Scars, those vestiges of our personal histories. While often treasured as tales of resilience, our scars may not always align with our vision of flawless beauty. Here at Yag-Howard Cosmetic Dermatology, we blend the artistry of aesthetics with the precision of science to refine your skin’s narrative into one of perfection. I always say, “I can’t make you like your mama made you, but I can sure make things look a whole lot better”. Once the skin is compromised, scarring can occur; luckily though, we have all the tools available to minimize their appearance and maximize your confidence.
Understanding Scars: The Elegance of Healing
Scars form when the dermis, our skin’s supportive foundation, sustains an injury. This complex process begins with inflammation, followed by proliferation, where collagen forms to rebuild the tissue. The final stage, remodeling, is where scars often form—sometimes leaving behind visible reminders that may disrupt the skin’s harmony.
However, advances in aesthetic medicine offer sophisticated solutions to manage and diminish th
ese marks. At Yag-Howard Cosmetic Dermatology , we employ a suite of state-of-the-art modalities designed to enhance the natural beauty of your skin with finesse and precision.
Procedures:
- Profractional (i.e., Erbium) Lasers embody the pinnacle of technological innovation. These lasers precisely target scar tissue, creating microscopic cores in skin tissue that stimulate the skin’s natural healing response while sparing the surrounding tissue. This process enhances collagen production, refining the skin’s texture and tone with minimal downtime. The result? Smoother, healthier looking skin.
- SkinPen® Microneedling is routinely performed by our Esthetician, Lisa. Microneedling promotes skin renewal by creating controlled micro-injuries. These micro-injuries stimulate a cascade of natural healing responses, including collagen and elastin production. The outcome is a refined skin texture, reduced scar appearance, and a revitalized complexion. SkinPen is FDA-cleared for treatment of scars and one of the best microneedling devices available due to its super-fine needles, adjustable penetration depth, and its ability to create over 98,000 channels/minute. Topical numbing ensures this process is both effective and comfortable.
- Broad Band Light (BBL) represents the forefront of phototherapy. Utilizing the power of light, BBL targets pigmentation and vascular issues associated with scars, decreasing color variations between the scar and the surrounding skin.
Injections:
- Platelet-Rich Fibrin & Platelet-Rich Platelets (PRF & PRP) harness the regenerative properties of your own blood. PRF and PRP injections enhance the skin’s natural healing and rejuvenation processes by releasing growth factors that accelerate tissue repair and collagen synthesis, refining skin texture and elasticity. The treatment(s) use the power of your own cells in healing, offering results that are as natural as they are profound.
- Dermal Fillers are a viable option for atrophic scars, those that are depressed compared to the level of the surrounding skin. Injectable fillers can restore volume and smooth out irregularities, offering immediate results. We use fillers to subtly refine your skin’s texture, improving the smoothness of your skin.
- Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is a potent corticosteroid that is injected directly into scar tissue to reduce inflammation and inhibit the excessive collagen production that often leads to raised scars. The anti-inflammatory properties of Kenalog help calm the excessive cellular activity in hypertrophic and keloid scars, reducing redness and swelling. This technique allows for a concentrated treatment precisely where it’s needed, making it an ideal option for scars that are resistant to other treatments.
Topicals
- Silver-infused creams, like EltaMD Silvergel, are tried and true products used to minimize scars in the early stages of healing. Infused with silver, known for its antimicrobial properties, these topicals expedite healing while preventing infection, and ensuring an optimal healing environment.
- Silicone products (like Skinuva, Silagen, and BioCorneum) create an occlusive silicone “sheet” over the scar, maintaining optimal hydration, and preventing the buildup of excessive collagen that often leads to hypertrophic and keloid scars. Some silicone products contain an SPF to provide environmental protection for new and healing skin. The controlled moisture level helps flatten, soften, and smooth scars over time, making them less noticeable and more aligned with the natural texture of your skin.
- Copper infused creams, like Neova Cu3 Cream, are copper-based formulations that support tissue repair and reduce scar formation. Our favorite, Cu3 Cream, does a fabulous job of nourishing skin, promoting collagen synthesis, and enhancing elasticity to transform your skin’s healing process.
Your Path to Perfection
If you are concerned with scars – either from injury, acne, or prior procedures – I encourage you to schedule a complimentary Cosmetic Consultation with me. Once I know the history and details of your scar, we can develop a treatment plan. Scar type, location, age, and prior treatment are individual, and your treatment plan may not be the same as someone else. Together, we will work toward making your scar(s) as invisible as possible.
All my best,
Mona Entezari, PA-C
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