What is the best scar treatment (facial) or lightener for an OLD scar?

Question

I have scar along my cheek that I've had since I was 4 - so it is about 17 years old. It is NOT raised - just flat - but is red colored (even more red in the summer when I get tan). If it didn't have the color, it would hardly be noticeable. I do put concealer on it but makeup wears off as the day goes on.
It seems like ScarGuard lightener seems like a trusted brand (I have not tried it though) but I'd like to try to find something cheaper or some crazy method or product someone has used that has surprisingly worked.
I DON'T want to try Vitamin E caplets or anything like that - I do not think they will work at all since my scar is so old. I really think I need to look into some type of scar or skin lightener.
Please let me know if you have any ideas or experiences!
Thanks ~

AND...
Someone mentioned Mederma - but I have already tried it and it really didn't do anything for me. I wasn't going to wear it all day on my face because it's shiny and it would have been noticeable... If I ever see a tube for cheap I guess I'd try it again but I would like to try something else since I just didn't feel it helped.
I suppose I might not have been really consistent with it though. :S

And yes, it is red. Not white. Interesting! It was a very clean cut from a glass oil lamp so I think that is why it is like that and not raised.

Answer 1

Try cocoa butter,use it daily.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

A scar is the skin’s way of healing and replacing lost or damaged tissue. When skin is injured, fibroblast cells react by producing extra collagen to fill the wound. When scars heal, they can take on a variety of appearances, such as: flat, raise, sunken, pigmented or flesh-toned. Acne is a major cause of facial scarring from deeply pitted “pock marks” to flat, discolored spots. For scars that don’t fade with time, the right skin treatments can make them less noticeable.



High-Tech Scar-Minimizing Treatments

Scars usually fade over time. In the interim, camouflage make-up can help conceal scars while they heal.

Here are some common dermatological treatments used to minimize scars and refine the skin:



Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion

Either technique can be used to minimize small irregularities like surgical scars or acne scars. It involves removing the surface layers of the skin with an electrical implement that abrades the skin, resulting in smoother skin. Note that dermabrasion is a more invasive procedure and is only performed by a medical doctor. Microdermabrasion can have a similar effect, but requires a series of treatments to be effective. A trained esthetician or a dermatologist can perform microdermabrasion.



Chemical peels

The peels used to treat superficial facial scarring remove the top layer of the skin, causing it to regenerate and eventually take on a more uniform appearance. The most common chemical peels are TCA peels and glycolic glycolic peels. Depending upon the strength of the chemical solution, peels might need to be repopulated to see results. For serious scarring, chemical peels should be performed under medical supervision.



Injections

Injectable fillers are an option for plumping up sunken scars. The most common fillers for scarring are collagen (derived from purified bovine collagen) and restylin (derived from hyaluronic acid). Injections are temporary and must be performed by a board-certified physician.



Laser resurfacing

This method refers to C02 and Erbium Yag lasers used to remove the skin’s surface layer(s) and burn off damaged skin. In addition to minimizing fine scars, lasers can lessen the look of wrinkles. Be sure to find a



DIY Scar Treatment

If you’d rather skip the doctor’s office, try one of these at-home treatments:

· Silicone: For raised scars, try applying a silicone sheet (available at drug stores) to the effected area.

· Retinoid or Retinal: A topical Retinoid requires a prescription but Retinals are available over-the-counter. Both are helpful for regenerating the skin and fading scars

· AHAs: Alpha-hydroxy-acids are a cost-effective another scar-lightening option.

· Vitamins and minerals: Don’t underestimate the importance that well-nourished, healthy skin plays in the way scars heal.

Prevent Future Damage

Many of the scar-minimizing techniques described above include removing surface layers of the skin. Any time you “injure” the skin with mechanical or chemical abrasion, you increase you dramatically increase its sensitivity to the sun. To prevent further damage, it’s vital that you commit to consistently using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing sunglasses and a big hat whenever you’re in the sun.

Answer 4

Mederma works, but you have to use it several times a day for a long period of time. If you are committed, it's worth your money. You said the scar is red colored... which is odd since most old scars turn white, but I would still definitely try the Mederma. I had a scar on my thigh that was a couple years old and if faded it almost to nothing.

Answer 5

If you want a natural solution for your scars problem try to apply powder powder which is safe remedy for pimple marks and old scars. It not only makes skin clear it also gives a pinkish fair complexion to your skin. check http://pearlcomplexion.blogspot.com

Answer 6

Learn how to deal an old issue of acne with a strategy
With a book you will not only get rid of the acne but it will also have a optimistic influence over your psychological and emotional properly-getting.

Answer 7

daily apply olive oil on the scar
it sure takes a long time

good luck

Answer 8

try AMBI lightening cream. they sell it at drugstores and i saw some at target and walmart for $4.99.