Scar Treatment
Scar Removal, Acne Scars, Acne Scar Treatment, Acne Scar Removal In the San Diego Area
Dr. Melanie Palm is a nationally recognized dermatologist and an expert in the treatment of surgical scars, acne scarring, and traumatic scarring in teens and adults. Her offices are located in Solana Beach, CA just north of San Diego. Dr. Palm is a noted leader in her field and offers many effective acne treatment options.
Scars are caused by an insult to the skin that results in reparative collagen changes. Scars can arise from a surgical procedure, as a result of inflammatory acne, or from a traumatic injury such as a burn, a fall, or a car accident. Stretch marks (also called striae distensae) are essentially scars from stretch on the skin related to rapid growth changes, pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight changes, and even medications and drugs such as steroid use.
Abnormal scars called hypertrophic scarring or keloids arise when collagen grows in an abnormal manner following injury. Scar treatment may encompass a variety of treatments. Keloids and hypertrophic scars may be treated by a combination of injections, IPL, laser resurfacing treatment, and even Botox.
In general, the appearance of scars can be greatly improved but not completely removed. Early scar treatment is key, and Dr. Palm often treats healing scars at the time of suture removal. Lasers and light treatments such as a photofacial can remove excess redness, pink, and brown discoloration of the scar. Infrared lasers such as Fraxel and ResurFX can improve the texture of fine scars. CO2 laser resurfacing is typically reserved from moderate to severe acne scarring, traumatic scars, and burn scars. Infini, a radiofrequency and microneedling device, is particularly helpful for acne scarring in all skin types.
