The Types of Scars
There are many types of scars, including keloidal, hypertrophic, and atrophic. Keloidal scars are tumor-like formations that overgrow the site of original injury. These may occur in anyone, but are found more frequently in darker-skinned individuals. Hypertrophic scars are thickened scars that remain within the boundaries of the original injury. Atrophic scars form a depression at the site of injury.
All of these scars may differ in their color, cosmetic, and functional considerations as well as treatment.
Lasers, excisional surgery, dermabrasion, chemical peels, steroid injections, filling materials, and topical medicines all have a place in scar management. The best results come from a careful evaluation of the scars by a physician with experience in all modalities of scar treatment.
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