Skin Scar Treatments
Skin scars can significantly impact your self-confidence and overall well-being. Whether you have scars from acne, injuries, surgery, or other causes, we are here to provide effective and personalized treatments to help minimize their appearance. This client information sheet will provide essential details about skin scars and the various treatment options available at our clinic.
Understanding Skin Scars
Skin scars are a natural part of the healing process after an injury or trauma to the skin. When the deeper layers of the skin are damaged, the body produces collagen fibres to repair the area. However, this collagen production can sometimes be irregular, leading to the formation of scars. The type, size, and appearance of scars can vary depending on several factors, including the depth and location of the wound, your skin type, and individual healing processes.
Common types of skin scars include:
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Hypertrophic scars: These scars are raised and thick but remain within the boundaries of the original wound. They can be red, pink, or purple and may become itchy or tender.
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Keloid scars: Keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic scars but extend beyond the original wound. They can be larger, raised, and have a darker colour. Keloids tend to grow beyond the boundaries of the original injury and may continue to grow over time.
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Atrophic scars: These scars are characterized by tissue loss, resulting in a depressed or sunken appearance. Atrophic scars can be caused by conditions such as acne or certain infections.
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Contracture scars: Contracture scars occur when the skin tightens and contracts during the healing process, often affecting deeper layers of tissue. These scars can restrict movement and may result from burns or large wounds.
Treatment Options for Skin Scars
We offer a range of advanced treatments to address different types of skin scars. Some of the treatments we provide include:
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Topical treatments: Topical creams or gels may be recommended for milder scars, such as superficial acne scars. These products often contain ingredients that promote skin cell turnover and collagen production, helping to improve the texture and appearance of scars over time.
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Injectable treatments: Injectable treatments, such as dermal fillers or collagen stimulators, can fill in depressed scars and improve their texture. These treatments provide volume and stimulate collagen production, resulting in smoother and more even skin.
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Laser therapy: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, can effectively target scar tissue and stimulate the production of new collagen. This helps to remodel the scar and improve its appearance. Laser treatments are often used for various scars, including acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks.
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Micro-needling: Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting scar remodelling. This procedure can help improve the texture and appearance of various scars, including acne and stretch marks.
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Chemical peels: Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layer to peel off, revealing fresh, new skin underneath. This treatment can help reduce the appearance of certain types of scars, including superficial acne scars and pigmentation irregularities.
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Surgical scar revision: In some cases, surgical scar revision may be recommended for more severe or extensive scars. This procedure involves removing the old scar tissue and carefully
re-joining the surrounding skin to create a more aesthetically pleasing scar. Our skilled surgeons have extensive experience in scar revision procedures and will work closely with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
Post-Treatment Care and Expectations
It’s important to understand that scar treatment is a gradual process, and results may vary depending on the type and severity of your scars. While treatments are designed to minimize the appearance of scars and improve skin texture, it’s essential to have realistic expectations and understand that complete scar removal may not always be possible. However, our goal is to help you significantly improve the appearance of your scars, leading to increased self-confidence and a more positive self-image.
After scar treatment, we will provide detailed post-treatment instructions to optimize the healing process and enhance your results. Following these instructions carefully is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include keeping the treated area clean, avoiding excessive sun exposure, using recommended skincare products, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled.
Keloid Scars:
Keloids are raised, thickened skin areas that form due to an overgrowth of scar tissue. They typically occur at the site of a skin injury, such as a cut, burn, or acne. Keloids can be unsightly, itchy, and uncomfortable and may cause embarrassment or self-consciousness. However, with proper treatment, they can often be reduced in size and improved in appearance.
Keloids are caused by an overgrowth of collagen, a fibrous protein that forms scar tissue. For example, a keloid can form when the body produces too much collagen at the site of a skin injury. It is unclear why some people are more prone to keloid formation than others, but it is thought to be related to genetics, as keloids often run in families.
Risk factors for developing keloids include:
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Being between the ages of 10 and 30
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Having darkly pigmented skin
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Having a family history of keloids
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Having a history of keloid formation at a previous injury site
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Having a tendency to form hypertrophic scars (raised, thickened scars that do not extend beyond the borders of the original wound)
Keloids can vary in size and shape and may be smooth or textured. They often have a shiny or waxy appearance and may be pink, red, or brown. Keloids are typically raised above the skin’s surface and can be firm or rubbery to the touch. They may be itchy or painful and can restrict movement if they form over a joint.
Several treatment options are available for keloids, depending on the size and location of the keloid, as well as the individual’s medical history and personal preferences. Treatment options include:
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Corticosteroid injections: These injections are used to reduce inflammation and shrink the size of the keloid. Multiple injections may be needed over several months.
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Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen, which can cause the tissue to shrink and reduce in size.
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Laser therapy uses a specialized laser to break down the scar tissue and encourage new collagen growth.
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Surgery: In some cases, surgical removal of the keloid may be necessary. However, surgery carries a risk of keloid recurrence and may need to be combined with other treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or radiation therapy.
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Radiation therapy: This is used to prevent keloid recurrence following surgical removal. Radiation therapy is typically reserved for large or recurring keloids, as it carries a risk of side effects and long-term complications. This is generally done in teaching hospital settings.
While keloids cannot always be prevented, some steps can be taken to minimize the risk of keloid formation following a skin injury. These include:
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Keeping the wound clean and moist
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Avoiding unnecessary tension on the wound
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Using silicone gel or sheets to minimize scarring
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Applying pressure dressings or silicone gel sheeting to the wound
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Avoiding piercing or tattooing areas prone to keloid formation
With proper treatment, keloids can often be reduced in size and have an improved appearance, allowing individuals to feel more confident and comfortable.
Schedule a Consultation
We invite you to schedule a consultation if you’re seeking effective solutions for your skin scars. We will assess your scars, discuss your goals and expectations, and recommend the most suitable treatment options.