How to Get Rid of Old 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree Burn Scars?

Do Scars From Burns Go Away?

Those that have suffered from burns and have let the scars remain after years, can still seek treatment with proven results. A scar is the body’s natural way of healing and replacing skin cells that have resulted from injury, infections, surgery, or inflammation of the tissue. Old scars that have been left untreated, no matter the type, can be treated using fractional CO2 laser resurfacing.

Resurfacing the skin with the fractional CO2 laser, or Fraxel Re:pair, reverses the signs of aging and causes dramatic tightening of the skin. This Gold Standard laser treatment is for patients with deep wrinkles, but those who have been burned and left to scar now have an effective option for newer, healthier skin.

What Will Fade Burn Scars?

There are several different types of burn scars and can be treated with the CO2 laser, Fraxel Re:pair in NYC, or a combination of laser treatments. Hypertrophic burn scars are notoriously difficult to treat scars that are raised above the skin. Contracture scarring is a result of second or third-degree burns. These scars may tighten and restrict movement in the skin, which could affect deeper tissue. The fractional CO2 laser is the most effective way to treat old and severe burn scars because of the extensive tissue damage.

Double board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rokhsar is considered an international authority with laser resurfacing and has taught more physicians on the use of the Fraxel laser than any other physician in the world. He was also trained by the inventor of the CO2 laser resurfacing procedure and has since treated thousands of patients.

Treating Burn Scars (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree)

Burn scars are arguably the most difficult scars to treat. Burns often leave raised and discolored scars that, depending on the severity, will leave a permanent scar behind. Burns are categorized into three stages of damage. Fire, steam, hot liquids, radiation, electricity, chemicals, friction, heated objects, or sun exposure can all cause burns. The most common kind of burns are thermal which can occur when the skin comes into contact with flames, hot metals, scalding liquids, or steam.

1. A first-degree burn is considered the mildest and least invasively damaging. They result in pain and reddening of the epidermis- the outermost skin layer. These scars can usually be effectively treated with aloe vera cream or antibiotic ointment.
2. A second-degree burn affects not only the epidermis but the dermis, which is the layer underneath. This will result in pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. This can also be treated with antibiotic creams, ointments, or prescription medications.
3. A third-degree burn goes even deeper than the epidermis and dermis. It damages the tissue beneath and will appear white, blackened, and charred that may have damaged nerve cells to the point of numbness. These are the most difficult to treat. Under these circumstances, the person suffering from a third-degree burn should seek medical attention and will have to attend to the scar’s healing process with advice from a specialist, like Dr. Rokhsar.

How Do You Get Rid of Severe Burn Scars?

If a burn is severe enough, the skin may have a hard time repairing itself because of the extensive tissue damage, or if it repaired itself an uneven and misshapen scar will be left. A skin graft can be done. This involves taking skin from one area of the body and placing it in the damaged area. Dr. Rokhsar will typically use the Fraxel Re:pair laser system to treat tissue within the dermis, treating second or third-degree scarring.

The laser beam tightens skin and alters weakened collagen found in the dermis and has been found so effective because the fractional repair technology treats deep microscopic zones in sections at a time. This will stimulate new collagen production, which will help restructure the skin into a smoother and more even tone. Fraxel Re:store takes on a similar approach to the natural repair process but uses a refreshing and remodeling of the collagen and elastin, ultimately resurfacing skin from the inside out.

Burn Scar Treatment in NYC

New York double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Cameron Rokhsar was not only involved in the development of the Fraxel laser but has also trained more doctors in Fraxel and fractional laser treatments than any other doctor in the world. As a fellowship-trained dermatologist, Dr. Rokhsar can provide extensive knowledge and expertise to meet each patient’s individual needs. Book your visit today.