Hiding Ugly Scars

HealthDay News - Scars are found on almost everyone's body. Although scars can't be erased, there are many ways to minimize their appearance, the American Academy of Dermatology says.

The academy recommends a consultation between the patient and dermatologist to decide the best treatment.

Here's a list of possible treatment options:

• Dermabrasion: A machine is used to remove the top layers of skin.
• Surgical scar revision: Best-suited for wide or long scars, this is a method of removing a scar and rejoining the normal skin.
• Laser resurfacing: a method of removing acne and chicken pox scars which involves high-energy light to remove damaged skin.
• Soft tissue fillers: injectable collagen used to elevate indented, soft scars.
• Punch grafts: small pieces of normal skin used to replace damaged skin.
• Chemical peels: the use of a chemical to remove the top layer of skin to smooth scars.

Other scar treatments may include pressure bandages, massages, silicone-containing gels or cortisone injections.

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