How to Get Rid of Old Scars on Legs

Scars on the legs are a result of the body’s natural wound-healing process. They begin with inflammation, move into the formation of new tissue and end with the modification of certain factors in the skin. Collagen is the main protein involved in the development of the connective tissue. When there is too much or too little collagen, the healing process is disrupted and scarring occurs. Removing old scar tissue from the legs used to be virtually impossible, but new medical technology can help to dramatically improve the appearance of the old scars.

Consult with your physician regarding the best method of reducing the appearance of the scars on your legs. There are many different types of scars, and your physician can advise you regarding the technique that is best for the type of scar you have. Procedures that can significantly reduce the appearance of leg scars include laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, vascular laser treatment, chemical peels, filler injections and other procedures.

Prepare for your scar removal procedure. This may include lab tests and the addition of certain medications, and you may need to refrain from taking aspirin or other medications that can increase bleeding. It is a good idea to stop smoking in advance of scar removal surgery, as smoking can slow down the healing process.

Arrive at the doctor’s office or clinic on time. Different procedures require different amounts of time to complete. Some will require a local or general anesthesia. You may need to make arrangements to have someone drive you home once the procedure is complete.

Follow all post-procedure instructions carefully. The treated area will require special care for up to several weeks following the procedure, and undue trauma could undo any benefits that accrued from the procedure. Your physician will instruct you regarding cleansing the treated area as well as home care regimens.

Observe the treated area on a regular basis. Scar treatment can take from a few weeks up to a full year before the final results are apparent. Result will vary from patient to patient, but on average patients can expect a 50 to 80 percent reduction in appearance of the old leg scar.