Can old white scars be removed?
I have a lot of old (10 years) scars on my arms, mainly from cutting, that are hardly raised anymore, but very visible. Could a skin resurfacing procedure remove them?
All scars can be improved, some almost made invisible. There are many techniques for treating the scars including: excision, laser, injection, pressure and many others depending on the presentation. You should see your plastic surgeon to discuss the scar treatment.
White flat scars can be difficult to improve and some of that depends on your own natural skin color. Find a doctor who has some experience with either the scar FX fractionated laser device or the Fraxel repair laser system. Sometimes these doctors are dermatologists or plastic surgeons associated with burn care centers.
Scars can be improved but not removed. Trunk & extremity scars can do especially poorly with scar revision. An examination would be of great assistance in giving a determination of the best options for a course of treatment of your scars. Consider a consult with an ASAPS Member in your area.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
This is a difficult situation. They cannot be removed but their appearance may be improved. Trying to "re-pigment" these scars can be time consuming and costly but it is an option. An Excimer Laser or ReLume device is used for this. Another option is to trying and lighten the skin adjacent to the white scars you have. This can be done with laser ablations of the adjacent skin.