Chevy Chase
Kent Island
Chevy Chase, Maryland

Scar Treatment in Chevy Chase, Maryland

Scars are a natural part of healing, but they don’t have to be permanent reminders. Acne, surgery, injuries and burns can all leave marks that affect your skin’s texture, color and confidence. At Cronin Dermatology, Dr. Hyland Cronin combines lasers, microneedling, injections and surgical techniques to soften and smooth scars at our Chevy Chase and Kent Island offices.
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Why Dermatologist for a Scar

Why Choose a Dermatologist for Scar Treatment?

Scars form when the body repairs deep skin damage with collagen. Too little collagen leaves a depressed scar, and too much leaves a raised one. Each scar type responds to different treatments, so an accurate assessment matters. The scars we treat include:

Atrophic (indented) acne scars: Boxcar scars (wide, square-edged dips), rolling scars (wave-like dips) and ice pick scars (narrow, deep pits).
Hypertrophic scars: Raised, firm scars that stay within the original wound.
Keloids: Thick, shiny, raised scars that grow beyond the original injury, often on the earlobes, chest, shoulders and upper back. They may itch or feel tender.
Surgical and injury scars: Including scars from skin cancer surgery. Dr. Cronin provides her post-surgical patients with advanced laser treatments, if needed, at no cost to ensure the best aesthetic results.
Red or dark marks after acne: Not true scars, but they can linger for months. See Pigmentation Disorders.

What to Expect

When Will I See Results From Scar Treatment?

Scar treatment is gradual. Collagen keeps remodeling for months after each session, so improvement builds over time. Most acne scar plans involve three to five sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, and many patients notice smoother texture within a month of their first laser treatment. Keloids usually need a series of injections spaced several weeks apart.

What Treatments Does a Dermatologist Offer for Scars?

Scars form when the body repairs deep skin damage with collagen. Too little collagen leaves a depressed scar, and too much leaves a raised one. Each scar type responds to different treatments, so an accurate assessment matters. The scars we treat include:

ProFractional scar laser: Resurfaces the skin and stimulates new collagen to smooth acne and surgical scars, with about four days of downtime.
Resurfacing and Halo fractional lasers: Improve texture and discoloration around scars.
Genius RF microneedling: Radiofrequency energy remodels collagen deep in the skin. It’s safe for all skin tones and excellent for rolling and boxcar scars.
Pulsed dye laser: Reduces redness in new surgical scars, red acne marks and some raised scars.
Chemical peels: Smooth shallow scars and fade dark marks.
Subcision: A small needle releases the bands of tissue that tether rolling scars down.
Dermal fillers: Instantly lift depressed scars, lasting about 6 to 18 months.
Steroid injections, cryotherapy and silicone: Flatten and soften keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Surgical scar revision or keloid excision: Reshaping or removing a scar so it heals finer, usually followed by injections for keloids.

Candidacy

Am I a Good Candidate for Scar Treatment?

Most people with acne, surgical, injury or keloid scars are good candidates, and there are options for every skin tone. If you're currently taking, or have recently taken, isotretinoin (Accutane), tell us before treatment, as some procedures need to wait. Pregnant patients may need to postpone certain treatments.

Reviews

What our patients are saying

“On time, efficient, and professional. Addressed my concerns and answered all of my questions.”

Allen G.

Reppster

“Love Dr. Cronin!!! Everything was perfect, and everyone was very attentive and efficient.”

Liz F.

Reppster

“Dr. Cronin was very knowledgeable and professional. It was a quick visit but I was totally satisfied.”

Norma Stern

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

No treatment can erase a scar completely, but most scars can be made significantly flatter, smoother and less noticeable. Combining treatments, such as laser, microneedling and subcision, usually gives the best improvement.
It depends on the scar type. Rolling scars respond well to subcision and RF microneedling. Boxcar scars respond to fractional lasers. Ice pick scars often need targeted treatments such as TCA CROSS. A dermatologist will build a combination plan for your scars and skin tone.
Keloids are usually treated with a series of steroid injections, sometimes combined with cryotherapy, laser or silicone. Surgical removal alone has a high recurrence rate, so it is typically followed by injections to keep the keloid from growing back.
Silicone and sun protection can start as soon as the wound has closed. Laser treatment for surgical scars often starts within 4 to 8 weeks, when early treatment can improve the final result. Dr. Cronin will advise on timing for your scar.
Most treatments are well tolerated. We apply numbing cream before lasers and microneedling, and most patients feel warmth or light pricking. Afterward, the skin may look red and feel like a mild sunburn for a few days.
Yes, with the right technology. RF microneedling, subcision and certain peels are safe for all skin tones. Some lasers need careful settings to avoid pigment changes. Dr. Cronin tailors every plan to your skin type.

New patient forms

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Insurance information

See the plans we accept at both Chevy Chase and Kent Island, and what to know about coverage.
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Where Is the Best Place to Find Scar Treatment in Chevy Chase?

Whether your scars are from acne, surgery or an injury, we can help you feel confident in your skin again. Call 301-986-1880 (Chevy Chase) or 410-591-1140 (Kent Island) to schedule a scar consultation.

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Main office

Chevy Chase Patients

5530 Wisconsin Ave #1418, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

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Eastern shore office

Kent Island Patients

1630 Main Street, Suite 204, Chester, MD 21619

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Take the first step toward being cancer free. Our team responds to every request within one business day.
Main office

Chevy Chase, MD

5530 Wisconsin Ave #1418, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Eastern shore office

Kent Island, MD

1630 Main Street, Suite 204, Chester, MD 21619

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