Depressed scars can be improved by removing the scar surgically – usually in the office. Skin fillers can also be used to improve most depressed scars in an easy, immediate, and quick way. Advanced lasers or dermabrasion can also be used to treat skin areas with depressed scars, such as in acne scarring cases.
Laser therapy stands at the forefront of indented scar treatment, offering precise and targeted results. Two primary approaches include: Fractional Ablative Laser: Removes damaged skin layers while stimulating natural collagen production. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Addresses both scar texture and discoloration.
Corticosteroid injections: This is a main treatment for hypertrophic scars. Injections are made into the scar tissue. They flatten and soften scar tissue and ease pain and itch. Several shots may be needed, each given a few weeks apart.
Treating Depressed Scars
Depressed scars can often be immediately removed or reduced with treatments like microdermabrasion or a chemical peel. Both of these techniques work by exfoliating the top layer of the skin, reducing the scar's appearance on the surface.
Several techniques and technologies have been used to correct these sequelae, and the combination of procedures seems to provide better results. Subcutaneous incision, or subcision, is an effective technique for the correction of depressed scars.
While some scars may undergo some level of fading, atrophic scars are particularly stubborn and don't resolve over time.
Unlike hypertrophic acne scars, depressed scars are permanent. They caused by the loss of collagen during the healing process. This may be due to replacement of collagen fibers with fibrotic tissue, or a combination of both. In any event, they affect the well-being of those with them.
For depressed scars: Both makeup artists we spoke with recommend using a filling primer to help fill in pitted, atrophic scars (often the result of deeper acne blemishes). “These are thicker and can actually fill up the hole,” says Adivi.
For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.
Massage therapy is routinely used by therapists for the treatment of various conditions, and there have been reports of increased scar pliability and decreased scar banding with the use of massage.
Atrophic scars are the opposite of hypertrophic scars. They are depressed, sunken and often have a pitted appearance.
Prevention – Key factors to prevent keloids and hypertrophic scars include promoting rapid wound healing by keeping the wound clean and moisturized, fixing the wound with paper tape to reduce tension, and reducing inflammation at an early stage during the wound healing process.
Soft tissue fillers.
Injecting collagen, fat or other substances under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect.
Mederma PM Cream can be used on atrophic scars such as acne and chicken pox scars. Mederma® PM Cream may help to smooth and soften the edges of the pox mark but it will not cause the indented area to fill in. By smoothing the edges, the mark may become less noticeable.
And vitamin C is a key player when it comes to creating collagen. Even though collagen and wounds are usually discussed in the context of repairing fresh injuries, since collagen helps make healthy tissue, it can impact older scars as well and improve their appearance.
There are special creams and powders (called skin camouflage) that you can apply to your skin to cover your scar so it's less noticeable. A GP can refer you for an appointment to get skin camouflage products, or you can refer yourself online.
Depressed (atrophic): These sunken scars often result from chickenpox or acne. They look like rounded pits or small indentations in the skin. Also called ice pick scars, they develop most often on the face. Acne scars may become more noticeable as you age because the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time.
Depressed scars can be improved by removing the scar surgically – usually in the office. Skin fillers can also be used to improve most depressed scars in an easy, immediate, and quick way. Advanced lasers or dermabrasion can also be used to treat skin areas with depressed scars, such as in acne scarring cases.
Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible. Another tip for caring for your scars includes surgery. Surgery will not eliminate the scar but can change its shape or make it less noticeable.
You should carry on massaging your scars for at least three to six months after your surgery or injury. What happens if I do not do anything? Your scar could become hard and inflexible or adhesions may form. Scars that cross a joint could stop you being able to bend or straighten the joint (a contracture).
Retinol is also found in many acne scar treatment products because it promotes new skin cell growth and helps even out skin texture and skin tone — all of which can help reduce the appearance of newer, red acne scars and older scars.