What is Scar and how it’s treated by dermatologist?

What is a scar?

A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after an injury. Scars result from the biological process of wound repair in the skin, as well as in other organs and tissues of the body. Thus, scarring is a natural part of the healing process.

What are the main types of scars?

Hypertrophic scars: These are red scars that rise above the skin. They do not spread beyond the spot where the injury occurred. Possible treatments include steroid injections and laser surgery.

Keloids: These scars jut out from the skin and spread beyond the spot where the injury occurred. They are caused by the overproduction of certain cells. Over time, keloids may affect mobility (ability to move). Possible treatments include surgery, laser surgery ,radiation or steroid injections. Smaller keloids can be removed with cryotherapy  (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen). You can also prevent keloids by using pressure treatment, silicone gel. Keloids are more common in darker skin types, specifically people of African or Asian descent. 

Contracture scars: These scars typically occur after the skin is burned. They cause tightening (contracting) of the skin that can reduce the ability to move. This type of scar can go into muscles and nerves.

Acne scars: Any type of acne can leave behind scars. There are many types of acne scars, and they can be shallow or quite deep. Treatment depends on the type of scars.

What are possible treatments for scars?

Over-the-counter or prescription creams, ointments, or gels: These products may reduce scars that are caused by surgical incisions (cuts) or other injuries or wounds. If you are under the care of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, ask your doctor for recommendations. Treatment options include corticosteroids or antihistamine creams (if your scars are sensitive and cause itching). Your doctor may also recommend intralesional steroid injections, pressure dressings, or silicone gel sheeting to prevent acne scars and to help treat existing scars.

Surgery: There are many options under this category, including skin grafts, excision (removal), or laser surgery. When looking into surgery, discuss with your doctor whether you will have local anesthesia with an oral sedative, or general anesthesia. If you’ve recently had plastic, cosmetic, or other surgery that has caused your scars, it is best to wait at least one year before making a decision about scar removal treatment. Many scars fade and become less noticeable over time.

Injections: In the case of protruding scars such as keloids or hypertrophic scars, your doctor may choose to use steroid injections to flatten the scars. Such injections can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or in combination with other treatments.

Laser therapy:  Laser therapy uses focused beams of light to treat damaged areas on the body. It can remove tumors and other growths, improve vision, stop hair loss, and treat pain. Laser therapy can also improve the appearance of scars.

Laser treatment for scars is an outpatient procedure. Your the doctor repeatedly moves a laser wand over your skin to remove damaged skin cells and diminish scars. These include:

• Injury scars
• Burn marks
• Acne scars
• Dark spots,
•  Age spots

Because this procedure involves heat and light, your doctor may not recommend it if you have light sensitivity. Certain medications can cause this type of sensitivity. Be sure to speak with your doctor to see if you’re a good candidate.

Your doctor may also discourage laser treatments if you take blood-thinning medications due to the risk of bleeding and if you have active acne, skin sores & darker skin

Contact KEMPS skin clinic they have the latest equipment and the technique to remove scar by laser.