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board-certified dermatologist in Columbia, SC

Board-Certified Dermatologist in Columbia, SC

Scars

Scars develop as part of the skin’s natural healing process, forming fibrous collagen tissue after injury. Because this tissue differs from surrounding normal skin, scars may appear uneven in color, texture, or depth, often becoming a source of cosmetic concern or functional restriction.

Scars

Acne Scars

Acne scarring is a common and often frustrating reminder of past inflammatory acne. When inflammation disrupts the skin’s collagen framework, it can leave behind permanent depressions known as atrophic scars. The extent of scarring is closely tied to the severity and duration of inflammatory acne, highlighting the importance of early, expert acne treatment.

Common types of acne scarring include ice pick scars, which are deep and narrow; boxcar scars, which appear as well-defined depressions on the cheeks; and rolling scars, which create broader areas of uneven texture. Many patients experience a combination of scar types, each contributing differently to changes in overall skin texture.

Without intervention, acne scarring is typically permanent and may impact self-confidence and quality of life. Our approach is evidence-based, customized, and results-driven. We offer a curated range of advanced treatments designed to restore smoother texture, improve tone, and enhance overall skin quality.

Treatment options may include medical-grade topical therapies, collagen-stimulating procedures such as microneedling, and advanced laser technologies. Laser treatments, including DermaV®, Fraxel, and CO2, can be selected to target redness, refine texture, or resurface deeper, more textured scars.


Traumatic and Burn Scars

Traumatic and burn scars are the visible and often lasting results of injury to the skin and underlying tissue. Beyond cosmetic concerns, these scars can cause pain, itching, stiffness, and functional limitations. Scar development varies with the type, depth, and severity of the injury, the individual healing response, and early wound care, making each scar unique.

At Capital Skin and Laser, we apply evidence-based principles and international guidelines (of which Dr. Spring was a co-author) to the treatment of traumatic and burn scars.  Advanced laser therapy, including vascular lasers, fractional ablative lasers, and non-ablative lasers, can improve scar texture, pliability, thickness, redness, and overall appearance, and help restore range of motion in areas of contracture. By combining advanced laser science with personalized care, our goal is to improve the look and feel of scars so you can feel comfortable in your skin again.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

Hypertrophic scars are raised, pink to red scars that remain within the original area of injury. While they may gradually soften over time, they can remain firm, itchy, and cosmetically bothersome, particularly in areas where the skin experiences tension.

Keloid scars are thicker, more prominent scars that extend beyond the original wound. They often appear red to purple in color and are more commonly seen in patients with darker skin tones. Keloids may develop on the earlobes, cheeks, shoulders, chest, and back.

Management of hypertrophic and keloid scars is highly individualized and depends on scar characteristics, including thickness, firmness, location, and symptoms. Sun protection is essential for all scars to prevent discoloration and progression. While topical therapies like silicone and retinoids may provide modest improvement, procedural treatments are often the most effective.

Procedural options may include targeted injections to soften and flatten raised scars and improve itching. Vascular, non-ablative, and ablative laser therapies (all available at Capital Skin and Laser) can address scar characteristics such as height, thickness, firmness, and color, as well as functional restriction. Each treatment plan is carefully selected to achieve the most refined, natural-looking outcome.

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Why Choose Capital Skin and Laser for Scar Care?

Scar revision requires more than a laser; it requires expertise. Dr. Leah Spring has co-authored two international consensus publications on the laser treatment of traumatic scars and contractures, and acne scars. She is a credited contributor and editor to a leading textbook on laser and light-based energy devices. Our carefully curated laser suite allows us to select the precise technology your scar demands, not a one-size-fits-all solution. 

With fellowship-level leadership and advanced procedural education across our entire clinical team, we approach scar treatment with scientific rigor, surgical precision, and an aesthetic eye. When your outcomes matter, both functionally and cosmetically, choose Capital Skin and Laser. 

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Kind words from our patients

“Dr. Spring was just fabulous to deal with. She listened intently and had a great personality to boot. I’m almost 82 years old, and my initial visit with her was one of the best experiences I have EVER had with any physician. I feel privileged to have her as my doctor, and I highly recommend her!!!”

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Kind words from our patients

“Dr. Spring was amazing. She explained everything thoroughly and respected my concerns.”

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Kind words from our patients

“Dr. Spring and her staff were upbeat, attentive, and caring. They saw my anxiety prior to my procedure and took an extra moment to talk through it with me, which made me feel like they care about me as a whole person. I’ve never felt anxious prior to treatment before so this extra step really hit home.”

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Kind words from our patients

“Kudos to Dr. Spring. She has the Eye of an Eagle, the Heart of a Lion, yet the Hand of a Woman! Best surgeon ever!”

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Schedule a Consultation

If you are concerned about the appearance or symptoms of a scar, schedule a consultation at Capital Skin and Laser for a comprehensive evaluation. During your visit, the type, location, and characteristics of your scar will be carefully assessed to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Because every scar heals differently, treatment is highly individualized. Your consultation will include a review of your history, prior treatments, and goals to develop a personalized plan that may incorporate advanced laser technologies, targeted injections, or collagen-stimulating procedures designed to improve texture, tone, and overall skin quality.

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Please complete our online contact form to join our appointment waitlist for when we open in Fall 2026.