In the context of growing aesthetic awareness, a rising number of patients feel disappointed with their scars and are frequently seeking help for functional and aesthetic improvement. However, excessive and raised scarring (keloids and hypertropics) following surgery or trauma remains difficult to improve despite a plethora of advocated treatment strategies as frequently observed in daily clinical routine.
Specific anatomic locations, infection, genetic susceptibility, and delayed epithelialization have been shown to increase the risk of keloid or hypertrophic scar formation after even minor surgical or laser procedures – particularly in predisposed individuals, according to PubMed. A keloid scar is a firm, smooth, hard growth due to spontaneous scar formation. It can arise soon after an injury, or develop months later. Keloids may be uncomfortable or itchy and extend well beyond the original wound. Meanwhile, hypertrophic scar is limited to the damaged skin. There are many of benificial options for treating raised scars, both keloids and hypertropic scars. Some are more effective than others.
Laser treatment
Although scars can’t be completely removed, studies have shown that laser therapy can effectively minimize a scar’s appearance and thickness.
Cryotherapy
In cryotherapy, a doctor or dermatologist freezes the scar tissue with liquid nitrogen to help flatten it.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion, sometimes known as dermaplaning, is a procedure that “refinishes” the top layers of skin through controlled surgical scraping. The new skin typically appears smoother and refreshed. Outcomes can be dramatic and long-lasting.
Moisture
Wet or moist treatment of wounds has been shown to promote re-epithelialization and result in reduced scar formation, as compared to treatment in a dry environment. The inflammatory reaction is reduced in the wet environment, thereby limiting injury progression. Staying hydrated is an important factor when your body is developing the raised scars after a skin injury.
Silicone gel
Silicone gel technology is a clinically-proven treatment option for reducing scars with over 30 years of evidence to support its effectiveness.
Silicone scar therapy can be used for the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars caused by surgery, burns, and other trauma. Those are raised, thickened, red or darkcoloured scars that can be itchy and painful, or cause aesthetic issues that may affect the individual. These types of problematic scars are also known to cause a significant impairment on patient quality of life.
DTPmedical supplies the high quality silicone-based scar products such as Nourisil™ MD, Bapscarcare Gel, Bapscarcare Sheet. Ask your doctor which therapy option is right for you.
Steroid injections
Corticosteroid injections are considered a benificial treatment for hypertrophic scars and keloids. Injecting a steroid into the scar every six weeks may help flatten and soften the raised scar. There’s a limit to the number of times this can be performed, however, as the steroids may also weaken normal tissue around the scar.
Radiation
Because keloids are also tumors (of the non-malignant type), superficial radiation therapy is designed to treat them. And because keloid scars are sensitive to X-ray radiation, this form of therapy has been shown to prevent keloids from coming back, with a 10% or lower recurrence rate (1).
External pressure and massage
One of the cheapest and most effective ways to help heal the raised scar is to apply pressure and massage to the area. You can use bandages or tape to apply pressure. Over time, it can help weaken the scar tissue and improve the appearance of the scar.
Scar revision
Scar revision is surgery to improve or reduce the appearance of the raised scars. It also restores function, and corrects skin changes (disfigurement) caused by an injury, wound, poor healing, or previous surgery. Depending on the extent of the surgery, scar revision can be done while you are awake (local anesthesia), sleeping (sedated), or deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia).
When to have scar revision done is not always clear. Scars shrink and become less noticeable as they age. You may be able to wait to have surgery until the scar lightens in color. This can be several months or even a year after the wound has healed. For some scars, it is best to have revision surgery 60 to 90 days after the scar matures. Each scar is different.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent the formation of scars is that you try your best to limit injury to your skin. To this end, some people may wish to limit participation in activities that carry a high risk of injury or to wear adequate protective gear.
For surgical procedures, there should be adequate planning for the size and type of incision, as well as how to close the area while minimizing skin tension.
Soft tissue handling techniques should also be employed in order to minimize skin trauma.
When possible, you may wish to avoid invasive procedures. These include facelifts, body piercings, tattoos and elective surgery.