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.
