Scar Treatment Center in NYC | Dr. Gary Rothfeld at 629 Park Ave
Understanding Scars
A scar is a permanent patch of skin that forms over a wound as your body heals itself after a cut, scrape, burn, or sore. Scars can also result from surgeries, infections like chickenpox, or skin conditions like acne. Typically, scars are thicker, and can appear pinker, redder, or shinier than the surrounding skin.
The appearance of a scar depends on various factors:
- The size and depth of the wound
- The location of the scar
- The healing time
- Your age
- Your genetic tendency to scar
Although scars usually fade over time, they never disappear completely. If a scar's appearance bothers you, various treatments can help minimize it. Dr. Gary Rothfeld, a board-certified dermatologist at NYC Dermatology, can evaluate your scar and recommend the best treatment.
Advanced Scar Treatments Offered
Surgical Scar Revision
Surgical scar revision can improve a scar's appearance by altering its size, depth, or color. This technique is particularly effective for wide or long scars, prominent scars, or those healed in a specific pattern. The procedure involves removing the scar and rejoining the skin in a less obvious fashion. Techniques like irregular or staggered incision lines can make scars less noticeable.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion treats acne scars, pockmarks, and minor skin irregularities. A dermatologist uses an electrical machine to remove the top skin layers, providing a more even skin contour. While improvement is visible, dermabrasion cannot completely eliminate scars. Recovery time varies, with minor defects needing a single session and deeper scars requiring multiple sessions.
Laser Resurfacing and Pulsed Dye Laser
Laser scar revision uses high-energy light to remove or remodel damaged skin, improving surgical, acne, chickenpox, and other scars. Patients can usually resume normal activities within a week. Different lasers are available for specific skin defects, such as the pulsed dye laser for flattening raised scars and reducing redness. Acne scars and other indented scars benefit from laser skin resurfacing.
Soft Tissue Fillers
Injectable substances like Juvederm, hyaluronic acid, or fat can elevate indented scars. The amount of material injected depends on the scar's size and firmness. Juvederm injections provide immediate improvement but need to be repeated. Hyaluronic acid injections last up to a year. The dermatologist will help you choose the best filler for your scar.
Punch Grafts and Punch Excisions
Punch grafts involve replacing scarred skin with small pieces of normal skin, usually taken from behind the ear. Punch excisions use stitches to close holes made by a tiny skin punch. These techniques are effective for deep or pitted acne scars, providing a smoother skin surface.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove the top skin layer to smooth depressed scars and even skin color. Light peels require no healing time, while deeper peels can take up to two weeks to heal. The type of peel depends on the scar's depth and color.
Other Scar Treatment Methods
- Pressure Bandages and Massages: Flatten scars with regular use over several months.
- Silicone Gels, Creams, and Bandages: Reduce scar thickness and pain with consistent use.
- Cryosurgery: Freezes upper skin layers to remove excess scar tissue.
- Cortisone Injections or Tape: Soften firm scars, causing them to shrink and flatten.
Personalized Care with Dr. Gary Rothfeld
Dr. Gary Rothfeld personally evaluates every new patient, ensuring customized treatment plans. He sees every patient himself, without delegating to physician assistants or nurse practitioners. His approach focuses on listening to patients' concerns and providing the highest standard of care.
Schedule an Appointment
For expert scar treatment, visit our Scar Treatment Center at 629 Park Avenue, New York. Call us at 212-644-4484 or email info@nycdermatologist.com to book an appointment. We are open seven days a week and speak Spanish (Se Habla Español).
