Treatment: Scar Treatment

For some people the scars are barely noticeable and for others they can be cosmetically problematic but also in some cases cause a functional issue or cause pain and itch.

Bookings: bookings.skinhealthallergy@onewelbeck.com

Tel: 020 3653 2007

Why you might need?

Scars occur as a result of damage to the dermis within the skin. It is the normal healing response. For some people the scars are barely noticeable and for others they can be cosmetically problematic but also in some cases cause a functional issue or cause pain and itch. For some the scar affects the way you think, feel and behave.

Treatment Info

You will be assessed for your scar type to determine which treatment would best suit you. The scar will be graded formally and photographed to monitor treatment progression.

There are a number of different types of treatment to help with scarring. They are typically divided into:

Surgical therapy 

Non-surgical intervention

  • Laser therapy
  • Pulsed Dye Laser – to address red scars
  • CO2 laser to improve the texture of the scar
  • Fillers
  • Chemical Peels
  • Radiotherapy

Supportive measures

  • Psychological support
  • Physiotherapy
  • Pressure therapy
  • Dressing Therapy
  • Camouflage

Treatment Aftercare

Acne scarring is complex. There is also not a one size fits all in terms of the process of treating acne scars. In the same way that not all people with acne develop acne scars, not all scars respond or behave in the same way to different treatment modalities.

There are multiple scar types that make up acne scarring, the majority of these are atrophic (dips in the skin) and some can be hypertrophic (raised off the surface of the skin).

The atrophic scars are further divided into:

  1. Ice pick scars
  2. Boxcar scars – narrow
  3. Boxcars scars – broad
  4. Rolling scars

Each of these subtypes are best treated using a different modality, in some cases energy based devices such as non-ablative fractional laser; ablative lasers or micro-needling radio frequency is best. For ice pick scars –  using techniques such as targeted chemical acids, a process called TCA-CROSS is better. For other scar types, subcision and filler injections may be better.

All of these options would be discussed with you and an approach that usually requires multiple planned visits with a consistent improvement in the scarring will occur.

For atrophic scars the use of sun protection and topical retinoid is almost always beneficial.

Treatment Recovery

No. There is no technology or treatment that can remove scars entirely. We can make them look and/or feel better. Scars will also improve themselves over time, usually the first two years.

Treatment Programme
Scar Treatment

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Health Insurance

This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

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Self-Pay Available

This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.

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Consultation Required

For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.

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Next Day Availability

We usually have next day availability for this service, please call us to check availability.

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Self Referral

No doctor referral needed in order to book this service, although health insurers may require a referral in order for your treatment to be covered.

Scar Treatment Specialists

Our consultants are all either heads of service at London teaching hospitals, or have played major roles in clinical innovation, employing their collective expertise, knowledge and deep experience to deliver the best care possible.