Update on the Treatment of Scars

Abstract

Background: Treatment of scars continues to be a persisting challenge. Scar classification is paramount in determining an appropriate treatment strategy. They can be classified into hypertrophic, keloid, or atrophic scars. With the increasing demand for less invasive procedures that result in equal or greater outcomes, there has been an increase in the variety of procedures for the management of scarring. Methods: A Pubmed search was performed for the most recent papers on scar treatments. Findings and applications are discussed in this review. Results: Studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of microneedling, filler agents, toxins, silicone gels, and laser devices such as ablative, non-ablative, fractional, SRT, and radiofrequency are discussed. Conclusion: Review of the literature revealed a myriad of options for the treatment of different scar types. Although there is not vast evidence in the literature in regard to combination treatments, these are becoming more popular, and it is the author’s opinion that combination treatments yield better overall results. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(6):550-555.