Scar/Stretch Mark Removal in NYC by Dr. Ron Shelton

Many of us have one or more scars from a past injury or surgery. In many instances, it is not scarring but stretch marks that cause aesthetic concerns. These visible markings are left after the skin has healed from some type of damage. Depending on the size and location of the mark, one may be self-conscious about their appearance. Furthermore, some injuries may not heal properly, resulting in disfigurement and obvious, unsightly scarring. A scar may heal flat, raised, or recessed, and differ in color from the surrounding skin. This may make the scars extremely noticeable.

Stretch marks are a common concern for individuals who have been pregnant or have had excessive weight gain or growth in a short period of time. These marks show on the skin, and are often red, pink or white in color.

There are many ways for patients to address scars and stretch marks. Scar revision and stretch mark removal treatment can be done with topical therapies, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical intervention. Topical treatments can be used to help in addressing the pigmentation of the scar, lessening its appearance on the skin, and making it much less noticeable. Minimally invasive treatments such as Fraxel Laser resurfacing can improve the skin and address problems such as stretch marks. Deep scars can be improved with dermal fillers, which can add volume and improve texture. Surgical revision is only considered in instances that previous methods of reducing the appearance have not worked and in situations when the new surgical scar would not create another concern for the patient.

The best candidates for scar and stretch mark removal are those who are unhappy with the appearance of the marks, are physically healthy, and do not have active skin diseases or lesions on the area of treatment. Patients must be realistic in the results they will achieve with any treatment available in Dr. Shelton's Midtown Manhattan aesthetics practice, as stretch marks will never go away 100% regardless of the treatment used.