Scars can distract from your best features and make you more self conscious about your appearance. Fortunately the following tips can help you minimize the appearance of scars.

• Ask about stitches: If you have a deep cut and stitches are optional, it may still be best to opt for stitches since they can help the wound to heal faster and reduce the size of potential scars. For stitches to be effective, they need to be placed shortly after the cut is made.
• Keep the cut clean and moist: It is crucial to keep the incision clean. After it has been cleaned, use a bandage petroleum jelly or a cream recommended by your dermatologist to keep the area from drying out.
• Minimize sun exposure while healing: Sun damage can lead to a darker more noticeable scar, so take extra precautions when you’re healing.
• Never pop your zits: Acne can lead to permanent scars—especially if you pop your zits. Instead of popping them and spreading infection, ask your dermatologist for help preventing breakouts.
• Be patient: Some incisions can take a long time to heal, but will continuously improve.
• Ask for advice about over the counter treatments: There are some over the counter creams and silicone bandages that are purported to help minimize the appearance of scar. Most of the successful ones work to keep the area moist to speed up the healing process. If you are considering using an over the counter product, ask your dermatologist for a recommendation so that you make a worthwhile investment.
• Follow instructions carefully: If you undergo plastic surgery, your doctor will make every effort to keep scars as small and inconspicuous as possible. For the best results, you should carefully follow any instructions given about aftercare.
• Consider laser skin treatments: Fractionated laser skin resurfacing stimulates the body’s natural healing process and can be used to improve skin tone and make the skin smoother. This treatment can also be used to minimize the appearance of age spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, and surgical scars. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rosenthal to learn more about this treatment.