A scar is any visible sign of a wound after it heals, and it is often the unavoidable result of an injury. Repairing a scar is considered elective surgery in most cases, and the cost to fix a scar can vary depending on the experience of the surgeon, the type of procedure they will have to use, and how extensive your scarring is.
Types of Scars
There are several different types of scars that are common after accidents. They include:
- Contracture – These are common after a burn and they tighten the skin, which could impede movement. They also go deeper and may affect your nerves and muscles.
- Hypertrophic – These are raised, red scars that do not go beyond the injury like keloid scars.
- Keloid – These are caused by an overly-aggressive healing process, and they may impede movement. Keloid scars are the most common type of scar.
Types of Scar Treatments
There are several treatment options that may be used to repair a scar. There are simple topical treatments consisting of creams and gels that may reduce the severe appearance of a scar. Minimally invasive procedures may include surgeries that can be performed in the surgeon’s office, while surgical revision with advanced techniques that must be performed in a hospital.
Silicone-Based Products
Silicone-based products designed to be used at home usually cost between $15 and $40, depending on the product. The cost will also depend on the location of the scar and the product that is prescribed to reduce the appearance. The National Institutes of Health reports that topical silicone is safe and effective for the removal of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Silicone treatment is a gel or pad that you apply to the scar regularly.
Steroid Injections
Hypertrophic and keloid scars may be treated with steroid injections, and they usually cost less than $200. Steroid injections are given in the doctor’s office, and they are injected directly into the scar. Not only may they minimize the scar, they may also decrease the redness, itching, and burning that some types of scars produce. The main side effects of steroid injections are skin discoloration and atrophy.
Punch Excision
If you have a keloid scar that is not responding to nonsurgical treatment, the doctor may perform what is known as a punch incision. The scar formation is removed with an incision and stitches close the wound. Skin grafts may be used as well. This type of surgery is a last resort as it can lead to the formation of even larger scars. The cost of this procedure is between $250 and $750 per scar.
Laser Treatment
Lasers may be used to smooth or flatten a scar as well as to remove abnormal coloration. It is often done with other treatments, including steroids, special dressings, and bandages. It may take several laser treatments to achieve the desired results. Laser treatment is used on almost any type of scar, and the cost can range from $100 to $6,000 per treatment.
The cost also depends on the type of laser used. For example, pulsed dye laser treatments which are commonly used can cost as much as $2,000 for large scars, while fractional laser treatments can cost $3,400 and CO2 laser resurfacing can cost as much as $5,500.
As you can see, scar removal can be expensive. According to one car accident attorney from Loncar Lyon Jenkins, if your scarring happened as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to get a settlement from the at-fault party’s insurer that can pay for treatments. It’s worth looking into if you believe you may have a valid case. ,