When the skin is damaged from an infection, burn, cut or surgery, it repairs itself using scar tissue. Collagen and other skin elements restore the skin surface, but the skin is permanently changed, leaving behind a scar. One of the types of scars that can occur is an atrophic scar, an indent in the skin where tissue was removed. At Eden Plastic Surgery Institute, we offer skin resurfacing and other atrophic scar removal treatments at our clinic in Miami.
Many scars on the skin are flat and match the surrounding surface. With atrophic scars, not all the tissue is replaced, leaving a small hole or indentation in the skin. This is common with acne and chicken pox scars, which can leave small dents and dips in the surface of the skin. It may also occur when a skin formation is removed, like a mole or after Mohs surgery for skin cancer. Regardless of the cause, atrophic scar removal requires smoothing the skin through either removal of surface cells or revision through skin grafting or fillers.
Treatment for Indented Scars
The most common atrophic scar treatment is laser skin resurfacing. Laser treatments use light energy to target the damaged skin cells, revealing fresh, rejuvenated skin. Laser skin resurfacing or dermabrasion can remove the top layer of skin and stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the dermis. The result can be smoother skin and tone, reducing the appearance of atrophic scars.
For deeper atrophic scars from mole removal or Mohs surgery, scar revision surgery may be required. This can include grafting new skin and tissue to restore the skin.
If you have atrophic scars you want removed, contact our team at Eden Plastic Surgery Institute. We offer advanced options in atrophic scar treatment at our medical center in Miami. Call today to book a scar removal consultation with our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ali Charafeddine.