Atrophic Scars

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Atrophic scars look like small dents or pits in the skin.  They are rarely of a regular shape, and tend to be jagged around the edges.  Most people will have one or two atrophic scars following acne or chicken pox. 

When Atrophic scars are most likely to form

Atrophic scars are very characteristic of a chicken pox mark or as a small pit following a severe acne spot.  They can occur anywhere on the body, but it is facial atrophic scars that most people want to have treated.  Atrophic scars can also occur after an accident or after surgery, depending on what has occurred underneath the skin. 

Why these scars occur

Atrophic scars are related to the underlying tissues beneath the scar.  If these structures are in anyway damaged it is likely that you will end up with some form of atrophic scar as the skin reacts to changes below.  These tissues could be muscle or fat, and in order for your scar to be raised, these will need to be treated first. 

Where these scars occur

Atrophic scars can occur anywhere on the body, although the face is a common place to see them following chicken pox or acne when you are young. 

How best to reduce Atrophic scars

Atrophic scars can be treated in a number of ways, and generally surgery is not required to produce a positive result.  Punch excision, removing the scar and allowing the skin to grow over the area again or replacing it with a small graft, Beauty Salons or laser resurfacing are the most popular ways for people to have atrophic scars reduced. 

Different scars will occur due to different problems, be they injury or illness.  Some scars are easier to reduce than others, and keloid scars are very difficult to treat in any way due to their changing nature.  If you are unsure as to your scars properties or what type of scar it is then it is worth asking the advice of your GP as they will be able to give you help if you are considering any skin treatments or surgery. 

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