Treatment of Scarring Resulting from Trauma, Surgery, or Burns
Scarring can be caused by accidents, injuries, burns, surgery, medical conditions such as acne, and other less common disorders. Scars can be disfiguring and a source of emotional distress for many patients. Fortunately, recent advances in laser technology, as well as our understanding of scars, has led to the ability to treat them more effectively. Because of his strong interest in treating scars of all types, patients from all over Nashville, the surrounding areas, and from afar visit Dr. Brian Biesman for scar treatments.
Treatment of scarring may require a combination of approaches including scar revision surgery, treatment with one or more types of laser, topical medications applied immediately after laser scar removal treatment, injections and other remedies. Some patients have a combination of different scar types and thus may require several different types of treatments. For example, scars which are red in color (whether they are flat or elevated) often respond better to treatment with one or more lasers that target the red color.
Contracted and tight scars can cause limitation in movement of the face, jaw, and even the arms, legs, and fingers. In these cases, ablative fractional resurfacing with a specially modified resurfacing laser known as SCAAR FX can help release this contraction and lead to return of function. In some situations, elevated, thickened scars are treated first with a resurfacing laser and then with medications that are able to penetrate deeper into the scar. Medications delivered to scars after initial laser treatment include anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids) and a drug known as 5-FU. The combination of laser resurfacing followed by application of medications into the channels created by the laser is known as Laser Assisted Drug Delivery (LADD) and is a cutting-edge approach to the treatment of scars.
When surface texture changes are the primary concern (as can be the case following some burn scars for example), treatment with non-ablative resurfacing lasers either alone or in combination with superficial ablative fractional resurfacing can produce dramatic improvement in both skin texture and feel.
Treatment of scarring often requires multiple treatment sessions in order to achieve the best outcome. However, we are pleased to be able to offer hope for patients who have been previously told that they have no good options to improve the appearance of their scars. If you have a scar which is of concern due to its appearance, symptoms such as pain or itching, or because it limits your ability to function, please let our staff know.