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FACIAL SCARS
Facial Scars
Throughout history, scars have been a source of low self-esteem for men, women, teens and children no matter where they are.
Facial scarring is usually caused by previous cystic acne, trauma, burns, surgery or a result of aggressive chicken pox. Scars form as part of the body’s healing process whenever multiple layers of skin are injured. Facial scars can negatively affect a patient’s self-esteem, as well as his or her business and social life. Many of these patients seek treatment to improve the appearance or texture of their facial scars.
WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR FACIAL SCARS?
Today, doctors can choose from multiple treatment modalities to improve facial scars. Their options include excisional surgery, punch grafting, soft tissue augmentation, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and dermabrasion.
WHICH TREATMENT IS BEST FOR ME?
During your consultation with Drs. Caglia will assess the nature of your scars, your expectations and explain the probable outcome of your procedure.
What is the procedure like?
The following procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis and usually require local anesthesia.
Excisional surgery is the cutting away of scar tissue. Punch grafting is the removal of the scar tissue and replacement with a graft of good, healthy skin.
Scar & Wrinkle release is a minimally-invasive technique (also known as “undermining” or “subcision”) that breaks apart the depressed scars, deep creases, or fine lines with a special needle or instrument. New tissue is created that raises the scar or unwanted depression. It is also used to smooth wrinkles. The procedure takes about an hour.
Dermal filler injections are good treatments for shallow and deep scars. These fillers can be injected into the area of the scar, smoothing depressions. Results are immediately apparent. Patients usually require touch-up treatments every 6 months to 2 years.
Microdermabrasion can be likened to a “superficial skin polishing” using micro-crystals vacuumed through a delicate handpiece. In as little as 20 minutes, this gentle abrasive technique efficiently produces satisfying results. Treatments are progressive and are applied through a course of weekly sessions.
Chemical Peels use a chemical solution to gently burn away, in a controlled fashion, the fine outer layers of the skin. The solutions are available in several strengths, depending on the degree of peeling desired. Healing of the skin tissue can take from 3 days to 3 weeks. A new, smoother layer of skin is then formed.
Fractional skin resurfacing treats facial scars by delivering the laser’s energy in microbeams. Fractional treatments promote the production of softer, smoother skin with the formation of new collagen and elastin.
Laser resurfacing gives your physician precise control as the procedure gently vaporizes the damaged or acne-scarred skin to reveal the smooth, fresh skin underneath. Scars are removed in a precise, rapid, bloodless fashion achieving excellent results.
Laser scar treatments can be performed with local anesthesia if limited areas are treated, while full face resurfacing is usually performed with the administration of intravenous sedation by our nurse anesthetist. Both procedures may be performed in our office.
Dr. Caglia performs a variety of facial scar treatments, whether they are acne scars, traumatic scars or burn scars, so your treatment can be tailored to achieve the best results. These treatments are available to patients of Midland/Odessa and surrounding West Texas communities.