Developing scars after surgery is almost inevitable. However, aside of being a constant reminder of the surgical pain and the struggle we have been through, the scare serves no purpose at all. If anything, it ruins our appearance, especially if it is scarring the exposed parts of our skin. No need to fret, though. You can get rid of those surgical scars by following these tips for scar removal, from cheap home remedy to medication and surgery.
Applying Lemon Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar
Lemon is a popular ingredient for cosmetic products, thanks to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in it. Applying lemon juice on skin serves to exfoliate and remove the dead skin cells. This way, your scarred skin will lighten and less visible. For a mild scar, it may only take a few weeks to make the scar completely invisible. But severe scare like keloid will not be much affected with lemon juice treatment.
Apple cider vinegar works like lemon juice. It contains alpha hydroxy acids, an antioxidant agent that can remove dead skin. You can simply rub apple cider vinegar on your scarred skin or mix it with honey and use it on daily basis.
Using Onion Extract
Another home remedy you can try to get rid of surgery scar is by applying onion extract. It contains bioflavenoids agents, such as quercetin, kaempferol and cepalin that can soften scars. A study has shown that applying onion extract on scarred skin on daily basis can significantly reduce the appearance of scar in just a month.
Applying Aloe Vera Gel
Do you know that Aloe Vera has been used for hundreds of years to treat wound? It is because Aloe Vera contains glycoproteins that serve to stop inflammation and pain in an open wound. Aloe Vera also contains polysaccharides that serve to promote skin growth and repair by strengthening the collagen structure within the scar.
You can simply peel the outer green layer of Aloe Vera and rub the clear gel on your scarred skin. Leave it to dry for about half an hour before cleansing, and do the treatment two or three times a day until you see the result. Even if you have no scarred skin, applying Aloe Vera gel will make your skin glows and tightens.
Using Silicone Gels or Silicone Gel Sheets
If home remedy seems like a hassle, just get silicone gel or the more practical to use silicon get sheeting from the store. It is a sticky pad that can be put on the surface of your scarred skin like band-aids. Before using silicone gel, wash your scar thoroughly with warm water to open the skin pores and soften the tissue. Use the silicone gel after drying your skin with a soft towel. You can apply silicone gel or silicone gel sheeting two or three times a day and see the result after a few weeks.
Get a Dermabrasion Treatment
Dermabrasion is a treatment performed by dermatologist to remove the upper layer of the skin. They use a wire brush to get rid of the dead skin cells and reveal the newer and lighter skin cells. When applied to scarred skin, dermabrasion treatment is able to reduce the discoloration of the scar, thus improving the appearance of your skin.
Applying a Skin Moisturizer Containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) can naturally be found in fruits like lemons, papaya, pineapple, and tomatoes. AHA improves the appearance of skin by increasing the production of collagen. You can easily find Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) in the ingredients used for cosmetics. Find a skin moisturizer that contains AHA and use it on a daily basis to fade the scar on your skin.
Getting a Laser Treatment
With the advanced technology nowadays, getting rid of scar can be a piece of cake. With a laser treatment, the size of scars can be reduced to make them flatter. The treatment is generally safe for everyone and proven effective to remove scar. Depending on the size of your scar, you may need to get several treatments to completely get rid of it.
Removing Scar with Surgery
If other non-invasive treatments fail to remove your scar, you may need to consider getting a surgery. The operation can be used to change the positioning of the scar or reducing the shape of the scar. However, scar removal surgery alone is not recommended for keloid as it may grow back larger. Doctors usually give corticosteroid injections after the keloid surgery to keep the scar from re-growing.
Getting Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are injections that are typically used by plastic surgeon. The injection serves to enhance skin contour and soften creases and wrinkles. When injected to scarred skin, it can improve the appearance of scars. On the downside, this kind of treatment is quite costly. And since the results are usually temporary, you are going to need to repeat treatments to maintain the effect.
Getting a Skin Needling Treatment
Skin needling is performed by inducing collagen using a fine needle. Micro wounds are created in order to trigger the body to fill them with new collagen and elastin. The new collagen rejuvenates the skin and makes it look bright and glowing. It basically works like dermabrasion, but causing less damage to the skin.
Please also note that scar treatment is only recommended after your incision has completely healed. Talk to your doctor before deciding to carry out any scar treatment, especially the ones involving medication and surgery. The scar removal efforts will also be easier if you have minimized the scar formation by following your doctor’s instructions for wound and scar care after the surgery.
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