Everyone experiences scarring at some point in their lives. Thankfully, many scars are minor blemishes that don’t draw attention to themselves and have no effect on your daily life. However, some scars can create deeper problems. Severe scar tissue can appear uneven, sunken, or oddly colored against the rest of your skin. Moreover, some severe scars are itchy or irritated, and can even limit tissue mobility.

That’s where modern treatment techniques come in. There are several different ways to reduce or completely eliminate scar tissue, each with its own unique advantages and drawbacks. Read on to learn more about the modern treatments for reducing scar tissue.

Laser treatment, also known as laser therapy or laser surgery, is a less invasive procedure than traditional scar removal surgery. With this option, medical professionals use a variety of lasers to smooth, flatten, or alter the color of a scar to reduce its appearance.

Laser therapy is popular because of its minimally invasive nature, but it is a longer treatment process. Moreover, laser therapy sessions work best alongside other treatment options, such as compressions, special bandages, or steroid injections.

Red light therapy is an innovative technology that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes through increased energy production, normalized collagen production, and improved blood flow. All of these processes promote better skin and tissue regeneration, which in turn helps improve the appearance of scars.

Red light therapy is a non-invasive procedure. However, like laser therapy, it takes place across many sessions, which means it often takes longer than other treatment options.

Though a more extreme option, cosmetic surgery can be an effective method for getting rid of scar tissue. Through incisions and stitches, skin grafts, or other methods, scar removal surgery can reduce a scar’s appearance and eliminate painful or harmful scar tissue.

One of the downsides of cosmetic surgery is the possibility of creating new scars from the operation itself. As a result, scar removal surgery is a more popular option for those who found little success with non-surgical options. Scar removal surgery is also effective for patients who have suffered intense injuries, such as severe burns, that leave behind a significant amount of scar tissue.