Loveland and Fort Collins Scar and Stretch Mark Treatments Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin after injury or surgery. These injuries can be caused by trauma, active acne or rapidly stretching skin during pregnancy or a rapid growth spurt. Scarring is a natural part of the healing process of the body. No two scars are the same and each person’s scars heal differently. All scarring is composed of the same collagen as the tissue it has replaced, but the composition of the scar tissue, compared to the normal tissue, is different. Acne Scars Facial scarring is a common complaint among patients. Several etiologies, including inflammatory acne, trauma, previous surgical procedures, and viral infections such as varicella or herpes simplex, can lead to permanent scarring. There are two broad classifications of facial scarring: Atrophic (indented) and Hypertrophic (raised). The following types of scar occur in acne and require specific treatment protocols:

• • • Ice-pick scars – these are deep, narrow, pitted scars
    • Rolling scars – broad depressions with a sloping edge
    • Boxcar scars –  round to oval in shape with well-defined vertical edges and a flat base.
    • Shallow/Atrophic scars – a cluster of miniaturized boxcar scars. They usually emerge in groups of four or more and occur mainly on the cheeks.
    • Hypertrophic or keloid scars – raised, lumpy scars

Stretch Marks Stretch Marks are also a form of scarring on the skin that occur from tissue under your skin tearing from rapid growth or over-stretching. Treatments and treatment combination are often similar to those used when treating acne scars. Combination Treatments  An individual may have sevaral different types of acne scars in one area and, therefore, may a combination of treatments that targets each specific scar type. It is important to understand the timeline of these combination therapies and which treatments may be employed simultaneously versus those that are spaced out several months apart. Each patient is unique, and clinical improvement may vary significantly among patients. We recommend reassessment of the patient 3 to 6 months following treatment to determine if further procedures would be beneficial. We present a general guideline of combination treatment options that may be considered in approaching the patient with facial scarring or stretch marks:

• • • Chemical Peels and VIVA RF Fractional
    • Microneedling, PRP, and Carboxy Therapy
    • Laser Skin Resurfacing and Hydroabrasion
    • Bellafill  and VIVA RF Fractional
    • CO2 Laser Resurfacing, Bellafill and Chemical Peel

The goal of all indented scar and stretch mark treatments is to create new collagen and skin tissue. Growth factors contained in your blood are valuable catalysts in this regeneration process. This is why we combine our indented scar and stretch mark revisions with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy.   Our wide range of technologies offer effective solutions for accident scarring such as road rash, surgical scars from tummy tucks, breast implants, breast reduction or liposuction, stretch marks and unsightly acne scars. Call Restore Beauty at 970-278-0900, email us at office@RestoreBeauty.net, or schedule your complimentary consultation.