Health Tip: Hiding Ugly Scars

(HealthDay News) -- Scars are found on almost everyone''s body. Although scars can''t be erased, there are many ways to minimize their appearance, the American Academy of Dermatology says.

The academy recommends a consultation between the patient and dermatologist to decide the best treatment.

Here''s a list of possible treatment options:

• Dermabrasion: a machine is used to remove the top layers of skin.
• Surgical scar revision: best suited for wide or long scars, a method of removing a scar and rejoining the normal skin.
• Laser resurfacing: a method of removing acne and chicken pox scars that involves high-energy light to remove damaged skin.
• Soft tissue fillers: injectable collagen used to elevate indented, soft scars.
• Punch grafts: small pieces of normal skin used to replace damaged skin.
• Chemical peels: the use of a chemical to remove the top layer of skin to smooth scars.

Other scar treatments may include pressure bandages, massages, silicone-containing gels or cortisone injections.

-- Kimberly Sferruzzo

Last Updated: Oct. 11, 2005