How Long Does Scar Treatment Take?

Scarring can significantly change the way we look, and it might make us feel self-conscious. No matter if you have acne, superficial, or deep scars, we at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, can help you out with our top scar treatment methods. Let’s have a look at the five options we offer, what they involve, and how long it’ll take for you to see the results from each one.

How Long Do Different Types of Scar Treatment Take?

There are many different types of scars and degrees of damage, so there isn’t one solution that fits every patient. Here at the clinic, we have five main methods of addressing scars, called dermabrasion, laser therapy, chemical peels, microneedling, and surgical intervention. At your initial consultation, we’ll decide which one works best for you. Let’s go through what each one involves and how long it might take for your scars to be removed.

Dermabrasion

During dermabrasion, the top layers of your skin are scraped and exfoliated with a rapidly rotating device. It’s usually used on the face, for example on people who have acne scars or damage to the top skin layers. When you come to the clinic to have this treatment done, we will first numb your face, then use the device to perform the dermabrasion. It’s a minimally invasive method, so you’ll be able to leave shortly after your session is complete.

You don’t have to rest for a long time after dermabrasion, and you can get back to your normal activities within a week or two. You will be completely healed and see the final results around three months after your treatment. This solution is generally considered permanent, so you won’t have to return to the clinic to have it done again later on.

Laser Therapy

Sometimes, we may use intense beams of light to heat up your skin and encourage new, healthy tissue to form. This type of laser treatment can reduce the appearance of your scar because your body will produce new skin cells, and it can also minimize any pain and itching associated with your scars. Although it doesn’t usually remove the issue completely, it can significantly reduce how prominent and noticeable it is.

Most patients need around three to five treatments, each a few weeks apart, so the process can take several months. Your exact treatment plan will be drawn up when you come to the clinic for your initial consultation, as your goals and your skin’s current condition will affect the effectiveness of laser therapy. The results will appear gradually, so you can see the full effects of your sessions a few months after they have been completed.

Chemical Peels

If you have surface-level scars, we can use a chemical substance to remove the most superficial level of your skin. Your body will then start to produce new skin cells that are healthy, smooth, and not scarred. There are several different types of chemical peels that can treat various issues, but this treatment usually works better for people with fair skin.

After just one peel, you will start to notice some significant results. However, you will need to have several treatments for best results, and your skin takes some time to regenerate after your sessions. Depending on the depth of your peel, it will take longer or less long for the final results to show up. The effects can sometimes be seen a few weeks after treatment, but with very deep peels, you might have to wait for up to four months.

Microneedling

Acne scars can be treated with a process called microneedling, which involves making tiny pricks in your skin that promote the body’s natural healing response. Because the damage caused by the microneedling process is so minor, your blood will send too many healing agents to the area, and they will work to rejuvenate and tighten your skin.

As a result of the treatment, you’ll notice that your scars will disappear, but you’ll also have fewer wrinkles or other skin problems. With this innovative and minimally invasive method, you might start to see results in as little as four to six weeks. Many patients come to us several times, and some even combine this type of treatment with our other options for maximum effect.

Surgical Intervention

Some deeper scars can’t be treated without surgical intervention, especially if they require layered closure. Here at the clinic, we have several ways of surgically removing your scars or improving your appearance. In the majority of cases, the results of surgical intervention are permanent, and you won’t need to come back in the future. It will most likely take you a few weeks or months to recover from the procedure, and you’ll have to take some time off work.

Get Your Scars Treated Now

If you have scarring that’s affecting your life, you don’t have to suffer anymore. Come to Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, book an initial consultation with us, and benefit from expert scar treatment. No matter if you choose dermabrasion, laser therapy, chemical peels, microneedling, or surgical intervention, Dr. Okolocha and his talented team will provide you with the best care possible.