SCAR REVISION – HYPERTROPHIC, ATROPHIC AND KELOID SCAR TREATMENT
Surgical, acne and injuries scars are often damaging the natural appearance of the skin and drawing unwanted attention. When a scar is formating, it is difficult to determine whether its future development is going to be normal or pathological. An injury takes a long time (one year to one and half year) to get its final appearance. Some scars can increase in size (grow) during the healing period. Therefore it is important to note that every formatting scar requires special medical supervision until it reaches the maturity stage. The sooner you see an experienced plastic surgeon, the faster and more effective Dr. Skarparis’s help is going to be.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SCARS
Some people have a genetic predisposition to develop larger and thicker scars (keloid scars). Also, some areas of the body (sternum, shoulder, etc.) have a higher predisposition for formatting hypertrophic scars.
There are no sweat glands or hair follicles on such scars.
THE TYPES OF SCARS
- NORMOTROPHIC SCARS
The scar color is pale, and the scar is at the level of the surrounding skin (flat scar). The revision of this type of scars if required (like in case of wide visible scars) is not difficult. Surgical excision can remove the old scar and leave a better, less noticeable scar. Laser resurfacing, microneedling, or chemical peeling may also be used for improving the appearance of these scars.
- ATROPHIC SCARS
Such scars are often associated with acne vulgaris and can also be observed after chickenpox. An atrophic scar is located below the level of surrounding tissues and is characterized by the degradation of collagen fibers and subcutaneous fat. Fractional laser correction can be used to get rid of such scars. Also, the bottom of the scar can be raised by injectable hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, etc.). PRP Rich-Plasma therapy and medical cosmeceuticals can be used to stimulate collagen production and also improve the appearance of the skin.
- HYPERTROPHIC SCARS
Scars of this type protrude above the skin and have dark pink, brown, or some other color. Removal or improvement of these scars can be performed using surgery, injection of cortisone, use of silicone sheath, and scar creams. Fractional laser, chemical peelings can also be used.
- KELOID SCARS
Such scars have uneven borders, protrude significantly over the surrounding skin, and can be painful. There is abnormal growth of the scar beyond the boundaries of the injury. Corticosteroids are usually injected into the scar. Cortisone is causing atrophy of the keloid by stopping excess collagen production and smoothing the protruding scars and keloids. Few treatments are usually required to obtain the best result.