Getting a scar can hurt, but looking at the ugly mark for the rest of your life can hurt even more.

I recently went in for a consultations with expert dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett about some of my not so pretty scars… I have one on my leg which people often point out saying “You have a wart on your leg”. So needless to say, I am not thrilled about that particular scar.

I walked into my appointment telling Dr. Kellett how I had a keloid scar, and she quickly pointed out that it was actually a hypertrophic scar. (Note to self: don’t self diagnose). I’d never heard of a hypertrophic scar, so I decided to do a little research and put together a list the different scar types, and what dermatologist can do to get rid of them.

Keloid Scar

Scars that grow, or get even bigger than the original injury, and are darker in colour that the surrounding skin.

Hypertrophic Scar

Raised scars that are similar to keloid scars. Excessive tissue grows over the original wound, these are commonly seen with piercings.

Atrophic Scar

A scar that is flat, or slightly depressed. They can be dark in colour but over time often lighten

Acne Scar

Pits and pock marks that are left after suffering from server acne.

Contracture Scar

A scar from a burn. The skin is tight and can hinder movement.

Stretch Marks

Streaky lines that are a result of the body growing quickly. This can happen to women during puberty, or pregnant, but can also occur from quick weight gain.

How to Get Rid of Scars

Depending on the kind of scar, size, and placement, there are many treatments to remove or reduce the appearance of scars.

Some of the treatments commonly used are:

• Laser resurfacing
• Intense Pulsed Light Treatment
• Vascular Laser Treatment
• Erbium Laser Treatment
• Steroid Injections
• Dermal Infusion Treatments
• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical Peels
• Surgery

If you are considering having a scar removed, make sure you consult with an expert dermatologist who will analyze your scar and recommend the best treatment.

Reporting for The Skiny,

Samantha

Acne atrophic contracture get rid of hypertrophic keloid remove scar Scars stretch marks