Can the scars be removed?

A scar is a sign or mark that remains on the skin after the wound healing process (produced by surgery or accident) or after an inflammatory process such as acne. There are several types of scars and these are also at different phases. As such, it is very important to perform the appropriate treatment to try to remove or attenuate this scar (be less visible).

Could you erase a scar? This is a frequent question asked by our patients. Removing a scar leaving a completely intact skin is not possible, since there has been a rupture of the integrity of the skin. However, the treatments to erase scars can attenuate them to the point where they are very little visible. The satisfaction of patients in these treatments for scars is high.

The main types of scars are those caused by acne, after a trauma (accident) or after surgery.

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How to eliminate scars? The Ribe Clinic protocol

At Ribe Clinic we schedule a visit with the professional to assess the type and degree of scar and propose the most appropriate therapy to treat the scar, which can be in monotherapy or in combination of several techniques.

Thus, the treatments that we use to attend our patients’ demands to erase a scar (attenuate) are:


Why choose Ribe Clinic to treat your scars?

Ribe Clinic professionals have experience in the latest medical technology applied to treat scars and have specific protocols for each type of scar. Years of experience and management of the latest technology, guarantee their results. In addition, they participate in medical research with new technologies for the treatment of acne scars.

The medical technology used in the treatment of mild-moderate scars is the Fraxel re-store laser. However, for the most severe scars, the fractional CO2 laser, the fractional picosecond laser (Resolve) and the fractional radiofrequency subactative E- matrix are performed.In some cases, if indicated, fillers or collagen-inducing materials are used to attenuate the scar. Nutritional supplements for the activation of collagen formation which are very important in the process of scar repair and creams for scars are prescribed.

These medical technologies, depending on the type of scar and the evolution of the patient during the treatment to erase scars, can be combined for the best aesthetic result.

Treatment of post acne scars, can they be erased?

Patients ask us: Can you erase an acne scar? Removing a scar leaving a completely intact skin is not possible, since there has been a rupture of the integrity of the skin after the inflammatory process. However, treatments for acne scars can soften them to the point where they are very inconspicuous. The satisfaction of patients in these treatments for acne scars is high.

After acne, we may have red marks or scars.

The red marks are a residual consequence of the inflammatory process. These can remain weeks or months so that, although the pimple has disappeared, the red mark, or brown in some cases, lasts. These red marks post acne can be effectively attenuated with laser or fractional radiofrequency and, sometimes, with the application of specific creams.

The post acne scars appear when the sebaceous gland swells considerably, the surrounding collagen fibers are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue with lower quality collagen. Thus, the dermis atrophies and the epidermis becomes depressed. There are 3 types of post acne scars:

  • “boxcar scars” or in “boxcar” due to its shape, with a wide diameter (more than 2 mm) and sharp edges
  • “ice picks” scars: they are punctate (diameter less than 2 mm) and deep
  • “Rolling scars” or “wavy scars”: softer depressions that affect large areas and give an irregular and recorded skin appearance.

The treatment of these scars is different for each of them, although many patients have scars of the 3 types and therefore we combine treatments.

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The laser and radiofrequency activate the formation of new collagen in the dermis and remodel the old one so that the scar is “filled”. In addition, they regenerate the epidermis that was atrophic and depressed. Thus, scars on the skin gradually become less visible. The scar can be reduced by 80%.

The results of the treatment for scars depend on the type of treatment, the number of sessions that are performed and the type of scar, since some respond better than others.

At Ribe Clinic we schedule a visit to evaluate the type and degree of scar and propose the most appropriate therapy for the treatment of the scar, which can be in monotherapy or in combination of several techniques.
There are several degrees of acne scars, that is why we use a type of laser or other in the treatment to remove (attenuate) scars.

  • In mild or moderate acne scars the best option is the Fraxel laser re-store with one session every 15-30 days, with a total of 3-5 sessions. Anesthetic cream is required before its application. In addition, the heat of the laser helps to destroy the bacteria Propionebacterium Acnes in the case that there is still some residual active acne, thus reducing the appearance of active acne.
  • In deep acne scars, we recommend the fractional CO2 laser in 2 sessions, one every 3-6 months. It is a more aggressive laser than the previous one. Anesthetic cream is required before its application. Or the fractional picosecond laser (Resolve) in 4-6 sessions, 1 every 1-2 weeks. This laser is milder and does not need numbing cream.
  • Fractional radiofrequency E-matrix is used in both degrees of scars. 3-5 sessions are recommended, 1 every 3-4 weeks.

It depends on the severity of the scars and the treatment used:

  • In mild or moderate acne scars: LASER FRAXEL RE-STORE from 3 to 5 sessions performing 1 session every 15-30 days.
  • In deep acne scars: CO2 FRACTIONAL LASER: 2 sessions, 1 every 3-6 months.
  • In deep acne scars: FRACTIONAL PICOSEGUNDOS LASER (RESOLVE): 4-6 sessions, 1 every 1-2 weeks.
  • In mild, moderate or deep acne scars: FRACTIONAL RADIOFREQUENCY E-matrix: 3-5 sessions, 1 every 3-4 weeks.
  • With the Fraxel Laser re-store (mild or moderate acne scars), the skin may be red, hot and slightly inflamed after the session. You can continue with social life immediately.
  • With fractional CO2 laser (deep scars), the skin is red and hot after the session, with tiny crusts of less than a millimeter that disappear after 1 week. It is recommended to be quietly at home for a week.
  • With the fractional picosecond laser the skin may be red, hot and slightly inflamed after the session. You can continue with social life immediately.
  • With fractional radiofrequency E-matrix the skin can be red, hot and slightly inflamed after the session. You can continue with social life immediately.

Both the risk and the side effects are very unlikely and in any case unimportant. The important thing is to protect yourself from the sun with a high protection factor (SPF +50). These treatments for scars can be done all year long following the doctor’s instructions.

Simply apply a healing cream or moisturizer in the treated area for a few days, as well as a sunscreen (SPF +50). In the case of the treatment of deep scars, it is recommended an antibiotic cream and a prevention for herpes simplex, as well as a sun protection (SPF +50).

Traumatic scars (scars after accidents)

Patients ask us: Can you erase a scar from an accident? Removing a scar leaving a completely intact skin is not possible, since there has been a rupture of the integrity of the skin. But treatments for traumatic scars can attenuate them to the point where they are very inconspicuous. The satisfaction of patients after these treatments for the scars of accidents is high.

In the past, it was difficult to improve the appearance of scars caused by an accident. However, we currently have medical technology to improve their appearance and make them much less visible.

The traumatic scars can be:

  • atrophic scar: it is a depressed scar
  • hypertrophic scar: it is a bulky scar within the limit of the scar
  • keloid scar: it is a bulky scar overpassing the limit of the scar

The treatment to erase the scar will depend on the type of scar we have. Thus, in the treatment of scars we can use lasers (different types of lasers), radiofrequency or inject intralesional corticosteroids.

The aim of the treatment to remove (attenuate) the scars is that the scar is as visible as possible reducing its thickness, its redness, improving its elasticity and making it as close to normal surrounding skin and relieving discomfort if any.

Ribe clinic protocol for the treatment of traumatic scars

At Ribe Clinic we schedule a visit to evaluate the type and degree of scar and propose the most appropriate therapy for the treatment of the scar, which can be in monotherapy or in combination of several techniques.

Thus, depending on the type of scar and its condition, we use one therapy or another in the treatment to remove them (attenuate them), seeking the best aesthetic result.

  • In atrophic and hypertrophic scars the best option is to start with the Fraxel re-store laser with 1 session every 15-30 days, with a total of 3-5 sessions.
  • In keloid scars we recommend the combination of injection of intralesional corticosteroids with Fraxel re-store laser with 1 session every 15-30 days, with a total of 3-5 sessions.
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Preguntas frecuentes sobre las cicatrices traumáticas post accidentes:

The laser and radiofrequency in the treatment for scars activate the formation of new collagen in the dermis and remodel the old (poorly formed) so that the appearance of the scar is improved. In addition, they regenerate the epidermis that was atrophic and depressed or hypertrophic. Thus, progressively softens the appearance of skin scars. The scar can be reduced by 80%.

The results of the treatment for scars depend on the type of treatment we use (choose the right one), the number of sessions that are performed and the type of scar, since some respond better than others.

Approximately 3-5 months after finishing the treatment to remove (attenuate) the scars, depending on the time of the scar, the size of the scar and the precocity of the treatment, the improvement is observed. It is true, however, that since the first session there is a change in the scar, but the final aesthetic result is evaluated after 3-5 months of finishing the treatment since it continues to improve its appearance over time.

It usually takes 3-5 sessions of treatment for the scars

Simply apply a healing cream in the treated area for a few days, as well as a sunscreen (+50).
You can return to normal daily activity.

Depending on the case, we recommend applying creams or patches for scars to enhance the effect of medical treatments.

Treatment for post-surgery scars

Many patients come to our practice with the aim of eliminating scars caused by surgical procedures, for example plastic surgery. In these cases we recommend not waiting a long time after the surgery and go to our consultation just by removing the stitches to start treatment immediately.

In the case of post-surgery scars, we must treat a skin that has been “broken” and that, when cured, has created a scar. With the laser or radiofrequency treatment we will remodel the collagen that has suffered this “break”. In this way, the scar is flatter, narrower and more similar in color to the surrounding normal skin. We get the scars much less visible.

Ribe clinic protocol for the treatment of post-surgery scars

In Ribe Clinic we schedule a visit to evaluate the scar and propose the most appropriate therapy, which can be in monotherapy or in combination of several techniques.

Thus, depending on the type of scar and its condition, we use one therapy or another in the treatment to remove them (attenuate them), seeking the best aesthetic result.

  • In atrophic and hypertrophic scars the best option is to start with the Fraxel re-store laser with 1 session every 15-30 days, with a total of 3-5 sessions.
  • In keloid scars we recommend the combination of injection of intralesional corticosteroids with Fraxel re-store laser with 1 session every 15-30 days, with a total of 3-5 sessions.
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It depends on the time that has passed from the surgery to the treatment to remove it.

Approximately 3-5 months after finishing the treatment to remove (attenuate) the scars, depending on the time of the scar, the size of the scar and the precocity of the treatment, the improvement is observed. It is true, however, that since the first session there is a change in the scar, but the final aesthetic result is evaluated after 3-5 months of finishing the treatment since it continues to improve its appearance over time.

It usually takes 3-5 sessions of treatment for the scars.

Simply apply a healing cream in the treated area for a few days, as well as a sunscreen (+50).
You can return to normal daily activity.

Depending on the case, we recommend applying creams or patches for scars to enhance the effect of medical treatments.

How can i erase or eliminate a keloid scar?

Some patients with a tendency, and also sometimes without known reasons, heal poorly, forming a scar more bulky, red inside or outside the limits of the scar.

Thus, after an accident, surgery or burn some patients form a scar with a red, bulging cord that does not protrude from the site occupied by the wound (hypertrophic scar) or protrudes from the scar (keloid scar). It usually occurs within a few weeks of the injury.

The formation of skin scars after surgery or trauma is a cause of concern in patients with a history of “poor healing”. Therefore, if there is a suspicion of the formation of a keloid scar, it is advisable to carry out preventive treatment and stop its formation.

Ribe clinic protocol for the treatment of keloid scars

In keloid scars we recommend the combination of injection of intralesional corticosteroids with Fraxel re-store laser with 1 session every 15-30 days, with a total of 3-5 sessions depending on the case.

In addition, apply specific creams or patches for scars.