Reduce the Appearance of Scars
While it is the season of layering up, scars can be hidden from sight. But if you’re worried about visible scars this summer, there are plenty of treatments that can help you feel more confident.
Whether your scars are from surgery, injuries, or acne, there are ways to make them less noticeable before the warm weather hits.
In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of scars and share treatments that can help.
What kind of scar do you have?
Not all scars are the same and figuring out what kind you have can help you choose the right treatment. Two common types are hypertrophic and keloid scars, both inflammatory disorders of skin, specifically relating to the reticular dermis. They contain inflammatory cells, increased numbers of fibroblasts, newly formed blood vessels, and collagen deposits.
Hypertrophic scars are raised and red but stay within the area of the original injury or surgery. They may get better over time but can still be quite noticeable.
Keloid scars are a bit different. They grow beyond the original wound, becoming thick and raised. Sometimes they can feel itchy or even uncomfortable. These scars are often harder to treat and may need more than one type of treatment. Research shows keloid scars may form due to genetic influences, immune system irregularities and wound-healing issues.
There are also prominent or poorly healed scars, which can come from surgeries, burns, or injuries. These scars may look sunken, uneven, or discoloured. How your scar heals can depend on things like how well you cared for the wound, your skin type, and where the scar is on your body.
Non-surgical treatments to reduce the appearance of scars
If you’re looking for a simple fix, there are plenty of non-surgical treatments that can help improve the look of scars. These options are less invasive and usually don’t require much downtime.
Silicone gel sheets and silicone-based creams are often recommended for hypertrophic and keloid scars. They help flatten and soften the scar over time. If you use them regularly, you’ll likely see some improvement, especially with newer scars.
Steroid injections are another popular option, especially for raised scars like keloids. These injections can reduce swelling and help flatten the scar. You could need a few sessions to get the best results.
If your scar is discoloured or has an uneven texture, laser therapy can work wonders. Lasers target the scar tissue to improve its colour and texture, leaving your skin looking smoother. This treatment works well for many types of scars, including acne and surgical scars.
Another option is microneedling. This treatment uses tiny needles to create small punctures in the skin, which encourages your body to produce more collagen. Over time, this can help make scars less noticeable.
While these treatments can make a big difference, they may not be enough for deep or very noticeable scars. That’s when surgery might be the better option.
Surgical options to reduce the appearance of scars
For some scars, especially if they’re large, raised, or didn’t heal well, surgery could be the best way to improve how they look. This is called scar excision and involves removing the scar and carefully stitching the skin back together to help it heal better and leave behind a less noticeable scar.
Surgical excision is often recommended for hypertrophic and keloid scars that haven’t responded to other treatments. The surgeon removes the scar tissue and closes the wound in a way that helps the skin heal more smoothly. After surgery, treatments like silicone sheets or steroid injections can help keep the scar from coming back.
For prominent or poorly healed scars, surgical revision can make a big difference. Techniques used can change the direction of the scar, making it less visible, while dermabrasion smooths out uneven skin. The best method depends on the scar’s size, location, and shape.
It’s important to remember that even with surgery, scars won’t disappear completely. The goal is to make them less noticeable and help them blend in better with your skin.
From non-surgical options like laser therapy and steroid injections to surgical procedures for more stubborn scars, there’s a solution for everyone.
To find out which treatment is right for you, schedule an appointment with Mr Paul Tulley today.
