What Are Scars
When the body heals a wound, it builds new skin tissue made of collagen, elastin, and other proteins to repair the affected area. This new tissue often differs in colour and texture from the surrounding skin, resulting in the appearance of a scar. Many scars fade over time, but some remain noticeable long after the original injury has healed. At SpaMedica, our team offers a range of non-surgical treatments to meaningfully reduce the appearance of scarring and restore confidence in your skin.
What Causes Scars?
Scars are caused by the new tissue the body produces when healing from a skin laceration. This can be any type of wound, from a relatively shallow cut to a deeper injury. Some types of scars, such as keloid scars, occur when the body produces an excess of collagen in response to an injury, resulting in a scar that is raised above the level of the surrounding skin.
Types of Scars
Acne Scars: Acne scars result from cuts, scratches, or minor skin lacerations caused by acne, most commonly from picking or popping pimples. There are several types of acne scars: icepick scars, which are deep and pitted; rolling scars, which are bands of scar tissue that create a wavy surface; boxcar scars, which are round or oval in shape with defined edges; and atrophic or keloid scars, which are raised above the skin surface.
Stretch Marks: Stretch marks are a type of scarring that occurs when the skin's tissue expands very rapidly, such as during pregnancy, rapid weight gain, or significant changes in body composition. They commonly appear on the abdomen, hips, thighs, and breasts.
Flat Scars: Flat scars are among the most common types of scarring and often appear pink or red initially. This pigmentation typically fades over time, though the texture difference from surrounding skin may remain.
Keloid Scars: Keloid scars are raised and occur when the body continues to produce collagen even after a wound has fully healed, resulting in a scar that extends beyond the boundaries of the original injury.
Contracture Scars: Contracture scars occur when the skin contracts or shrinks during the healing process, often as a result of burns. This type of scarring can make the affected area feel tight and limit movement in the surrounding skin.
Non-Surgical Scar Treatments at SpaMedica
Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion uses light physical abrasion to remove the outermost layer of skin and promote new tissue healing. By encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin in the scarred area, dermabrasion improves overall skin tone and texture and reduces the visible appearance of scarring.
Fractional CO2 Laser: The fractional CO2 laser passes microscopic columns of energy into the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin. As the skin heals, it grows back stronger, firmer, and more even in tone, producing a meaningful reduction in the appearance of scarring over a series of sessions.
Erbium Skin Resurfacing: Erbium laser resurfacing creates precise micro-thermal channels in the skin that, as they heal, result in smoother, tighter, and more even-toned skin with fewer visible imperfections. It is particularly effective for surface-level and moderately deep scarring.
Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve the application of a carefully selected chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate and remove its outermost layers, stimulating cell turnover and collagen production. The depth and strength of the peel can be customized to the severity and type of scarring being addressed, making it a versatile option for scar reduction across a range of scar types.
Topical Creams and Ointments: Topical products containing retinoids or hyaluronic acid can gradually reduce the appearance of scarring over time and are a useful complement to clinical treatments. While a consistent skincare routine is important for overall skin health, over-the-counter products are unlikely to produce the same degree of improvement as a clinical procedure for more established or pronounced scarring.
Our Approach to Scar Treatment at SpaMedica
Every scar treatment journey at SpaMedica begins with a thorough consultation. Our team will ask about your concerns, the appearance of your scar, and the results you are hoping to achieve. We will then walk you through the treatment options most appropriate for your scar type and skin, being honest about the realistic outcomes and the pros and cons of each approach so you can make a fully informed decision. We will provide a clear and accurate pricing quote before proceeding and will be available throughout your recovery to address any concerns that arise.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve the application of a carefully selected chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate and remove its outermost layers, stimulating cell turnover and collagen production.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion uses light physical abrasion to remove the outermost layer of skin and promote new tissue healing. By encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin in the scarred area, dermabrasion improves overall skin tone and texture and reduces the visible appearance of scarring.
Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment
The fractional CO2 laser passes microscopic columns of energy into the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin. As the skin heals, it grows back stronger, firmer, and more even in tone, producing a meaningful reduction in the appearance of scarring over a series of sessions.
Fractional Erbium Laser
Erbium laser resurfacing creates precise micro-thermal channels in the skin that, as they heal, result in smoother, tighter, and more even-toned skin with fewer visible imperfections. It is particularly effective for surface-level and moderately deep scarring.
