How to Treat Scars: From Acne to Surgery Marks

Scars are the skin’s natural way of healing from an injury, whether from acne, surgery, an accident, or a burn. But while they tell a story of healing, you may prefer that story to be less visible. The good news is that modern dermatology offers more effective solutions for scar management than ever before.

For residents of Princeton, Plainsboro, and all of Central New Jersey, the team at John Vine MD believes in a personalized approach. The best treatment for your scar depends entirely on its type, age, location, and your skin type.

The First Step: Understanding Your Scar

Effective treatment starts with a proper diagnosis. Is your scar raised and red, staying within the boundary of the original wound? This is likely a hypertrophic scar. Is it depressed, sitting below the surrounding skin like a small pit? This is a common atrophic scar from acne. Some scars, known as keloids, grow beyond the original wound edges, while others from surgeries form fine lines. Each type requires a different, tailored strategy.

What You Can Do at Home

For new scars or as a complement to professional treatments, consistency is key. One of the simplest yet most powerful things you can do is protect the scar from the sun. UV exposure can permanently darken a healing scar, making it more noticeable. Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential.

Another proven at-home strategy for raised scars is the use of silicone gel or sheets. Silicone creates a protective, hydrating barrier that can help flatten and soften the scar’s appearance over time.

Advanced Professional Treatments in Princeton

When you’re ready to significantly improve a scar’s appearance, our Princeton-based practice offers a range of advanced solutions. For depressed acne scars, treatments like laser resurfacing can gently remove damaged skin layers, encouraging the body to produce fresh, smooth skin. For raised scars, targeted injections can help soften and flatten the excess collagen that causes the scar to be elevated. 

Microneedling is a versatile treatment that uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries. This triggers your skin’s natural healing process, stimulating collagen production to improve the texture and depth of various scar types.

No matter which professional treatment you choose, the healing process afterward is critical to achieving the best results. Proper care can minimize side effects and support your skin’s recovery. For detailed guidance, we recommend reviewing our Top Tips for Post-Procedure Skin Care.

The philosophy at John Vine MD is that treating a scar is as much an art as it is a science. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. A successful outcome depends on a thorough evaluation and a customized plan that may combine several modalities. Our goal is not to erase your history, but to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your skin.

If you’re in the Princeton-Plainsboro area and ready to explore your options for scar revision, contact John Vine, MD, to schedule a consultation. Together, we can develop a personalized plan to help your scar fade into the background.

Categorized in: Skin Cancer