Treatment of facial scarring: lasers, filler, and nonoperative techniques

Many techniques have been described to improve facial scars. In this review we address nonoperative strategies to manage facial scarring. Scar characteristics and anatomic location are discussed. The following nonoperative techniques are comprehensively examined: pulsed dye laser (PDL), subcision, fat transplantation, collagen injection, dermabrasion, steroid injection, and fillers. The PDL is advocated to flatten and decrease the volume of hypertrophic scars while improving texture and pliability. Dermabrasion is used to blend acne scars into the surrounding facial skin by subtly improving their contour. Fat transplantation, collagen, and filler injection is recommended in the treatment of acne depressed scars and traumatic scars with resulting contour deformity.