The number of skin treatments available today can be overwhelming. Don't let the vast scar treatment options keep you from treating them so you can start looking your best. Some scars fade with time, however, don't chance the wait and look into the following treatments now.

Cosmetic Scar Treatments

In dermabrasion, the outermost layer of skin is stripped first by freezing the skin and then by removing it with a special instrument. The skin that replaces that which was removed is smoother and healthier. This procedure was originally intended to target pock marks and acne and other scars.

Pros: Only one treatment is needed to jump start the production of new skin cells that will soften the appearance of scars.

Cons: Dermabrasion requires the administration of either local or even general anesthesia. Recovery time includes 7-10 days of healing, plus an additional 5-6 weeks for the complete disappearance of pinkness. Dermabrasion has little effect with burn scars.

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that combines abrasion and suction to exfoliate away dead skin cells and the superficial layer of skin of the epidermis. The body's healing response to this exfoliation is to speed up the production of new skin.

Pros: Quick duration and short recovery. It is less invasive than dermabrasion.

Cons: For best results, you should complete 4-8 initial treatments with breaks of 1-2 weeks. Follow-up treatments are required for maintenance.

Steroid Injections, injected straight into the scar tissue, eliminate color and inflammation as well as slow the production of collagen. An excess of collagen forms keloid and hypertrophic scars, as well as causes itching and flaking.

Pros: Effective in minimizing appearance of hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Cons: Steroid use can cause thinning and weakening of the skin. This type of injection does not work for atrophic scars. Collagen injections are being studied to raise sunken areas, however, results are short-lived.

Laser Treatment options are available, depending on the type of scar. The laser is used to cut along the scar and burn away a layer of skin, uncovering the healthy skin below. This works well as a hypertrophic acne scar treatment. When treating atrophic scars, the lasers used stimulate the production of collagen.

Pros: Laser treatment is valuable for the treating of both atrophic and hypertrophic scars. It also can be combined with chemical peel or other procedures, so costs for anesthesia and facility can be combined.

Cons: Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation are common side effects. Not everyone is able to have laser surgery; it is not recommended for those that suffer from psoriasis, cystic acne or dermatitis.

Scar Revision encompasses the types of surgical procedures that improve the appearance of scars by matching it with similar looking skin. Hypertrophic treatment scar revision surgery involves the removal of scar tissue and a cut that heals with less of a scar.

Pros: Scar revision can be used on scars anywhere over the body. Popular for areas of the body that are difficult to hide. One procedure, one result.

Cons: It typically requires that the patient be under general anesthesia for a 1-3 hour long procedure.

Over the Counter Scar Treatments

Onion Extract when applied to scar tissue helps reduce appearance of scars by acting as an anti-inflammatory and by inhibiting the production of collagen. Like many home remedies, consistent application and patience is required in order to get results.

Silicone, found as a gel or sheets, lightens and flattens protruding scars. Although a few hypothesis exist, scientists have yet to agree on how silicone works.

Mucin, the natural secretion of the Helix Aspersa Muller, has similar results to the cosmetic treatments already discussed. With natural exfoliation, this substance exfoliates away the epidermal layer and encourages healthy skin reproduction. The inclusion of this secretion in skin products is rapidly gaining popularity.