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SCARRING
WHAT IS SCARRING?
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after an injury has occurred. Scar removal is often utilized when the scarring in question impairs mobility or everyday functions.
The appearance of a scar depends on multiple factors including the size and depth of the wound, as well as its location. Other factors include age, genetics, gender, and ethnicity.
TYPES OF SCARS INCLUDE:
Keloid Scars
Keloid scars are the result of an aggressive healing process. These scars extend beyond the original injury and as time passes these scars can possibly hamper movement. Keloid scars may require surgery to remove the scar, steroid injections, or silicone sheets to flatten the scar. Smaller keloids may be able to be treated using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen).
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic Scars are raised, red scars that are similar to keloid scars but these scars do not go beyond the boundary of the injury.
Contracture Scars
Contracture Scars are often the result of burns where the scars tighten skin and can result in impairing the ability of movement as they can go deeper in the tissue and affect the muscles and nerves.
Acne Scars
Acne scars come from severe cases of acne. There are a variety of acne scars, ranging from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance.
POSSIBILITIES FOR TREATMENT
While there are many options for scar removal or to treat deeper scars, it does depend on each particular case.
Treatment options can include skin grafts, excision, dermabrasion, laser surgery, fractionated laser therapy (such as Fraxel), or kenalog injections.
Injections, such as collagen or other fillers, may also be useful for some types of pitted scarring. However, it is important to note these are not usually permanent solutions.
It is also important to wait before making a decision about scar treatment. Many scars can or will fade and become less noticeable over time.