A scar is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. While many have minor scars from childhood accidents, chickenpox, or acne, some scars can be more noticeable and actually affect how you feel about your appearance.
Thanks to the many advancements in dermatology technology, there are ways to address scars, minimizing their appearance and boosting your self-confidence. Our experienced dermatologist, Barbara Bopp, MD, understands the impact scars can have on your self-esteem. She specializes in customized treatment to minimize scars and protect the overall health of your skin.
Why you have scars
Whether you suffer skin damage due to an injury, a surgical procedure, or because of conditions like acne, a scar (or many scars in the case of acne) can have both physical and emotional effects on your life.
Scars develop as your body works to heal damage in your skin. Soon after the damage is done, your body begins the process of repairing the wound by triggering the growth of new skin tissue. In many cases, skin heals fully without any noticeable scars.
However, when damage goes beneath the skin’s surface, your body may produce too much or too little tissue, causing a scar to form. There are different types of scars that are classified by the way this new tissue grows.
When too much tissue forms during the healing process, it can result in a raised scar that becomes bigger than the original wound. This type of scar is also known as a keloid.
If too little tissue is produced, your scar may appear sunken and categorized as an atrophic scar. This is common in scarring caused by chickenpox or severe acne, because the condition causes inflammation in the skin that ultimately destroys collagen, an essential building block of healthy skin.
When you have scar contractures, scars that often result from a burn, you not only can see the difference in the texture of your skin, but these scars can also affect the flexibility of your skin.
Customizing scar treatments for better-looking skin
Addressing scars involves customized care plans that focuses on the type of scar you have and your expectations for results. Dr. Bopp offers several innovative, in-office treatments for different scar types, including topical medications and dermal fillers.
You may also benefit from minimally invasive laser resurfacing procedures. Laser technologies can safely remove the outer layers of your skin and eliminate raised areas of scar tissue. Laser energy also stimulates the growth of new collagen, and over time, your body works to replace old, damaged tissue with new, healthy cells.
Dr. Bopp also specializes inphototherapy with broadband light (BBL) for treating acne scars and other skin flaws. This treatment uses several different wavelengths of BBL energy to trigger an increase in collagen production to address recessed scars and rejuvenate the overall health of skin.
Daily care for younger-looking, scar-free skin
Regardless of which therapy is right for treating your scars, you can also do your part to enhance the health and vitality of your skin. With Dr. Bopp’s recommendations, you should always use a high-quality sunscreen on your face and other areas of exposed skin to prevent premature signs of aging as well as skin cancer.
Keeping your skin moisturized is also important for maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Based on your skin type, Dr. Bopp can suggest the right moisturizers and cleansers to keep your skin clear and fresh.
Learn how you can address unsightly scars without surgery by contacting Bopp Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery. Call our office in Metairie, Louisiana, or request a consultation using the online booking feature now.