Scar removal and treatment
A scar is a skin lesion that usually appears due to damage to the dermis and subsequent abnormal healing of the wound. A scar may form due to mechanical damage to the skin, such as a cut or burn, or as a side effect of acne or smallpox. The scar often looks lighter or darker than the surrounding skin as it forms.
Not every scar requires treatment, but it is worth taking therapy if the scar causes discomfort, including pain, itching, or limited range of movement. It is essential to remember not to expose the scar to sunlight, which increases the risk of cancer developing at the scar site.
What does a scar look like?
Scars come in different shapes and sizes. The appearance of a scar depends on the following factors:
- the cause (accident, acne, burn, operation, etc.)
- size and depth of the wound
- the place of injury
- care of the wound
- age
- skin color
- medication being taken by the patient.
What are the types of scars?
There are six main types of scars:
- Flat scar - tends to be a pink or red-colored scar being slightly raised and may be itchy. During treatment, the scar flattens and changes the color similar to that of the surrounding skin.
- Hypertrophic scar - a scar noticeably raised above the skin surface. During treatment, the scar flattens, but this is a long-term process. Hypertrophic scarring usually forms on the chest, upper back, and shoulder area. It may be painful and limit the range of movement.
- Atrophic scar - a scar that forms under the surface of the skin causing indentations in the skin. It most commonly appears on the face following acne or smallpox.
- Keloid - a scar that raises noticeably above the skin surface. It is characterized by the fact that it covers a greater area than the wound that caused it. A scar may develop even months after an injury. It may sometimes be painful and limit the range of movement. Scar tissue does not go away on its own, and treatment is required.
- Contracture scar - a scar that limits the range of movement. It is often caused by burn.
- Stretch marks - breaks in the connective tissue that appear due to quick stretching and shrinking of the skin, for example, when there is a rapid weight gain or loss. Initially, stretch marks are red, purple, or dark brown, but they lighten with time. They may be slightly raised or lowered than the skin surface.
Who is affected by stretch marks?
Almost everyone has at least one scar on their body due to a burn, cut, scratch or operation. Appropriate care of the wound and not allowing inflammation to develop may effectively prevent the formation of a scar. However, in the case of atrophic scars following acne or smallpox, the genetic and hormonal factors play a role in the formation of scars.
How to treat scars?
The choice of scar treatment method depends on the following factors:
- Patient’s age
- Type of a scar
- Scar location
- On how long the scar has been on the surface of the skin.
Scars are diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist who assesses whether the skin lesion is a scar and not cancer, for example. After patient consultation, the doctor will decide on the best treatment method for the individual case.
- Laser therapy - a highly effective way of treating each scar type. The laser light breaks down the collagen fibers that make up the scar, making the scar shrink and soften. In addition, laser therapy reduces pain, redness, and swelling at the site of scar formation. This treatment method is safe and gives satisfactory results after a series of 3-5 treatments.
- Corticosteroid injections - a widely used method in treating hypertrophic scars and scarring. Injection of corticosteroids into the scar results in a significant reduction in scar size and relief of itching and pain. The skin may become thin and pale at the sight of the injections.
- Cryosurgery - is a therapy that freezes the scar and gradually destroys its tissue. Cryosurgery reduces the size of the scar and lessens pain.
- Compression therapy - involves applying a compression dressing to a healing wound to reduce or prevent the formation of a hypertrophic scar or keloid scar. Achieving successful therapy results requires using a compression dressing for an extended time.
- Silicone gel - applying silicone gel to the scar reduces its size, toughness, swelling, and itching. This type of therapy effectively prevents the formation of a scar after surgery.
- Polyurethane dressing - a moist, elastic pad that lightens the scar and reduces its size and toughness when used. This type of therapy is particularly recommended after surgery. However, a polyurethane dressing is sometimes used together with compression therapy.
- Scar surgery - is a treatment method recommended when the scar significantly limits the range of movement. After excision of the lesion, the patient must wear a dressing or compression underwear for an extended time.
- Radiotherapy - radio-wave therapy is used when other forms of treatment have failed. This type of therapy may cause serious side effects.
Scars treatment in Zakrzewscy Clinic of Aesthetic Medicine and Dermatology
In Zakrzewscy Clinic, we offer effective methods of scar treatment using laser and corticosteroid injections (Kenalog). Laser therapy is excellent for treating all types of scars, including post-traumatic and post-surgical scars and the scars being formed as a side effect of acne or smallpox. Only 3 to 5 series of laser therapy is enough to notice a significant reduction in the size of a scar and its lightening.
In Zakrzewscy Clinic, we offer our Patients treatments using two types of laser. These are Discovery Pico Plus and Alma Pixel Co2.
The benefits of using the laser in the scars treatment in Zakrzewscy Clinic:
- Rapid treatment effects in the form of a noticeable reduction in the size of the scar and its lightening and softening, thanks to which any movement limitations disappear.
- The procedure is extremely precise (performed with a scanner), so the convalescence is short.
- The procedure is almost painless and safe. It is performed with local anesthesia.
- Swelling and redness at the radiation site are slight and usually disappear after 3-5 days following the procedure.
- During the treatment, the patient remains under constant care of the Clinic, and their condition is monitored according to an individually designed schedule of a health surveillance procedure.
Suppose you want to remove a scar or you are concerned about your skin condition. In that case, we invite you to professional medical consultation, during which we will assess the skin lesion and present the available treatment methods. We invite you to contact our Clinic.
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