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scar on back of neck and person is considering scar removal

Is Scar Removal Worth It?

Scars can be embarrassing for their owners. There is a variety of over the counter products that may be beneficial for unsightly markings, but for some people and some scars they may not be sufficient to minimize the appearance. If you are considering scar removal surgery, it’s important to know the facts and decide: is it really worth it?

Personal Considerations

Of course, the initial questions regarding the necessity of scar removal must be personal ones. Is it in a place that can’t be easily covered by clothes? Do others notice it? Is it thick and ugly, or is it simply a slight imperfection? Will minimizing the scar solve the issues you hope it will (e.g. self-confidence), or are there other issues that need to be dealt with before you can feel whole and happy? Before opting for scar removal, consider if scar removal is really what you’re looking for. Assuming that it is, here are a few facts to consider regarding various types of scar removal. 

Laser Removal

Laser resurfacing literally utilizes a laser to resurface the skin. An ablative laser actually takes off layers of skin, a good option for raised scars. Nonablative lasers, however, promote healing, so that the skin underneath can tighten or firm up by encouraging the production of collagen. It can be quite effective for minor blemishes or scars (such as acne scars), but it also doesn’t work for every scar. It can require multiple treatments, costing anywhere from about $100 to over $5000. 

Additionally, it is not without risk. Ablative laser treatments can irritate the skin, cause discoloration, temporary acne, or infection, and even make the scarring worse instead of better. Nonablative laser treatments may result in discoloration, infection, irritation, and blisters, in addition to also potentially making the scar worse. 

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasions are more appropriate for more serious scarring. Much like sanding down rough spots on a piece of wood, dermabrasion uses a spinning wire brush to “abrade” off the top layers of skin. This can smooth the scar down and make it smaller. Like laser removal, it comes with a host of risks: inflammation, discoloration, acne, infection, rashes, and temporarily enlarged pores. Additionally, dermabrasion that takes off more than it should may create new scars. 

Dermabrasion requires multiple visits, ultimately costing from about $375 to $1200, depending on the location and the number of necessary treatments. There are other nonsurgical treatments that may be beneficial for your scar. Talk to your dermatologist about alternative methods. 

Surgical Procedures

If nonsurgical methods are insufficient for your scarring, you may be looking at surgical alternatives. A punch graft is a method skin grafting. The scar is “punched” out (like you might punch a hole in a piece of paper), and a graft of skin is taken from another place (often the back of the ear) and fitted over the hole to provide a smooth appearance. Punch grafts are commonly used to treat acne scars. Depending on how many scars you wish to cover, it can get pretty pricey. Medical professionals generally charge by the scar -- anywhere from $250-$750 per scar. 

Surgical scar revision, on the other hand, changes the look of the scar, rather than covering or removing it. The existing scar is surgically cut out or off, and the skin is rejoined. This procedure is more effective for larger, thicker scars. Although the new scar should be less obvious, it is important to realize that you will still have a scar. Surgical scar revision generally costs between $500 and $3000. The type and placement of the scar, as well as the particular doctor performing the procedure will impact cost. Remember to shop around for pricing and ability before settling on who will be performing your procedures. 

Last Updated: December 16, 2016