Scars
While sometimes considered unsightly, scars are healthy evidence of a body’s ability to recover from a wound. However, most people do not welcome permanent marks on the skin. Though scars cannot be completely removed, there are medical treatments available that can improve their appearance.
If you have a scar, or if you’re worried that a scar will form after an accident, visit one of our Minnesota offices. Our dermatologists have the experience and expertise necessary to recommend a personalized treatment that works with your skin.
What Causes Scars?
Scarring occurs after a deep, thick layer of skin, called the dermis, is damaged. In order to heal the wound, the body produces new skin tissue that is slightly different from normal, undamaged tissue. When this new tissue covers the wound, a scar forms. The skin looks different from the surrounding, undamaged skin because the tissue’s cellular is different.
Wounds that create scarring can have many causes, such as surgery, an injury from an accident, a skin condition (i.e. acne), rapid skin growth (i.e. stretch marks) or a disease.
Scar Symptoms
A scar will have a different quality, texture, and appearance than the surrounding, undamaged, skin. Scars form and look very different depending on the extent of damage done to the skin. Most scars are flat and pale. However, some scars are raised and will feel like a bump on the skin. Others will appear sunken or pitted. The way the scar was created, as well as a number of environmental factors, will play a role in how the scar looks.
Basic Formula for Recovery, Healing, and Improvement
Scar treatment will depend on the size, thickness, origin, and location of the scar. Options typically include topical creams or silicone products, steroid injections, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser therapies. Most of these treatments include an exfoliating element, which is often necessary for effective scar treatment.
During a scar removal treatment, the therapy chosen – either chemical, laser, or physical – will carefully remove the outermost layer of the skin’s surface. This stimulates the production of new skin cells, which will cover the damaged cells to reduce their appearance. By contrast, pitted or sunken scars, such as those created by acne or chickenpox, will respond best to silicone products and/or steroid injections, both of which work to even the skin’s surface by raising the depression.
The treatment your dermatologist recommends will be one that is tailored to your skin, scar, and lifestyle. We do not recommend using over-the-counter scar removal treatments, as there is rarely a one-size-fits-all option for scars. Only a dermatologist can assess the blemish and recommend the procedure necessary.
When to See a Dermatologist for Scar Treatment
Don’t let your decade-old acne scars interfere with your confidence. Scar removal and treatment therapies are often very successful, and just a visit or two to one of our Minnesota offices can drastically improve your skin’s appearance. Only a medical professional is equipped to provide these treatments, and we have some of the best dermatologists available.
Contact Us to schedule a consultation today.
*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Dr. Zelickson is thorough and patiently attentive to my concerns. Such a great practice and so easy to deal with. A great emphasis on safety during this pandemic which I really appreciate.
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.