser treatment for scars. This is done with the use of flash-lamp which emits laser beams pertaining to a specific wavelength. Problems like warts, spider veins, birthmarks can also be improved with this non-abrasive laser treatment. Laser treatment for scars on legs or any other tough skin part can be easily performed as this treatment only causes a minor stinging pain and redness.

If you are pestered by a nasty scar, then don't be disheartened, as there are ways and options for you for getting rid of scars. In short, laser treatment for scars is said to be an effective and reliable solution. But do make sure that you consult your trusted doctor before venturing out to spend dollars on laser treatment for scars.

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Burn Scar Treatment

Burn scars can be categorized into three different types. They are: keloid scars, hypertrophic scars and contracture scars. Keloid scars are those where the scarred tissue overgrows. Most of the time, the overgrowth of the scarred tissues is not just confined to the injury site but goes beyond it. Hypertrophic scars make the affected skin very thick and is found in slightly raised condition due to overgrowing of the scarring tissue. However, these overgrowth occur only at the affected part and do not get extended to surrounding areas. Contracture scars is the most severe form of burn scar which occur when the underlying muscles and nerves are affected by the burns. As a result, the skin is tightened up permanently. So the burn scar treatment for this type of scar is slightly complicated as compared to other burn scars.

Treatment for Burn Scars

The initial treatment for keloid scars and hypertrophic scars involve administration of pain relieving medicines after a gap of 4 to 6 hours. Cortisone injections and steroid injections may also be required to control the swelling and pain. The swelling has to be checked more because if the burned part is inflamed, then the risk of burn scars increases.

Pressure garments are one of the best non surgical treatments for minor burn scars. However, it is effective only if it is applied at the time of healing. It does not work well on old burn scars. With continuous application of the pressure, the possibility of growth of the scarred skin tissue is lessened. Pressure garments help to prevent the swelling of the area and thus scarring can be controlled.

Lotions and ointments that contain vitamin K as an ingredient are good for treating the scars resulting from burns. Like pressure treatment, it should be done at the time of the healing only. The fatty substance of these ointments when penetrate into the scarred tissues and the normal surrounding tissues of the skin, it brings down the inflammation quickly and reduces the chance of formation of new scar.

Contracture scars are firstly given physical therapy accompanied by pressure treatment and some exercise to normalize the affected part. If they fail to show any result then skin grafts may be carried out by the plastic surgeons. This involves removal of the scarred tissue and replacement by the skin from some other unaffected part of the body. Old keloid scars can be removed with the help of surgery too. It is a simple surgery done under local anesthesia where the scarred tissue is cut out by surgical procedure.

Home Remedies for Burn Scar Removal

The remedies that we have discussed in the following lines are useful for lightening the scar to a great extent provided the burn is not very serious. Those scars caused by serious burn injuries have to be removed under the supervision of the professionals only.

* A good massage of a mixture of vitamin E oil and aloe vera gel on the affected part during healing can start regeneration of skin cells fast as well as lighten the already developed scars.
* Lemon juice can also be used for this purpose, but it has to be used after complete healing of the injury, or else it will give a lot of irritation when applied on the open wounds. Apply the juice daily once and wait for about 15 minutes and then wash off.
* Fenugreek seeds is also an excellent remedy for burn scar. Soak one teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Paste the soaked seeds in the morning and apply it on the scars.
* You can also mix equal quantities of olive oil and coconut oil and apply it on the fresh new scars. This should be done daily before going to bed and you will find the scars fading away very soon. Read more on how to get rid of burn scars.

The success of the non-surgical form of burn scar treatment largely depends on how early it has been started. One can get instant effect of the treatment provided adequate measures were taken at the time of healing to restrict the development of the scars. The result can also vary from person to person. The treatment is mostly a time-taking process, and hence one should be patient and continue with the treatment.

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Internal Scar Tissue

Scars illustrate our body response to injury. When the body tries to repair the injured site quickly, the body restores the tissue to its previous state or the injured tissue is replaced with an inferior barrier of scar tissue, which can not fully replace the missing tissue. But internal scar tissue forms as a result of trauma or surgery, and it is most commonly found in the abdominal region. Inflammatory diseases or heart attacks can cause internal scar tissue. A trauma or heart attack can lead to injuries like torn muscles and ligaments. Most of the times, internal scar tissue goes unnoticed by its owner, which implies that the body is able to repair itself neatly, when it is in good health. But, in some cases, internal scar tissue is responsible for the formation of an adhesion, which is a bond between two things, which were not previously joined. Sometimes, an organ is attached to the wall of the abdominal cavity by an adhesion.

Adhesions in scar tissues can obstruct the bowel movement or in some cases, adhesions caused by a pelvic inflammatory disease can cause twisting of the reproductive organs, leading to severe pain and fertility problems. As seen in the above examples, adhesions usually restrict the freedom of movement of the organ or organs involved. The frequently observed internal scar tissue pain is the main adhesion scar tissue symptom.

Internal Scar Tissue Reduction

Physical trauma, heart attack or surgeries are some of the causes of formation of an internal scar tissue. They can be caused by sports accidents or inflammatory diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, infection or radiation effects of some kind. There are more chances of formation of internal scar tissue and adhesion, when chronic conditions are developed. Doctors can suggest various treatments for internal scar tissue removal and control, ranging from steroid shots to surgery for internal scar tissue removal. Ultrasound machines can detect the adhesions. Adhesions can vary in thickness and depending upon their thickness, their images on an ultrasound machine can vary. About 93 per cent of people go on to develop adhesions after undergoing an abdominal surgery which can lead to significantly higher post-operative complications (leaks, wound infections, hemorrhages and lengthy stay in hospital) with adhesion-related perforations. Approximately 60 to 90 percent of women develop internal scar tissue after surgery and suffer post-operative adhesions following gynecological surgeries of any kind. Doctors prescribe proper medications for internal scar tissue reduction, but they aren't always efficacious. They can be ineffective and expensive too. There are some non surgical, suitable treatment options, for internal scar tissue reduction.

Internal Scar Tissue Remedies

* Exercise: After consulting with your physician and a gym trainer, you can start exercising regularly. Exercises can help reduce the internal scar tissue complications to some extent.
* Physical Therapy: You can opt for physical therapy under the guidance of a physician or physiotherapist as it will focus on exercises and massage, taking into consideration the problem due to internal scar tissue.
* Lifestyle Changes: You have to willingly accept some lifestyle changes, suggested by the doctor, so as to prevent the situation from worsening. For reducing scar tissue adhesions, doctors might ask you to stop drinking alcohol and avoid smoking completely. The doctor might advise you to follow a high fiber diet for easy bowel movement or he might ask you to avoid indulging in sexual intercourse for sometime, if fertility organs are twisted due to internal scar tissue.
* Ayurvedic Medicines: According to Ayurveda, Arjuna (terminalia arjuna), a cardiac stimulant, which is rejuvenating too, is prescribed for heart disease and angina and it can heal heart scar tissue after surgery. Ashwagandha (commonly known as ginseng root) also helps to heal the tissues.
* Surgery: When none of the above remedies work and the internal scar tissue pain continues, laparoscopic surgery can be suggested by the doctor, for the removal of internal scar tissue with adhesion symptoms. It is known as key-hole surgery since only a small cut is required, due to which there is a decreased risk of new adhesion forming. It may take two to four hours. But the patients are discharged on the same day of the procedure and they can return to full activity within one week of the procedure. The surgery involves some risks too. According to the available statistics, surgery to remove the adhesions (adhesiolysis) can cause more adhesions to form, in around 70% of cases.

It is clear from the above article that you should immediately consult your doctor if there is severe pain due to internal scar tissue or adhesion, as it can otherwise lead to more complications.

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Ice Pick Scars

If acne scars are bad, then ice pick scars are worse. In fact, ice pick scars are one of the worst kinds of acne scars that are the result of damage caused to the skin due to severe acne. The inflammation in the acne affected areas get permanently damaged and leave behind disdainful, deep indentations on the skin. They are characterized by crater-like pits appearing on the face, neck, arms and shoulders. The steep edge shape of scar that on close examination appear like wounds cause by an ice pick is what gives the scar its name: ice pick scar. These scars come in many degrees and may range from being shallow to deep. They can may also vary in texture from hard to soft, wherein the soft scars can be stretched out, while the hard one cannot.

Ice Pick Scars Treatment

People with these ice pick acne scars often end up avoiding social gatherings and gradually lose out on their social life. Ice pick scars do not fade with time and make even the most confident of people embarrassed. There is very little one can do for ice pick scars naturally, which is covering them up with concealers. However, there are certain techniques developed for ice pick scars removal which are as follows:

Collagen Injections
The outer layer of the skin is called the epidermis and the underlying layer is called the dermis, which is made up of collagen. The dermis acts like the support structure of the skin. Thus, in this treatment, collagen injections are used to inject collagen into the craters formed by the scars. Collagen injections replenish the skin's natural collagen, thereby giving it a plumper, softer and smoother appearance. However, this is not one of the best treatment for ice pick scars as it is a short term solution. It only hides the scars for 3 - 6 months, after which the same treatment has to be carried out again. Moreover, this technique of ice pick scar removal is not suitable for people with compromised immune systems.

Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is one of the best treatments for ice pick scars. It involves dissolution of the scarred tissue, which on healing bears semblance to regular surrounding skin. This treatment has attenuated scars of several people and has proven to be quite effective. There are different types of lasers used for this treatment, however, the type of laser chosen depends on the type of scar. One may even face redness for a few months, however, the advantage of this treatment is that only one treatment is required for permanent results.

Punch Excision
This treatment method is mostly meant for people with deep ice pick acne scars. This method involves the surgical correction of the deep scars caused by the severe acne. Punch excision method involves the use of a sharp tool, resembling a cookie cutter which ranges in size from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. The size of this tool actually depends on the size of the ice pick scar. The patient is given local anesthesia and the scar is slowly excised with the tool. The skin edges are sutured together and this new scar gradually fades away, thereby getting rid of the ice pick acne scars. If the scar is still visible, skin regenerating creams can be applied, which would help further fade the scar.

Besides the above mentioned treatments, there are also other treatments like dermabrasion, chemical peels and subcision, which help get rid of the ice pick scars. However, before getting the treatment done, you need to consult the dermatologist regarding which type of treatment is suitable for your ice pick scar. Depending on the severity and depth of your scars, the dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.

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Keloid Scar Removal

Keloid scars are basically a mass of collagen formed on the skin, when the healing process of a wound is interrupted. These interruptions could be formation of excess collagen or too little collagen. When there is excess collagen deposition at these places, the collagen grows in a very abrupt and irregular manner, totally asymmetrical with the skin surface, causing formation of scars. Keloid scars appear reddish-purple in color and are firm. People who develop these scars, initially use various home remedies and over the counter creams to get rid of them. However, most of these methods turn out to be ineffective. There are better methods for keloid scar removal, which effectively help in wiping out the scars.

Keloid Scar Treatment

Surgery
The keloid scar removal surgery could be a little risky, as it can cause a larger keloid formation. To avoid this, a few surgeons inject steroids, provide radiation or dress the wound with pressure dressings after cutting the keloid scar.

Laser treatment
Laser treatment is considered as an effective method for removal of keloid scar. In this treatment, the laser is made to move above the scar. This procedure vaporizes the top layer of skin and reveals the underneath layer, which is mare natural in appearance. Certain potent lasers have the ability to penetrate and destroy even lower layers of skin, thus stimulating growth of new collagen and getting rid of scars completely. The laser treatment takes around half an hour and is carried out under local anesthesia.

Cortisone Injections
The cortisone injections, also known as intralesional steroids, are given to the patient once a month, until the doctor feels that the purpose is served. Cortisone injections are not known to cause pain and are also considered safe. The injections aid in flattening out the keloids, so that the scar vanishes. There are chances though, that steroid injections may help in the formation extra superficial blood vessels, which need further treatment. It has been observed among people who have been through this treatment, that certain distinct marks remain on the skin which refuse to go away and require laser surgery.

Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy or cold therapy, is another way to remove keloid scars. In this process, keloids are flattened out by freezing them. The most commonly used freezing agent to perform cryotherapy is liquid nitrogen. The skin does get dark at places where this therapy is carried out.

Silicone Sheets
There is no guarantee of success in removing keloid scars using silicone sheets. To remove keloid scars using silicone sheets, the patient is made to wear silicone gel on the scar everyday for a substantial number of weeks, which is difficult to carry out. Doctors have found some other materials which can be used for dressing other than silicone and are equally effective.

Interferon
The human body's immune system produces various proteins to counter harmful viruses and bacteria. Interferon is one such protein. Research has proved that these proteins are capable of reducing keloids. The only aspect doctors are unsure about is, how long will its effect last. An alternative of this method could be applying aldara, a medicine to cure skin disorders, which stimulates production of interferon in the body.

Other methods of keloid scar removal include, injecting a chemotherapy agent fluorouracil and the use of radiation heat. Both these methods often need to be coupled with laser treatment to get optimum results.

Keloid Scar Removal: After Care

The doctor normally advises to wash the treated area softly with soap water. Wipe it off with a dry, soft towel and apply an antibiotic cream as suggested by the doctor. Doctors also prescribe certain oral antibiotics to prevent any infection. There are certain creams available which help to fade away the scar post-treatment, which can be used after the doctor's consent. It takes about 4 days for the skin regeneration process to start after treatment. The recovery period lasts for a couple of weeks at least and regular visits to the doctor is recommended during this period to ensure a smooth and quick recovery.

Keloid scar removal is simple, does not have any major complications and the recovery is also quick. There are a few things which need to be taken into consideration before selecting a keloid scar removal treatment. The cost factor, reactions to certain medications, previous instances of laser therapy used, are certain factors which need to be discussed with a dermatologist, before undergoing any treatment procedure.

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Scar Removal Surgery

Scars are marks that appear after a wound heals. These marks are simply annoying as they completely spoil the appearance of the skin. Especially, when scars are on the face, they are quite embarrassing and can leave a devastating impact on any body's confidence level. Although there are several skin creams available at various health stores to treat scars, a more effective way to significantly reduce the appearance of this unsightly change is scar removal surgery. Skin diseases such as acne or an injury (burn), are some of the most common reasons that bring scars after healing.

Surgery For Scar Removal - Plastic Surgery
Considering the location and the size of the scar, a specific plastic surgery technique will be implemented. Plastic surgery generally involves removing the damaged skin and replacing it with a healthy skin that is taken from other site. This procedure is known as skin grafting in which there is transplantation of the skin. This method has been used for years to restore the natural appearance of the affected part of the skin. In some cases, the scar is slightly shifted from its original position, where it appears less visible with the surrounding healthy skin.

Another technique of scar removal involves making a surgical incision to remove the affected part of the skin and then re-stitching it carefully in the same area, in such a way that the new scar formed is far less visible than the previous one. This scar removal surgery is commonly used to ensure that the scars are not readily noticed.

Laser Scar Removal Surgery
Laser surgery is another remedy that can work wonders to improve the appearance of the affected skin tissue. This type of surgery is now extensively used to make the scars less noticeable. There are different lasers and their usage will depend upon the factors responsible for causing scars. For instance CO2 laser beam is used to clear away acne scars. On the other hand, the Pulse Dye Laser is useful to improve severe scarring that has remained for a long time. In this procedure, high energy light is targeted on the scarred tissue to remove the damaged tissue. The laser eliminates the unwanted skin tissue, thereby uncovering the healthy skin layer beneath it.

Scar Removal Surgery - Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery involves use of freezing temperature to get rid of scarred tissues. The damaged skin tissue cannot withstand the application of any frozen object and as a result wears away, without hurting the underlying skin. This procedure is used when the scars are more prominent and raised. Generally, super cooled liquid nitrogen is applied, either by using a cotton swab or is sprayed on the affected skin. As anesthesia is not used, cryosurgery can be a bit uncomfortable but the pain is well tolerable.

How Much Does Scar Removal Surgery Cost
Scar removal surgery cost totally depends on the size of the scar. Larger the skin deformity, higher will be the surgery cost. A physician will give a surgery cost estimate, by taking into consideration his own fees, anesthesia fees, as well as the cost of scar removal procedure. On the whole, scar removal surgery cost can vary any where between $300 to $15000. This might appear a bit costly but the surgical procedure has been quite beneficial to reduce appearance of scars. In case of laser surgery, the cost will depend on the number of sessions of laser therapy. Severe scarring does not disappear in just 1 session and may require 4-5 sessions for removal. Another factor that will determine the cost is the laser itself. A plasma high energy laser, costs anywhere between $3000 to $5000, whereas a fractional laser costs approximately $2000 for every session.

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Scar Removal Cream

Scars on our body are nothing but a patch of fibrous tissue formed to replace the injured normal tissue during a healing process. An injury to the skin tissue can be caused due to accidents, surgery or some health disease including acne. The layers of scar tissue are of much inferior quality than the usual tissue and does not function like a normal tissue as well. Scars that are mild usually disappear over a period of time on their own. However, if the scar is severe and is formed in a visible part of the body, then it gives an uncomfortable feeling to the concerned person. For this reason, people look for scar removal methods. The safest, as well as simplest, method is the use of scar removal cream. They are less expensive than scar removal surgery and work quite well, albeit over an extended period of time. They are also capable of fixing up both major or minor scars effectively.

How Do Scar Removal Creams Work?
Scars are of various types. Some of them are new and others are old. Some of them are be left behind by acne or could have formed after a surgery. The main aim of all scar removal creams is to bring down the size, thickness, height and color of the scars and thus make them less noticeable. Such creams flatten up the scar tissue, make them soft and smooth and help the scar to blend well with the surrounding tissues, making it less visible. Using scar removal creams also prevents further growth of the scarring tissue. These products also help to reduce the redness which is often accompanied by scar marks and the itching sensation associated with them. The moisture balance of the skin is also maintained and thus the elasticity of the surrounding skin is maintained. These skin removal creams work well both on fresh as well as old scars. However, before you apply it on a fresh scars make sure the wounds have healed up completely.

Scar Removal Cream for Face
The type of skin cream to be used for scar removal largely depends on the location of the scar. If it is on the face then the cream to be used should have different qualities than that is meant for use on the body. Most facial scars are left behind by acne. In general, a facial scar removal cream will not be as strong as that meant for use on the body. Creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids act as an abrasive that helps to peel of the top rough layer of the skin, exposing the smooth underlying skin. In this way, they help in lightening acne marks. Many acne scar removal creams are often also antibacterial in nature which in turn, helps to eradicate the root cause of acne. The cream should be rubbed gently over the skin until it is absorbed well into the skin. For faster acne scar removal, it is advisable to use the cream twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Try to avoid sun exposure, as it often delays the scar from healing.

Scar Removal Cream for Body
Scars on the body have to be treated with creams with stronger qualities. This is because the scars are usually bigger and our body is slightly more resilient. The two important ingredients essential in scar removal creams meant for body are Shea butter and therapeutic essential oils. You can use such kind of scar removal creams after surgery to get rid of the marks left behind. They work well on old scars as well. Carefully read the scar removal cream reviews available online, or read the label of the products before purchasing any of them.

Scar Removal Cream for Dark Skin
Scars on the dark skin tend to appear like a blotchy, irregular surface. This makes many people quite embarrassed and they want to get rid of it. One natural scar removal cream that works effectively on the scars on dark skin is Azelaic acid cream. This is available only with a prescription and it promotes production of collagen in the skin. It diffuses well into the skin and helps in growth of new cells. Skin whitening creams that are available in the market are also one of the best acne scar removal creams for dark skin.

There is no doubt about the fact that scar removal creams are an excellent alternative for those people who want to avoid dermatological surgeries. However, these creams need to be used for a long period of time before they give the desired results. Hence, one has to be patient and continue with the treatment. If any of the creams show signs of sensitivity after application, they should be discontinued immediately.

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Scar Removal Products

Scar formation on skin is a natural part of the healing process after an injury or accident. Though the size, depth and location of the wound does impact the scar's characteristics, it is also a person's age, heredity, sex, etc. that contributes to the way skin reacts to a wound. Another common cause for scar formation is acne, a skin disorder due to excessive sebum production in the skin. This happens when the sebaseous glands in the skin becomes hyperactive and the pores are clogged by hardened sebum. It causes skin eruption and inflammation, in the form of pimples, papules, pustules or comedones, especially in people during their adolescence/teenage years when hormonal changes are extremely dominant.

Stress, psychological disturbances and unhealthy living habits are also some contributing factors for acne in many people, which if squeezed or picked can leave scars or marks on the face. Hence, one of the most searched topic on web is scar removal products or different options for scar treatment. Due to mixed scar removal products reviews and contradictory experiences, it is very difficult to decide which product is the best solution. However, to overcome this difficulty, the article below provides with necessary acne scar removal products reviews and information.

Best Products for Scar Removal

As you walk down to any scar reduction creams, gels and sheets store, you'll come across different scar healing creams, silicone, vitamin-based, and homeopathic scar gels and ointments, silicone sheets, and hydrogel (water-based) sheets that are specially designed to speed up the healing of your scars and help in scar reduction, making them far less noticeable. The commonly used scar removal products primarily include ingredients like vitamin E, onion extract like Mederma, cocoa butter, cucumber butter, lime juice, aloe vera and so on. However, whichever products you choose, they should measure up to a few criteria in order to deserve being called the best.

First of all the products should have proven efficacy, followed by some anti inflammatory aspects like must be hydrating, absorbent, hypoallergenic, must cover the scar, provide warmth and allow oxygen to pass through. Such products help subdue the scar size, thickness, height, and color of all types of scars, including post-surgery scars, keloids, hypertrophic scars, and scars due to injury, trauma, burns and acne. In fact, many of these treatments are so effective that they can also diminish redness surrounding the scar, reduce the discomfort of itching along the scar lines, and maintain the skin’s moisture balance and elasticity in order to provide a smooth, soft and flawless skin.

Mederma: Mederma is a natural anti-inflammatory scar removal cream, containing a proprietary form of onion extract known as Cepalin. On daily application and over the course of a few months, mederma softens the scar tissue, filled with tough fibroblasts. It can be used to treat both old and new scars and is a available in the gel as well as skin cream form.

Silicone Scar Sheet: Considered to be 'the golden standard in scar treatment' silicon scar sheets are usually recommended by many plastic surgeons, burn centers and dermatologists for scar treatment. These sheets are highly effective in treating hypertrophic scars or keloids, which are raised above the skin's surface and are also well known to reduce or improve appearance of the scars. These sheets should be applied for a period of 12 weeks, for at least 12 -14 hours a day. They can be reused and can be cut to adjust to a person's scar size.

Medicinal Honey: One of the oldest healing method for scars is medicinal honey. Well known for its anti bacterial properties and abilities to boost tissue growth, medicinal honey helps in reducing, swelling and overall signs of scarring.

Apart from these scar removal products, massaging the scar gently using bio oil on regular basis, keeping it out of the sun, stimulating the blood flow by exercising mildly without stretching the scar tissue too much, etc. are also beneficial in reducing scars and making them less noticeable. So next time before buying any scar removal product, research properly and select the product that suits your skin type as well as your pocket.

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Scar Treatment Home Remedies

When the skin sustains any trauma or wound, then it develops a scar. This is a normal reaction of the body to protect and heal itself. There are different types of scars that are formed depending upon the severity of the wound or inflammation. Most scars are formed when the wound have completely healed and they fade over time. Some of the scars might be more difficult to fade and then you will require some scar treatment. Home remedies for fading scars are quite popular because they do not contain any harsh chemicals which might harm your skin in the long run. These home remedies for scars are quite effective if they are religiously followed although you need to wait for some time to see results.

Scar Removal Home Remedy

There are several scar treatment home remedies that you can try to get the beautiful, blemish free complexion that you always desired. Here is a list of home remedies for removal of scars.

* Take ¼ cup of of fenugreek seeds and dry roast them. Grind them into a powder in a food processor. Boil 2 cups of water and add the powdered fenugreek powder into it and let it simmer at a low heat for 10 minutes. Allow the water to cool down and wash the scar areas with this water. Follow this regimen for about 8 to 10 weeks to see results.
* Soak black gram overnight in a bowl of water. Drain the water the next day and grind it into a thick paste. Combine this paste with equal amounts of sandalwood paste and rose water. Apply this on the the scars and leave it on overnight. Wash the paste off the next morning with cold water.
* One of the most effective scar treatment home remedies is to apply a bit of ripe mashed banana all over the scar and allow it to dry. Wash the area with water and apply a light moisturizer.
* Grate a medium sized cucumber in a small bowl and then squeeze out its juice. Take a cotton ball and dip this in the cucumber juice and then apply this on your scars. Wipe off after 4 to 5 minutes. Do this everyday for 4 to 6 weeks.

Home Remedy for Acne Scars

If you are looking for acne scar removal home remedies, then here is a collection that you can choose from.

* Take 4 to 5 garlic cloves of garlic and peel and crush them into a paste. Rub this paste into your acne scars and see them fading away in a week or two.
* Lemon and lime has great skin lightening properties, so dip a cotton ball into freshly squeezed lime juice and rub on the scars. Wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes and make sure that you do not go out into the sun while you have applied lime juice as it makes your skin more sensitive and prone to burning.
* Cut a potato into half and rub the cut potato on your scars. This will help in lightening them faster. More on how to remove acne scars naturally.
* Take 1 tablespoon of sour cream in a small bowl and add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of oatmeal. Apply this paste on the scar and wipe it off after 10 minutes.
* Another one of the best scar treatment home remedies is to apply the juice of a grated horseradish on the scar. Leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes and then wash off with cold water.

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Scar Removal Treatment

A scar occurs on your body, if you have sustained an injury or have wounds that are in the process of healing. Scars also occur due to chicken pox and post surgery. A major cause of scars on the face is due to acne. After the acne has subsided, scars form in these areas which are quite difficult to get rid of. There are many scar removal treatment and your dermatologist will recommend the best suitable one depending upon the cause of the scar and how severe the condition is. Some small scars on the face and body can be camouflaged with makeup, but in the long run it is not the most convenient option and you can minimize or get rid of them by following a proper scar removal treatment.

Different Scar Removal Treatment

There are many different types of scar removal treatment that you can choose from and we will discuss some of them. If you are suffering from acne scars, then the first line of action is to first completely get rid of acne. A good healthy diet and a proper skin care regimen will greatly help you to eliminate acne. Once your skin is free from acne, it is time to focus on acne scar removal treatment. There are many over the counter medicines and scar cream treatments available in the market that helps in minimizing the appearance of these scars. Along with ointments, you can also use different acne scar treatment home remedies to speed up the healing process. This might take up to 4 to 6 weeks for you to see results. If the scar removal treatment does not work or you have a large raise scar or severe scaring then you can consider microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing.

One of the best scar removal treatment that is effective and virtually painless is microdermabrasion. It is not only an effective scar removal treatment but it also helps to improve the texture of sun damaged skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. In this method, a jet of very fine micro crystals of aluminum oxide or zinc oxide are sprayed on the surface of the skin with high pressure. This removes the outermost layer of the skin, revealing fresh, healthy skin. It is a gentle technique which can be completed in half an hour to 45 minutes. For best results a six to eight sittings of microdermabrasion treatment at an interval of two weeks is required to completely remove the scars. The scar removal treatment cost for microdermabrasion is between $600 to $1000.

For those people who have very minor scaring, a chemical peel is a good scar removal treatment. In this procedure, a mild and gentle acid such alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid or glycolic acid with a low strength is applied on the skin of the surface. This is followed by the application of a neutralizer. The skin might redden and sting for a short while depending upon your skin's sensitivity. Applying a chemical peel removes the outer layer of the skin revealing healthy skin free from scaring. As the skin tends to be sensitive after this procedure, it is imperative to wear a good sunscreen with a high SPF to avoid damaging the skin. You might like to know more about chemical peel for acne scars.

Another scar removal treatment for permanent removal of scars is laser resurfacing. In this procedure the skin is first prepared by applying a numbing cream. A low level beam of laser light is then passed across the affected area. This removes the outer layer of skin and there is a significant improvement in the appearance of the skin. There may be a slight swelling and inflammation for a few days post treatment but this will disappear in a week or so. It is a very safe scar removal treatment and also the most effective.

So these were some scar removal treatment options that are available. Choose the one that is suitable to you and do consult a dermatologist to make an informed decision. As scar removal cost is quite high, it is best to discuss the best treatment option for your condition with a reputed dermatologist.

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Red Acne Scars

Acne and pimples develop when the skin pores get clogged due to over secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Such clogged skin pores often harbor bacteria and microorganisms, which in turn cause inflammation and infection, leading to the development of acne, zits, pimples, cystic acne, etc. When such skin lesions or eruptions heal, they often leave behind ugly red acne scars, or hyperpigmented marks on the skin. Such marks are the result of the normal process of healing or repairing the damaged or injured tissues.

Acne marks usually diminish or fade within a few months. However, if more lesions or acne develop on the scarred area, then such scars might become more difficult to treat. Usually, there are three types of acne scars, ice pick scars, atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars. As the name suggests, ice pick scars are very small, but deep and make the scarred area look like it has been pierced with an icepick. Atrophic scars are not as deep as ice pick scars, and usually have smooth borders, while the hypertrophic scars are very thick and look like raised lumps on the skin.

Red Acne Scars Treatment

Mild to moderate scarring that take place due to acne, usually heals on its own within a couple of months. However, severe scarring might need some scar removal treatment. The usual treatment options available for removing acne scars are microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and punch excision. The punch excision method is generally employed for icepick and deep acne scars. This method employs a punch biopsy tool to excise the scar, after which the skin edges are sutured together. Dermabrasion, on the other hand, is the method where the top layer of the skin is removed with the help of diamond coated wheels or a high speed rotating wire brush, in order to make the scarred area smooth.

Microdermabrasion is another technique that removes the surface layer of the skin, with the help of abrasive crystals or agents like, diamond dust, aluminum oxide or silicone granules. Laser resurfacing is a popular technique not only for acne scar removal, but for diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines as well. In this method, high energy light or laser beams are used to burn the top layer of skin, to make the scarred area smooth and even. The burned layer is then replaced by new skin tissues, as it heals within a week or two. Find out more about acne scar removal treatment.

How to Heal Red Acne Scars Naturally

Red acne scars can also be treated at home with some simple home remedies. These remedies often work well for mild to moderate acne scars, and many of them can help to clear up acne and pimples, besides improving your skin tone and complexion. So, try out the following red acne scars home remedies:

* Ice cube is the simplest of all the home remedies for acne scars. Just rub an ice cube on the acne scar for about 10 to 15 minutes, which will help to reduce the appearance of the scar significantly by tightening the skin pores.
* Try some raw potato juice on the acne scar. It can help immensely to lessen the scars.
* Lemon juice has bleaching properties, for which it can clear up scars and blemishes. Take a cotton ball, dip it into lemon juice, and then apply on the affected area. Leave it for a few minutes, after which, you can wash it off with clean and slightly warm water.
* Honey is another effective remedy for red acne scars. Just apply a thin layer of honey to your face and leave for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then use lukewarm water to rinse it off. Use honey in this way regularly to reduce the visibility of the acne scars, and also to get glowing and radiant skin.
* Like honey, a facial mask prepared with oatmeal can too do wonders for acne scars. Just add some raw oatmeal to boiling water and let it cool down for sometime. Apply it evenly on your face, wait for about 15 minutes, and then remove it with a soft, wet cloth. Now, wash your face properly.
* Tea tree oil, which is renowned for its antibacterial properties can help you to get rid of both acne and acne scars. Dab some tea tree oil on the acne marks and leave for a few minutes to clear up acne scars.
* Sandalwood paste is an excellent remedy to speed up the healing process of acne, and eliminate scars and blemishes. Mix some sandalwood powder with rose water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the affected area of the skin and let it dry out completely, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
* You can also try cucumber juice and aloe vera gel or juice on the areas affected by acne scars. Leave the cucumber juice or the aloe vera gel for 15 to 20 minutes, after which rinse your face with clean, lukewarm water. Use these remedies regularly to remove red acne scars.

Along with applying these home remedies, it is also important to find out and address the underlying causes of acne and pimples, in order to prevent their future outbreaks. This is because, if more acne or skin lesions appear on the areas that already have acne scars or marks, then scar removal becomes more difficult. At the same time, avoid the habit of popping or pricking the pimples, as this will cause more redness. If the above mentioned home remedies fail to reduce the red acne scars, then try an antiseptic ointment or an acne scar removal cream, after consulting your dermatologist. For severe and extremely deep acne scars, it is better to seek the help of an experienced dermatologist.

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Laser Scar Removal

Scars can be caused by scores of different factors such as chicken pox, ice picks, acne, injuries or surgeries. Although these conditions heal in their own time, they leave an ugly scar behind. The scar is actually the natural part of the skin's healing process, however, some of them can really hurt and cause inconvenience. Even after the wound heals completely, the large, raised scar gives the person a complex and makes him or her conscious of his or her appearance, especially if the scar is on the face, neck or hand. The best part about these scars is that they can be treated and erased. Laser technology has made it possible to erase scars and free you of those ugly, hideous scars. Laser scar removal is seen to reduce the appearance of scars by 50-80% and even prevents them from recurring in the future.

Laser Scar Removal Procedure

The laser scar removal procedure is a safe process and does not conduce to further open wounds. In this treatment beams of lasers are targeted on the scarred tissues of the skin, which get burnt of by the powerful laser beams. The new tissue formed is unlike the scarred tissue and the blemishes are reduced to a great extent. Laser scar removal heals quickly and the reduction of visibility of scars helps hoist the person's self confidence and self-esteem.

The entire procedure takes only 1-3 hours, however, this procedure has to be repeated several times before the objective is achieved. The amount of actual time taken for the procedure depends mainly on the type of scar being dealt with. The laser scar removal procedure can either be carried out in a surgeon's office, hospital or outpatient surgery center. Let us have a look at the steps of laser scar removal.

Determination of Scar Type
On consulting a surgeon regarding laser scar removal, the surgeon will first check for the type of scar indenting one's face or body. Moreover, he or she will also check for the depth of the scar. Large and deep scars will take longer to treat, with several rounds of the laser treatment being required. Minor scars will take hardly any time to erase. The dermatologist will check if the scar is a keloid scar (caused by injury), contracture scar (caused by burns), hypertrophic scars (caused by surgeries) and acne scars (severe acne causing ice picks).

Selection of Laser Treatment Type
There are four types of laser popularly used to treat scars. The carbon dioxide laser treatment, involving the use of ultra-pulsed beams on the scarred tissue works well for reducing scars. Then there's the YAG laser treatment, involving the use of short pulsed laser beams for treating acne scars. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is used to treat scars caused by sun damage, wherein intense pulsed light is used. In the pulsed dye laser treatment, a flash lamp is used to flash beams of specific wavelengths to vaporize scarred tissue. Read more on how does a laser work.

Anesthesia
For minor scars, anesthesia is often not given. The person will only feel a prickly sensation or slight burning sensation while the laser works into the scar. However, for larger scars, local anesthesia will be given. Even desensitizing ointments are available which will help numb the part in question.

Vaporizing the Skin
Once the anesthesia is given, the laser beam is targeted exactly at the scarred tissue and is moved along the scar's length. The initial layer of scarred tissue get vaporized, revealing a fresh layer of skin from beneath. When this underlying layer of skin heals, it will have a minimized version of the scar. Larger scars will have to be vaporized several times before the final reduced appearance outcome is achieved. The skin appears smoother, lighter with 50% of the scar erased out.

The laser treatment cost will depend on the number of hours undertaken for the laser treatment. Moreover, the more the repetitions required, the higher the cost goes. The laser scar removal cost also depends on the type of laser used and the facility where the treatment is being carried out. The price ranges from $500 to $5,000 or more. One important point to be noted is that not everybody is eligible for laser scar removal. Your dermatologist will guide you in this matter. It is also essential to know that laser scar removal procedures do not magically erase the scar completely. They can reduce its appearance but may not be able to erase large scars completely.

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Pimple Scars

Pimple or acne is seen mostly during puberty when there is overproduction of oil in the sebaceous glands due to hormonal imbalance. Pimple scars are deep pitted and are notoriously hard to get rid of. As pimple scars mar a person's complexion, it also makes a person self conscious and lose his/her self confidence. Luckily, there are many methods for getting rid of these unsightly scars and you can choose one according to budget and suitability. While some of the methods show results within a short period of time, some others require more effort and time. So, here are some ways of getting rid of pimple scars.

Pimple Scars Treatment

A great way to get rid of pimple scars is to opt for laser therapy. You need to see a dermatologist, who will recommend the best laser therapy that is suitable for you and tell you how many sittings will be required. Although laser therapy is an expensive procedure for getting rid of acne scars, the results are quite effective.

Another great option for treating pimple scars is the use of chemical peels. This is a kind of treatment that should be done by a reputed dermatologist or cosmetologist. In this procedure, a mild solution of alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid is applied on the affected area and left for a few minutes. This is followed by an application of neutralizer which soothes the skin. The alpha hydroxy acid or the beta hydroxy acid solution causes the upper layer of cells to peel off to reveal fresh skin. This method is effective for people with mild pimple scarring.

Another acne scar removal method that has proved to be very effective is the use of intense pulsed laser light. In this technique, a pulse of intense light is concentrated on the affected area. It not only diminishes the appearance of pimple scars but also makes your complexion more radiant.

Pimple Scars Home Remedies

You can also go for some tried and tested home remedies for pimple scars removal. If these home remedies are done religiously for a month or so, you are sure to see results. Some home remedies for pimple scars are as follows:

* Mix a juice of one lemon with half a cup of sour cream. Apply this mixture on the affected area and allow it to dry. Wash with lukewarm water.
* Crush some mint leaves and pour its juice in a bowl. Add freshly grated cucumber into the mint juice and mix well. Apply this mixture on the pimple scars on face and allow it to remain like that for 20 minutes. Wash off with water. Read more on scar treatment home remedies.
* Soak some fenugreek seeds in water for half an hour and then grind it to a paste. Apply this paste on your face overnight and then wash it off with water the next morning. This is a very effective remedy for getting rid of pimple scars if followed regularly.
* Apply the juice of a ripe tomato that has been soaked, with a cotton ball. This is not only effective for getting rid of pimples but it also acts as a toner and helps in reducing the appearance of large pores.
* Apply a paste of fresh grated turmeric with dried neem leaves on the affected area to get rid of pimple scars. More on acne scar removal home remedies.
* Dry roast a handful of dried pomegranate seeds and grind them to a fine powder. Add freshly squeezed lime juice to this pomegranate seed powder and make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and wash off when it dries.


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Scar Removal

no scar can be removed completely. It can only be improved in its appearance and be kept from becoming worse with time. A tiny looking scar which appear in non-conspicuous places in the body, does not seem to bother, unless it is causing any physical discomfort. But what about a scar that has made its place on the hands, palms, neck or facial area? It is common for people to suffer from psychological disturbances due to such a condition. So, as there is no remedy for a complete scar removal, what can be done to at least make it look normal and improved?

Scar Removal Home Remedies - Not Completely But Appreciably!

Apart from using products such as scar removal cream and the like, you can also make use of some inexpensive, safe and natural methods to take care of your scar.

Not a natural scar removal ointment, but a natural scar treatment is a mix of sandalwood paste and rose water. Apply this paste everyday before retiring to the bed and wash it off the next morning. Apart from improving the appearance of the scar, it will also rejuvenate the skin.

You can prevent or treat acne scars by a simple solution of a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds boiled in a liter of water. A scar may be lightened by the application of lemon juice. It also helps in improving any blemishes.

Honey has been well known for its healing properties. Apply honey to the affected area everyday and see improvement in the appearance of the scars and glow of the skin, as well. Essential oil of lavender also helps a lot, not in scar removal, but in making it less vivid.

Do a daily massage of the scarred area with a moisturizer. This increases blood flow to the area and thus, speed up the healing time. It also increases the production of collagen. This method, when applied daily, helps in improving new scars and prevent the build up of more scar tissues. Learn more on how to get rid of scars naturally - healing scars naturally.

Keeping wounds from injury, surgery or the like, clean and covered, provide a great deal in limiting the formation of scars. Covering the wound will protect it from getting infected and exposed to sunburn, which otherwise, may make the damage more noticeable and severe. Know about clearing acne scars.

A daily massage of the area with coconut oil or olive oil helps in lightening old scars and so do apply a paste of sandalwood with black gram. Vitamin E oil is equally beneficial in helping the scarred area to blend more with its surrounding area of the skin. Read more on how to prevent scarring.

Lemon is regarded as a natural bleach and thus, is a popular home remedy for scars. Rubbing freshly cut tomato over the scar also helps. Also, massaging the area with almond oil may give you desired results. Treating a wound, burn, or acne with the gel of the Aloe vera plant, reduces the likelihood of the formation of scar, apart from helping the injured area heal quickly. The Aloe vera gel is also known for its quality, not so effectively though, for improving the appearance of old scars.

To conclude this scar removal description, here is one more home remedy you can make good use of. Get some fuller's earth (1 tbsp.), lime juice (1 tsp.) and rosewater. Make a paste out of these ingredients and massage the gently. Leave it to stay for 10 - 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. Repeat this daily for improved results.

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Hypertrophic Scar Treatment

A hypertrophic scar is defined as one whose appearance stands out from that of the surrounding skin. It mainly occurs in the body where prevails a high skin tension, or it mostly affects people with darker skin tones. The scar develops into a puffy, swollen, reddened, raised and stiff area in the skin. A hypertrophic scar is a reoccurring one and this is what makes it difficult to be eradicated. Due to this, there are limitations in the treatment methods for this kind of skin problem. However, in most cases, the scar has known to be resolved on its own over time. There are chances of such a scar, after several years, to shrink considerably and also lighten in color. This makes it less conspicuous to the eye. Keeping this aspect in mind, most people are advised to wait and watch the scar without using any medical procedures. A hypertrophic scar may be sensitive to touch and may also itch at times. Coming to the hypertrophic scar treatment, here's what you need to know...

Treatment for Hypertrophic Scar - Medications

First line of hypertrophic scar treatment involves conservative methods. Use of steroid injections is what is commonly practiced in treating this kind of a scar. Every four to six weeks, the scar can be treated with injections. Gradually, the scar will begin to lighten in color and also reduce in size. The healing process in this treatment method is slow, but with minimal side effects.

Treatment for Hypertrophic Scar - Natural Remedies

Patients may also be advised to use natural products for a hypertrophic scar treatment. Some of them include:

* Use of paste of sandalwood and black gram.
* Treating the affecting area with ice cubes.
* Cucumber and lemon juice.
* Application of Vitamin E oil.
* Aloe Vera gel or cod liver oil.
* Cocoa butter.

When such treatments do not do much of a deal for hypertrophic scars treatment, then doctors opt for laser treatment. This technology destroys the blood vessels of the affected area. This makes way for new cells generation and growth of collagen thus, healing the scars inside out. There are a few side effects to this kind of treatment though. Then, there is what is known as a silicon treatment. Here, silicon sheets are placed over the affected area by exerting some amount of pressure. Multiple applications of such sheets, which may be availed through prescription or over-the-counter, are known to reduce the size of the scar. Although, according to experts, this method works well for new scars, it may work for old ones as well. This was about non-surgical methods employed for hypertrophic scar treatment. When these procedures do not produce promised or desired results, surgery becomes a viable option to go for. A surgery involves removal of the hypertrophic scar altogether. Use of anesthesia is included in this process of entire scar tissue removal. Post surgery, patients are advised to use the non-surgical methods, such as gel or silicon oil, as a part of an additional treatment. Side effects which may bother the patient include infection, pain and recurrence of scar. The healing may get delayed and there might occur the need of additional surgery.

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Hypertrophic Scarring

The formation of a scar after an injury is a normal process. This is the body's natural way of healing, by creating a fiber like connective tissue called collagen and deposit on the skin to cover the wound. But in some cases the scars tend to swell, become puffy and sometimes becoming red. This scar is known as a hypertrophic scar. Hypertrophic scarring is caused due to several reasons like burns, scratches, injections and tattoos. The other reasons for the occurrence of hypertrophic scarring can be simple things like acne that may result in the formation of scars, insect bites and accidents. Hypertrophic scarring can occur in individuals of all ages. However, in some cases, individuals tend to get hypertrophic scarring since they are genetically prone to it. Individuals with lighter skins are more prone to such scars because these scars are more visible and prominent.

Unlike keloids scars, that tend to grow indefinitely, hypertrophic scars occur only in the area of the wound. Hypertrophic scarring occurs when the body tends to produce excess collagen, which leads to the scar becoming raised than the surrounding skin. These scars form a thick, red and are darker than the rest of the skin. Hypertrophic scars usually occur in the chest, shoulders, lower face, back and on the ear lobes. These scars can develop at any time, even after the wound has completely healed. Redness, an itching sensation and pigmentation of the skin are some of the symptoms of hypertrophic scarring. The individual may also experience an unusual sensation or pain in the region of the scar. Though these scars are benign in nature, some people prefer to get rid of scars or atleast reduce the visibility of the scar. Let's see about some methods for treating hypertrophic scarring.

Hypertrophic Scarring Treatment

Given below are some methods for treating hypertrophic scarring:

* Laser Treatment: One of the most effective treatments to remove hypertrophic scars is by laser. By this laser treatment, the upper layer of the skin that consists of the scar tissue is vaporized and the lower layer of the skin, which looks natural is exposed. There are also some other laser treatment for scars that use some potent lasers that have the ability to penetrate into the lower layers of the epidermis, thereby stimulating the growth of the new collagen which gets rid of the scars completely. In order to undergo this treatment the individual may have to take local anesthesia. This procedure takes half an hour to complete.
* Radiotherapy: Mild doses of superficial radiotherapy are used to prevent the re occurrence of hypertrophic scarring. Some resurfacing techniques are also used to reduce the redness of the scars.
* Cortisone Injections: The use of intralesional steroids are administered in order to press down the hypertrophic scars thus making the scars vanish. These injections are relatively safe and painless.
* Chemical Peels: There are certain chemicals that can be applied to the scar to burn away the layer of the epidermis and exfoliate the skin. When the outer layer of the skin grows back again, the scars will be less visible. In order to treat the scars completely, one must undergo a series of chemical peel treatments.
* Dermabrasion: The process of removing the surface of the skin using a specialist's equipment is called dermabrasion. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia and is useful to treat raised scars as in the case of hypertrophic scarring.

Though hypertrophic scarring does not cause any major problem, individuals having these scars tend to get them removed for cosmetic reasons. The above mentioned treatments must be taken under the guidance of a dermatologist. Hope you found this article on hypertrophic scarring informative.

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Scar Removal Home Remedies

You are thinking of getting ready for that grand party or get together with good old friends. You plan your outfit, hairdo and the new look. But as you look into the mirror, you suddenly notice the ugly scar that seem to mar your perfect face. A scar can be caused due to a variety of reasons like acne, burns, etc. You may wonder, is possible to get rid of scars quickly? Yes, it is possible with the help of scar removal home remedies. Let us take a look at the different methods of treating scars on face.

Home Remedies for Scar Removal

There are several natural scar removal products that can be easily found at home or bought from the market. The following are home remedies for removal of scars caused due to acne, wounds, etc.

* Rubbing ice on the face is one of the easiest method of get rid of scars, tighten the spores and treat pimples.
* Cucumber juice is one of the best natural remedy for scar removal. Apply a teaspoon of cucumber juice on the scar, let it remain for 15 - 20 minutes and wash off with cool water.
* Aloe vera is another option used as a facial scar removal home remedies. However, aloe vera proves to be more effective when used on fresh scars. Fresh aloe vera can be rubbed on the scar or you can even apply aloe vera juice available in the market.
* Lemon juice also helps in healing scars naturally. You can either apply lemon juice or cut the lemon into half and apply it over the scar.
* When thinking of how to get rid of acne scars, home remedies like using sandalwood paste is considered as one of the best method. You should mix sandalwood powder with rose water, apply and let it remain overnight, and wash it in the morning.
* Applying honey is also one of the most effective burn, acne scar removal home remedies. You can apply honey directly on the scar 2 - 3 times a day.
* Cocoa butter and shea butter are other effective scar removal products that are easily available. You can apply either of them directly on the scar. However, one should remember only to buy products that do not contain artificial flavors or colors. Cocoa and shea butter even help in making skin smooth and soft.
* Tomato extract is one of the best scar removal home remedies. You can apply tomato extract or juice directly on the scar to get rid of the scar effectively.
* Essential oils like lavender can also be used for natural acne scar removal. You should dip a cotton ball in the essential oil and apply it directly on the scar regularly. Tea tree oil can also be used for the same.
* Lastly, vitamin E can be used for chicken pox and pimple scar removal. Vitamin E pills are available in the market which contain vitamin E oil. A single pill can be burst with a pin and the oil can be directly applied on the scar.

These are some effective scar removal home remedies that can be easily carried out at home. It is advisable to consult your doctor or skin specialist before going for these home remedies on a regular basis. In minor cases, these home remedies for scar removal are effective. But if none of them are effective, you can think of the effective, yet expensive, methods like surgery, skin grafting or laser treatment. Take care!

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Facial Scar Removal

A scar is a patch of skin that usually appears after an injury or cut. Scars are basically the result of tissue damage. They appear on the skin, whenever the deep dermis layer of the skin is damaged. When a part of the skin or the skin tissues are damaged, our body tries to heal the area. But in the process, normal skin tissues are replaced by the fibrous tissues, which leads to the development of scars. Acne scars are the most common type of scars that appear on the face. Majority of facial scars can be healed with appropriate treatment. However, a few can be permanent. Nevertheless, their visibility can be reduced with proper facial scar removal treatment.

Types of Scar

Generally, scars can be of three types, hypertrophic scars, atrophic scars and keloid scars. A hypertrophic scar is usually thick and it results when the body overproduces collagen. The atrophic scars on the other hand, cause the skin to look pitted. Keloid scars can look like hypertrophic scars, but they continue to grow in size. Apart from these three types, one can get ice pick scars, which are usually left behind by pimples and acne. These scars look like tiny deep pits on the skin. Other two types of common acne scars are, box car scars that resemble the scars caused by chicken pox and rolling scars, which give the skin a wave like or rolling hillside appearance.

Facial Scar Removal Treatment

The treatment for facial scars depends on the particular type, as what works for one type of scar may not work for the other. For small and minor scars left behind by acne or surgical procedures, dermabrasion can be used. This procedure involves the removal of the top layer of the skin, in order to make the scarred area smoother. The procedure often uses specialized instruments like, metal brush or diamond surfaced spinning blade for achieving this purpose. Another similar procedure for facial scar removal is microdermabrasion. Compared to dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is a milder approach for removing facial scars. It removes only the superficial skin layer, known as epidermis for acne scar removal.

Apart from these, some other options for scar removal are, surgery, laser surgery and resurfacing, steroid injections, chemical peel and skin grafting. Facial scar removal surgery may not completely remove a scar, but can make it significantly less noticeable. Laser skin resurfacing uses laser beams to remove the top layer of the skin of the scar. The heat generated in the process helps to tighten the inner skin layer. As a result, the scarred area looks much smoother than before.

Steroid injections are usually used for keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment. These injections can flatten these types of scars and make them less noticeable. Chemical peels on the other hand, use strong chemicals to exfoliate the layers of the skin from the scarred area. Afterwards, when the skin regenerates, the scarred area looks much smoother. On the other hand, skin grafting involves the transfer of skin from other parts of the body to the scarred area, in order to reduce the appearance of the scar. These are the usual treatment options for removing facial scars. In addition to these, you can find several facial scar removal creams in the market, and many of them can prove quite effective for reducing the appearance of minor scars. Find out more about keloid scar removal.

Facial Scar Removal Home Remedies

Many times, facial scars can also be removed with the help of some home remedies, especially if they are minor or less in number. Following are some of the effective scar removal home remedies for you:

* Try lemon juice to remove acne scars. Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, for which it can reduce the visibility of the scars. The citric acid found in this fruit can promote the shedding of old and dead skin cell to reveal a soft and smooth skin.
* Apply aloe vera gel on the scarred area, and also on fresh wounds and acne, to prevent the development of scar.
* Make a paste of sandalwood powder and rose water. Apply this paste on the scars and leave overnight. The next day, wash it off with clean water.
* Tomato juice is very rich in vitamin A, and it can help to repair damaged skin. Application of tomato juice regularly on the scars can significantly reduce their visibility.
* Oils like, lavender oil, almond oil, olive oil and rosehip oil can also be used for facial scar removal.
* Make a paste by mixing fuller's earth or multani mitti with rose water and lemon juice. Apply this paste on your face or the affected area of the skin. Leave it for about 15 to 20 minutes, after which wash it off with clean water.
* Massage honey on the scarred area several times a day. Besides removing scars, it would make your skin radiant.
* Make a paste of sandalwood and black gram powder and apply this on the scarred area. Keep it overnight and then wash it off the next day.

For small and minor scars, these simple home remedies can prove quite effective, if applied regularly. As far as the various facial scar removal products and treatments are concerned, you should better talk to a dermatologist to find out which one would be appropriate for you. A dermatologist can properly evaluate the scars and determine their types, on the basis of which he or she would recommend a particular scar removal treatment option. Depending on the particular type of treatment recommended by the dermatologist and the severity of the scars, facial scar removal cost can vary significantly. Therefore, it is very important to have a discussion with your dermatologist to know the various aspects of scar removal procedures, including, their cost.

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Scar Tissue

A scar is a natural protective barrier which is formed by the body in order to heal itself from cut, injury, surgery, etc. As the body does not have the ability to re-create healthy skin or tissue, it tries to put together new fibers in order to form the barrier. These fibers are known as scar tissues and they can be found on any tissue of the body. These may include areas like that of the skin or internal organs, which were inflicted upon by some kind of an injury, cut or a surgery, and then healed. The scar formed is usually, silvery in appearance and has a color of pale pink to brown.

Scar Tissue Symptoms

Scar tissue is a symptom in itself. It has limited blood supply, and this the reason why it appears paler and denser. As it is thicker than the surrounding tissue, it is quite conspicuous. During the healing period the body puts together the scar tissue in place of the destroyed tissue. However, it does not serve the function of the original tissue and this makes it to be limited in function, movement, circulation and sensation. A scar tissue is also characterized by damaged sweat glands, inability to grow hair and developing less resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Initially the scar may remain flat and pale and less noticeable. But with time as the body produces more of such fibrous scar tissues, the scar may become thick, raised and prominent. Other symptoms include decreased range of motion, due to the feeling of tightness or inability to move the joints normally. Numbness, tingling, pain, decrease muscle strength, restricted range of motion and feeling of the muscles being stuck.

Scar Tissue Removal

The formation of scar tissue after surgery can be reduced or delayed with the help of applying topical ointments such as, corticosteroids, anesthetic ointments and antihistamine creams. These products help the process of recuperation to speed up, while diffusing the scar tissue, and ultimately minimizing the scar. People suffering from scar tissue pain can go for a regular massage. This technique is especially beneficial for internal scars tissue, particularly on the muscles. Regular massaging enhances and stimulates circulation. This in turn aids in getting more oxygen delivered to the tissues for faster healing, and lightening of external scars.

Complete scar tissue removal is not possible, but the condition can be kept from getting worse, by taking regular medications and also, with the help of some natural home remedies. Common ones include treating the affected area with cucumber and lemon juice or with ice cubes. Application of vitamin E oil, using paste of sandalwood and black gram, massaging with Aloe vera gel or cod liver oil, or simply applying cocoa butter, provides great deal of help in reducing scar tissue.

If all such scar removal treatment and methods fail to improve the condition of a scar tissue, then patients may opt for laser treatment. This procedure works by destroying the blood vessels of the scarred area. This results in the formation of new cells and production of collagen, which help the scar to recuperate inside out. There is this another treatment known as magnetic therapy, which encourages blood circulation and breaks up the scar tissue at the affected area. This keeps the surrounding muscles from withering away. If nothing else works, then there is plastic surgery. Although, it cannot cure or remove the scar tissue, it can mask it and make it less noticeable.

So, this is it about scar tissue, its possible symptoms, and recommended treatment methods. A scar, once it develops, remains for the rest of the life. What best can be done is to address it at the earliest, so as to keep it from getting worse over time.

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Vitamin E Oil for Scars

Is there any effective remedy for scars? This is one of the common beauty queries from those who have tried and tested a wide range of scar removal creams, lotions and home remedies. In fact, scars are considered to be impossible to remove, but, in some cases, they are removed surgically. However, people claim that some home remedies and other products are found to be effective in reducing and even removing scars. The most popular among them is vitamin E oil, which is also used in a number of scar removal creams and lotions.


The use of vitamin E oil for scars is now one of the controversial subjects, as there are various claims regarding the inefficacy of vitamin E oil in reducing and removing scars. This article deals with the various aspects of this subject - vitamin E oil for scars.

Vitamin E and Scars

Vitamin E oil has long been used for reducing scars. Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant that is available as capsules or oil. It is said that vitamin E can penetrate skin layers and hinder the formation of free radicals that can negatively affect the healing process in wounds. In case of scars, vitamin E is believed to hinder the formation of collagen fibers, thereby lightening the scar tissue. Even though, most of the vitamin E users vouch for its effectiveness in reducing and removing scars, there is no scientific backing to prove the same. Various studies were conducted on the effectiveness of vitamin E oil for burn scars, but, the results were negative.

In one such venture, vitamin E was used in people, who have undergone reconstructive surgery for burns. The group was divided into two sections. Members of one section used vitamin E for reducing scars, while the others were given some other cream. Both sections did not show any significant difference, as far as the scars were concerned. There was no change in scar thickness, size or appearance, even after one year of using vitamin E oil for scars.

In another comparative study between two groups, one group was given a regular cream for applying on the scars and the other group was given a cream with vitamin E. Both the groups used their respective creams twice a day for three months (after undergoing surgery). After the stipulated period, it was noticed that there was no difference in scar appearance in both groups. The worst part was that the appearance of the scars worsened in those, who used vitamin E. Some of the vitamin E users contracted a skin rash too. The exponents of vitamin E oil for scars criticized this study and according to them, only a small amount of vitamin E was used in the study and the application was done soon after the injury, which interrupted the healing. Read more on acne scar removal.

How to Use Vitamin E to Reduce Scars

Now, you know that vitamin E is applied topically, in order to reduce scars. While, the application of pure vitamin E oil for scars and its effects are still debated, it is also claimed that vitamin E should not be used on wounds. However, there are so many people, who use vitamin E oil for acne scars, burn scars, etc. Some people use it on wounds too. If you want to try this remedy, then, get the best vitamin E oil for scars (capsule or oil). Before applying this oil, make sure to clean the area with an antibacterial soap and pat dry. Dab some vitamin E oil over the scar with the help of a cotton swab and keep it for at least 4 to 5 hours before washing. You have to use vitamin E on a daily basis for at least three to four months. Read more on vitamin E scar healing - does vitamin E fade scars.

Now, you have a basic idea about the use of vitamin E oil for scars. In short, it can be said that the topical application of vitamin E oil may not be effective in reducing or removing scars. It is also contended that in some people, scars are not as obvious as in others and this can be reason for them to believe it as the effect of vitamin E application. Another contention is that consumption of foods rich in vitamin E or vitamin E supplements may prove beneficial in reducing scars, rather than topical application.

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Scar Tissue Pain

Scar tissue is also known as adhesion and is formed when the original tissue is damaged by a serious physical injury, surgery or repetitive motions. As the tissues of the muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves suffer any kind of damage, our body uses its natural mechanism to heal them up. In this process, it creates some new connective tissues that are fibrous in nature and it act as a barrier for the wound which when heals up lead to formation of scar tissue. However, this newly formed tissue is thicker and denser than normal tissue as it gets limited supply of blood and oxygen. When this weak and inflexible tissue is pulled, it cannot make movements like any other healthy tissue. This causes nerve inflammation and results in scar tissue pain.

Scar Tissue Pain Symptoms

The intensity and symptoms of the scar tissue pain largely depends on a number of factors such as severity of the injury that caused the scar, location of the scar, etc. A newly formed scar tissue is more painful and is often accompanied by itching, redness and tenderness. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it may affect one's night sleep. Scar tissue pain after hysterectomy or any other abdominal surgeries is often accompanied by more serious symptoms as it restricts the movement various internal organs. The scar tissue can lead to intestinal obstruction and it give rise to abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen, infrequent bowel movements, nausea and vomiting. In a more serious complication, where the bowel may get strangulated and the abdominal pain intensifies and affect the entire body system. As a result, the patient may suffer from mild to sever fever, low the blood pressure, high pulse rate, etc.

If a nerve gets compressed by the scar tissue, then the severity of the pain depends on the how badly the nerve is compressed. The pain could be continuous if the nerve is under constant compression. Otherwise, the pain would be felt intermittently as and when it interferes with the functioning of the nerve while doing some activities like sitting, walking, standing. In this condition, the accompanying symptoms include numbness and tingling sensation that can be felt not just in the affected tissue but in other parts of the body as well. For instance, trapped nerve in the cervical area can give symptoms on the hands. When the pain arises due to scar tissue putting pressure on the adjoining muscles, then weakness is felt that particular part of the body.

Scar Tissue Pain Relief

Those who get mild to moderate scar tissue pain infrequently can reduce it with the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. When irritation is felt along with the pain, then topical ointments like antihistamines and corticosteroids are used to provide relief. Besides, there is a medicine known as interferon which is administered through injection and it promotes growth of healthy collagen tissue. Sometimes, surgical option is availed to treat the pain in the scar tissue. However, surgical option is not suitable for all kinds of scars. It is good particularly if it is thin and linear. For this reason, scar tissue pain after c-section can be reduced to a great extent with help of surgery.

Alternatively, the pain can be treated with silicone gel sheeting that improves the elasticity and flexibility of the scar tissue. Sometimes, ultrasonic waves are used to heat the scarred tissue which in turn make them less rigid and aid in scar tissue removal. Massaging the scar also helps to soften up the tissues. It should be done by a trained therapist who will massage the skin by moving the fingers on the scar in circular motions. This will release the tension from the thick tissue normalize blood supply to certain extent. The massage is followed by application of vitamin E lotion that have a soothing effect on the painful site.

Pain in the scar tissue after surgery can be prevented only if the wound is well taken care of during healing. Compression bandages should be used for closing up of the wound properly. Application of vitamin E creams and oral intake of vitamin E supplements can speed up the healing process and help in reducing scar tissue. It is also important to protect the wound so that the size of the opening does not increase any further.