scars Blog
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about scars, or to ask Dr. Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
The Philadelphia Center for Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Call 610.525.5250
rad@ringpfeildermatology.com
Uncompromised quality through
unmatched experience | focus on patient satisfaction | advanced technology
Next available appointment
for SCAR treatment Wed, Feb 08 10:40AM
Click here to book it! find other appointments here or call us 610.525.5250
Click here to book it! find other appointments here or call us 610.525.5250
Uncensored Patient Reviews
Last updated: 2012-02-03 15:40
Number of reviews: 3191
Patients recommand us: 99.34%
Scars
Scar Types
Ice picks
Box
Rolling
Treatments: Surgical revision, pulsed dye laser (PDL), intense pulsed light (IPL), fillers, CO2 laser, silicone sheets, intralesional steroids.
Scars are permanent changes of the skin that result from trauma to the layer beneath the most superficial skin. They are caused by surgery, lacerations, severe inflammation of the skin with destruction of the vulnerable layer such as in severe acne or cyst formation or some blistering skin diseases. If scars leave indentations below skin level, resurfacing by CO2 laser or fillers can correct their appearance.
Red color change can be tackled by PDL or IPL; bulging or dehisced scars can be excised in various fashions. If a keloid forms in a scar, the presence of symptoms dictates treatment. Silicone sheets or injectable steroids help with pain and appearance by softening the keloid.
Excision of keloids is discouraged because of their high recurrence rate. If unavoidable, post-surgical intervention is customized and crucial to reduce chances of recurrence.
| Treatment comparison | CO2 Laser | Fractional CO2 Laser | Photodynamic Therapy | FRAXEL(TM) | TCA Peel | Restylane/ Juverderm |
Radiesse | Punch Grafts |
| Ice pick scar | +++ | ++ | - | + | + | - | - | ++ |
| Box scar | ++ | ++ | + | + | + | ++ | ++ | ++ (if small) |
| Rolling scar | + | + | + | + | + | - | - | - |
| Large pores | +++ | +++ | +++ | + | + | - | - | - |
| (uneven)Texture | +++ | +++ | +++ | + | ++ | - | - | - |
| Days downtime | 7-14 | 4-7 | 2 | 4-6 | 5-7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| # Treatments | 1-2 | 1-2 | 4-6 | 4-8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lasting results | permanent | permanent | permanent | permanent | 1-2 years | 6-12 months | 12-18 months | permanent |
| Total Price | $3000-$6000 | $3000-$4000 | $1800-$2700 | $4000-$7000 | $500 | $600 | $$350-850 | $185-$2000 |
34 Responses to “scars”
Leave a Comment or a Question
Ringpfeil Advanced Dermatology | 569 W. Lancaster Avenue | Haverford, PA 19041 | rad@ringpfeildermatology.com | 610.525.5250
Copyright 2006-2012 © Ringpfeil Advanced Dermatology | Committed to best dermatology and best cosmetic surgery | All Rights Reserved.
Hello,
I have most of my breasts covered in hypotrpoic scars from hair follicles that have been irritated and infected (from what I don’t know) they become bumps and then they turn into dark hypotrpoic scars all over my breast. I’ve been to some dermatologist and the only option they give me is sterorid injection treatments. I tried steroid injections but the only thing that gets flat is where they injected it not the whole scar. However at the point I want them to be removed. Is there any other options or procedures that I can do?????
Scars are challenging to treat especially when many are present. While I am uncertain if all can be removed or how long it would take to remove them, technology has advanced beyond steroid injections. We use several different lasers to improve color as well as texture of hypertrophic and other scars, and often laser technology is paired with other techniques for best results.
Hello there. I had a AK with dark spot removed from my nose about two weeks ago. I was very careful with the scab and did not pick it. I am now, however, left with a very large red spot. I can cover it with make up but am wondering if the red spot will ever go away? If not, can you help fix it?
Redness after any procedure typically fades after 6 weeks. Rarely, it may persist up to 6 months. Covering the area with makeup that contains sunscreen is very appropriate. For the impatient among us, the speediest resolution may be achieved by pulsed dye laser treatment one week to 10 days after original treatment and then another week later. However, in uncomplicated wound healing, nature will provide the same results – just a little slower. Pulsed dye laser treatment may also be used if redness has not significantly faded after 6 weeks.
I have a raised mole on the tip of my nose that I would like removed, however I am worried about scarring. May this mole be removed with minimal scarring? Is insurance accepted to cover the cost of mole removal? What options do I have to treat the scarring?
Scarring is a always a concern wherever something is removed. Scars are particularly noticeable when on convex surfaces of the skin such as on the tip of the nose. You should carefully weigh your options when you learn which removal technique is possible for your mole to achieve your desired outcome, e.g. removal of an elevation or removal of dark pigment.
Resurfacing of a scar is possible but a scar cannot be replaced with normal skin. Elective removal of a benign mole is not routinely covered by insurances.
Hi! I have a small hypertrophic scar on my chest that is about the size of a pencil eraser. I had the scar injected with a steroid once, which flattened the top part of the scar and now it almost unnoticeable. However, the other half still remains raised. I would really like to receive another injection but I’m very hesitant to do so, because after the first one my chest was left with this weird bruise like purple coloring around the scar, which I only imagine was a result of the injection and it took almost 6 months to fade. Would it be worth the shot to make a consultation to get another injection? Or will this most likely happen again?
It is very difficult to say if the purplish discoloration could happen again. Yet other rare side effects can also include a temporary dimpling at the site or lighter discoloration over the scar. In addition, it is possible that another injection does not completely flatten the scar on one treatment. It is never easy to anticipate side effects and even though most are temporary, they can certainly be bothersome. You would have to ask yourself whether the chance of having a flat and barely noticeable scar for life is worth the temporary downtime.
My dermatologist used a hyfrecator to remove a nearly imperceptible spider vein on my right upper cheek, about 1 1/2 inches below my eye. I believe he went to deep was too aggressive, and now two months later I am left with a slightly indented, red scar that is far more noticeable than the vein ever was.
Do you think some type of laser resurfacing, such as Active Fx, could possibly remove, or at least improve, this area? Also, I use Retin A on my face- do you think it’s a good idea to apply it to my scar while waiting to have something more permanent done to fix it? And do you think it might benefit from gentle massage? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Amy
Sometimes it is very difficult to comment by description alone. It may be possible to improve the area with one or more pulsed dye laser treatments as it appears sufficiently away from your eyes. In general, application of a retinoid to this area is encouraged, however, in moderation and not to exceed the general way of using it (pea sized amount to the entire face).
Gentle firm massage is also recommended. If the depression persists despite pulsed dye laser treatment, CO2 laser treatment is an option.
hello, I was looking for a dermatologist that would be able to remove 2 chicken pox scars and some acne scars. I wanted to know if you have any services for that?
We treat these scars individually with CO2 laser with significant improvement and sometimes even complete resolution. Two to five treatments may be needed and are typically scheduled 2-3 months apart; cost is between $150 (one acne or chickenpox scar) and $500 per treatment depending on the number and size of scars.
Hello.
I had a tracheotomy scar repaired in the summer of 2008. They did a “Z-Plasty” & it healed horribly. It left a raised, pink colored scar on my neck, worse than the one I had from my tracheotomy. I was wondering what I could have done to fix that?
Thank You!
CO2 laser resurfacing or intra-lesional steroids would help with textural changes such as the raise and pulsed dye laser treatments help with redness.
During an evaluation, I can be more specific about what you could expect and how many treatments it would take. Coverage for scar revision after medical procedure, in your case the tracheotomy, is dependent on your insurance carrier.
Hi, I have burn scars on my thighs and stomach area that was caused by being in a fire incident. The scars are over 20 years old. They are slightly raised and discolored. What is the best kind of treatment that can help the appearance and texture of the scars?
Thank You.
CO2 laser is very effective in these types of scars even if they are many years old. Depending on the extent of the burn scars, multiple treatments may be needed. Evaluation for specifics is needed.
I am so glad to have found your website for an office in my area! I have a hypertrophic scar on my bicep that is pink/purple, raised and about two inches long. I am not prone to scarring, but I cared for the wound improperly, so now I’ve had the scar for about a year. I don’t mind if the scar is still a different color than my skin, but I am very serious about finding a way to have it flattened.
What would you recommend as a treatment option, and what is the ballpark cost of this procedure? I don’t want to schedule a consultation until I’ve saved a reasonable amount of money.
Thanks in advance!
Most raised scars can be flattened by local steroid injections, regardless whether they are hypertrophic scars or keloids. It takes usually several treatments to flatten a thickened scar. The exact number is not known, yet hypertrophic scars respond very fast while keloids take significantly longer. Most insurances cover this service. If you do not have a medical insurance that we participate with, we charge $50.00 per injection/visit after the initial consultation fee which is $115.
Hi Dr. Ringpfeil
I have a scar from a hair transplant in the recipient area in the front part of my head. What would be the best way of smoothing that out and making it less visable
Thank You
Joe
Several treatments are available to make scars less apparent. The nature, color and size of a scar as well as the color of the surrounding skin determine the technology used to achieve improvement. Redness in a scar can be treated by laser, a thickened scar can be injected and yet some scars look better if they are surgically revised by excision or laser resurfacing.
I have a scar on the right side of my face from accident, and I want to remove these scars cuz it seems embarrassing. I can send you a photo of the scar through email, and I’ll like to know the kind of treatment I’ll need to under-go for the removal process.
A scar can cause an enormous emotional or social burden when located in an obvious area. While scars cannot be completely removed at this time, the increase in treatment options, including various lasers, has helped significantly improve the appearance of scars over the past few years.
Color, texture, size and shape of a scar are important to design a treatment plan. An evaluation of the scar should always be done in person, as the texture of the skin in the scar cannot be assessed through a picture.
Franziska Ringpfeil, MD
Hi Dr. Ringpfeil
I have scaring on my face from pinching my pimples in my teen years..i have always wanted to to reduce the appearance of these scars but fear i would do more damage than good as my skin is somewhat sensitive. I am not looking to have perfect scar free skin. I am sure you would need to see me to make a though analysis but would you be kind enough and make me recommendation on what procedure may be best for me and also a general cost for the procedures? thank you for your time.
Indeed, making any recommendation about scar revision is impossible without evaluation. Pricing can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on your needs. You may review the paragraph and table outlining several different modalities we use for “acne scar” revision on our website.
I have a white scar and some addiitonal white spots on my face. Can they be corrected and how?
Scar correction is often possible. A color description is insufficient to make treatment suggestions. Scars have to be evaluated in context of their exact location and texture in addition to color change. In person evaluation and physical examination is a must for appropriate recommendation.
Hello, I have an age spot in the middle of my forehead, between both my eyebrows, it does not look pretty at all, most of the people I know always ask me what is that and I feel embarrass, It looks like a beautymark but it’s not, I have no insuarance, and I would like to know what are the price range, thank you for your time.
If it is an age spot it can be removed without any scarring. Treatments are indicated only with continued commitment to tan prevention/UVA sun protection. Laser treatment is most effective for removal. 1-3 treatments are usually needed 4-6 weeks apart. Skin must not be tan at time of treatment. Cryotherapy is an alternative. It typically requires 1-2 treatments 4-6 weeks apart but may leave a permanent lighter colored spot behind. Regardless of procedure used, we charge $105 for one spot per treatment. If more than one spot is desired to be removed, $20 is charged for each additional spot per treatment.
I once had a genital piercing that has left me with what I believe is either a keloid or a hypertonic scar, which I would like removed. What are my options and how much are the costs? Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Hypertrophic scars and keloids are very different in their biologic behavior. Both cannot be removed without trace but both can often be injected with a steroid and will reduce significantly or may resolve to a flat scar. There are circumstances under which scar revision by excision for a hypertrophic scar may be preferred, especially when the expected scar is minimal. However, the chance of another keloid developing, when an existing keloid is excised, is about 90%, and therefore excision is usually not an alternative. If several steroid injections soften a keloid without flattening it, shave excision may be attempted with additional steroid injections at time of excision, as well 2 and 4 weeks after to minimize the risk of a returning keloid. In very rare instances, when a keloid does not respond to steroid injections or is so large that it cannot be injected, radiation may be necessary.
Cost of the procedure depends on the size of the lesion. We typically charge $50 per injection and anywhere between 1-3 may be needed for hypertrophic scars and between 2-10 treatments for keloids. Revision of hypertrophic scars by complete excision ranges between $150 (up to 5 mm) and $400 (over 4 cm). Shave removal of small keloids may range between $130 (up to 5 mm) and $230 (over 2 cm). There is a size limit to shave removal of keloids which is determined by anatomic site. Three steroid injections needed after shave removal are charged in addition to the shave removal as mentioned above.
Radiation is not a service that our office performs because it is rarely needed.
While the revision of hypertrophic scars is not always an insurance covered service, most insurances cover the treatment of keloids.
Dr. Ringpfeil,
I have scars on my forearm from an accident several years ago. I would like to diminish their size and appearance. What are my options?
Thank you!
Scars can now be treated in a number of different ways. If the skin texture is uneven, CO2 laser resurfacing using the Deep FX technology is the best treatment. Deep FX technology came to the market over 2 years ago and has revolutionized scar treatment. It will significantly reduce structural changes. If the scar is discolored, other laser treatments can reduce the color. Surgical revision of a scar is sometimes possible especially when a scar is small but may not give the best cosmetic results on the forearm.
I have burns on my arms and legs and acne on chest, back, and Face. My skin looks like it needs to be renewed. But, I don’t know what type of treatment I need that will be most effective.
The degree of burn often determines the final outcome of the scar ranging from dark discoloration to structural changes of skin with possible complete loss of pigment or even keloid formation. Each type of scar is treated differently. Darkening of skin may be managed with fading agents, retinoids, glycoloc acid peels or microdermabrasion. Structural changes often respond to CO2 laser resurfacing but may need surgical scar revision. Loss of pigment is most difficult to tackle and may necessitate skin grafting (transplanting a piece of your normally pigmented skin from a concealed area onto the burn scar). Keloids forming in burn scars are treated similarly to keloids from other causes. They are injected to reduce symptoms and swelling and subsequently can be revised by CO2 laser resurfacing or surgical intervention.