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Are there any prescription treatments for scars?

Scars form as a result of acne, surgery, burns, or other injury. They form tough, fibrous tissues that replace normal skin during the natural process of healing.

The prescription medicine tretinoin (brand names Retin-A and Renova) may improve the appearance of scars. In one study of 28 people with acne scars, the scarring showed obvious improvement when treated with tretinoin 0.05% cream twice weekly for three months. Be aware of increased sun sensitivity while on these products.

For thick scars, your doctor may inject your scar with steroids such as >triamcinolone (Kenalog). These injections are given at regular intervals every 4 to 6 weeks.For scars that have a sunken appearance, your doctor may inject substances such as collagen or silicone into the scar to improve its appearance.

There are also surgical methods including laser surgery and surgical scar removal that may help in some situations.

Sources:
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex Inc., 2000.
Schmidt, J.B. "Tretinoin-iontophoresis in atrophic acne scars," International Journal of Dermatology 38 (1999).
Habif, Thomas. Clinical Dermatology. Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1996.
McGillis S.T. "Scar Revision", Dermatologic Clinics. 16 (1998).
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.

This answer prepared 1/8/2001.
This information updated 1/10/2007.