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How to fade very old scars?

I have some self harm scars that are about 5 years old. They're paper white and slightly risen. In some lights they're barely visible, but in bright or natural lighting you can see them very clearly because they're risen, so makeup doesn't help.

I really need to fade them because I'm seriously considering working as a flight attendant in the future and these scars are bang in the middle of arm so they would not be hidden by the uniform.

Is it even possible to fade such old scars? They are completely healed and purely scar tissue. Obviously laser or anything like that is out of the question because I'm only 17, I need something cheap.

Reply 1

Anonymous #2

I know exactly what you mean. I work as a waiter and having massive scars from a suicide attempt does not help especially when putting a plate down with your wrist exposed exactly to the customer. I used to wear bracelets (a lot of bracelets) but I got shouted at by my boss. As you said yourself, makeup wasnt any help. I decided to get some sort of tattoo that would cover the scar and my boss agreed (tattoos weren’t really aloud but that’s still better than a slit mark.

In essence, if tattoos are aloud, you could try to get one to cover your scars. They aren’t that expensive and work quite well.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post by Anonymous

Unfortunately tattoos aren't allowed. Is there not anything I could do to fade them, like bio-oil or something? Or does that only work for new cuts? I don't mind it being a long, gradual process (I still have another 2 years of school), as long as it works. I at least want them to not be risen anymore.

Reply 3

Vib_A

Old post, but I'd like to answer about this one since I'm a future cabin crew aspirant as well.

I think the first helpful thing you could do is approach a dermatologist. They are specialists in this area and I'm sure a good dermatologist would be able to give you sound advice about how to heal your scars. It's obviously gonna be very dependent on how deep your scar is, but I'm sure they could prescribe some sort of ointment/cream or such.

Good makeup skills can very much hide your scars if you do it properly! You could approach a makeup artist and ask for a demo to learn about how to hide scar lines. I have read about people applying makeup to hide scars on their arms btw, so it's nothing out of the ordinary.

Also, as far as laser goes....I've also read stories of people interested in this industry who were from more sub-standard backgrounds and long story short, they knew that they had to make some heavy financial sacrifices if they wanted to get in to this career and they ended up going forward with laser surgery with whatever money they could pay it off with. Laser surgery in general can be expensive, but the cost differs from place to place and plus as you said, you still have 2 more years of studying so I wouldn't really stress over this right now since you don't know what the future holds for you in context of financial situation. So when the time comes, maybe do a bit of looking around and see where you could get it done! I honestly hope you don't have to reach this point though and the doctor instead is able to provide you a better solution. :biggrin:

Also, practically speaking, you also need to understand that some airlines are very strict about their requirements so in case your scar ends up being a blockage in the road to success for this specific job, the aviation industry offers many more interesting and challenging career choices for you to apply for that don't stress on physical beauty as a stringent requirement. So don't lose hope, because one door might close but there would be so many more open for you to walk through! :biggrin:

Good luck!