Scars

Scars are a natural part of the skin’s healing process, but some can become raised, thickened, or cosmetically concerning. Brundha Balaraman, MD, offers personalized treatment options to improve the appearance and texture of scars. Whether you’re dealing with hypertrophic scars, keloids, or acne scars, a customized approach can help restore smoother, healthier-looking skin. Schedule a consultation at ALLUSTRA DERMATOLOGY, located in the Heights and Memorial City in Houston, Texas, to explore your treatment options. You can reach out by phone or online.

What causes scars to form?

Scars form when the skin repairs itself after injury.

Common causes include:

• Acne
• Surgery
• Cuts or burns
• Infections
• Piercings
• Inflammatory skin conditions

When the skin is injured, your body produces collagen to repair the damaged tissue. If too much collagen is produced — or if healing is disrupted — the resulting scar may appear raised, thickened, or uneven.

What are hypertrophic scars?

Hypertrophic scars are raised, thick scars that remain within the boundaries of the original wound.

They may appear:

• Red or pink
• Firm to the touch
• Elevated above the surrounding skin

Hypertrophic scars often develop after surgical incisions, burns, or traumatic injuries. Over time, some hypertrophic scars may gradually flatten, but treatment can help speed improvement.

What are keloid scars?

Keloids are a more aggressive type of raised scar. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids grow beyond the original injury site and may continue to enlarge over time. They can appear as thick, smooth, shiny growths and may cause itching or discomfort.

Keloids are more common in individuals with darker skin tones and may develop after:

• Ear piercings
• Acne
• Surgical procedures
• Minor skin injuries

Because keloids have a tendency to recur, treatment plans are carefully tailored to reduce the risk of regrowth.

What are acne scars?

Acne scars develop after inflamed acne lesions damage the skin.

There are different types of acne scars, including:

• Atrophic scars (depressed scars), such as ice pick, boxcar, or rolling scars
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which causes dark spots
• Raised scars in some cases

The type and severity of acne scarring help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

How are scars treated?

Scar treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the scar.

Options may include:

• Corticosteroid injections to flatten hypertrophic scars or keloids
• Laser therapy to reduce redness and improve texture
• Microneedling to stimulate collagen and smooth acne scars
• Surgical revision in select cases
• Silicone-based topical treatments
• Chemical peels for discoloration

For keloids and hypertrophic scars, a combination approach may be recommended to improve results and minimize recurrence.

What can I expect during a scar evaluation?

During your consultation, your provider examines the scar and reviews your medical history and prior treatments. They discuss:

• The type of scar
• Realistic expectations for improvement
• Treatment options and timeline
• Potential risks and benefits

Because scars respond gradually to treatment, improvement often occurs over several sessions.

Can scars be completely removed?

While most scars cannot be completely erased, many can be significantly improved in appearance, texture, and symptoms.

Early treatment often leads to better outcomes, especially for raised scars like hypertrophic scars and keloids. If you’re concerned about hypertrophic scars, keloids, or acne scarring, contact ALLUSTRA DERMATOLOGY by phone or online to schedule a personalized scar evaluation.