When our skin is damaged beyond the outermost superficial layer, scars are the natural result of the healing process. There are a number of factors that determine the amount of scarring that you’ll experience. The depth, severity and location of the injury all play a major role in the scar’s characteristics. Other factors such as genetics, gender, ethnicity and age can all contribute to the resulting scarring.

Types of Scars

There are four main types of scars:

• Atrophic scars appear pitted or depressed, i.e. acne scars, chickenpox scars
• Contracture scars are generally caused by a burn and can go deep into muscles and nerves, sometimes impairing a person’s mobility.
• Hypertrophic scars protrude above the normal skin because of collagen overproduction, but don’t grow beyond the boundary of the wound.
• Keloid scars are a severe form of hypertrophic scar and can grow beyond the boundary of the wound, often making treatment difficult.

Are Stretch Marks Scars?

Stretch marks are scars that form in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of the skin that helps it keep its shape. It is thought that when the dermis is continually stretched, or stretched beyond its limits, the tissue is damaged and that’s when stretch marks form. Both men and women can experience stretch marks virtually anywhere on the body. Contributing factors to the formation of stretch marks include rapid weight gain, rapid weight loss, pregnancy and extreme body building.

Stretch Mark and Scar Treatment

Currently there’s no non-surgical method to completely eliminate scars or stretch marks, but there are ways to diminish their appearance. Lougheed Laser offers several scar treatments depending on the type and severity of scarring.

Microdermabrasion is a quick, painless way to treat light superficial scars. Fraxel® Laser is the industry choice for tougher marks like acne scars and stretch marks. Lastly, dermal fillers are sometimes useful for select atrophic scars, as they can fill in the sunken area of skin.

Reduce the appearance of your scars or stretch marks, by contacting us. Both of our doctors would be happy to review the scar treatment options that will produce the results you are looking for.