Scars are inevitable and form as a result of different reasons including surgery, injuries, infection, etc. Scars can manifest anywhere on the body and can appear lumpy, flat, raised, dark or light in color, and can be painful or itchy.
The way a scar looks long-term depends on the individual’s skin type, how the scar was created, the patient’s age and overall health, where the scar is located on the body, and any preventative care given to the injury site during the healing process.
Today we are going to look at scars, why they form, and the best scar treatment to minimize their appearance.
Why Do Scars Form?
The human body is amazing when you think about it. When we get a small cut on our finger, we slap on some antibiotic ointment and a bandaid, and a few days later it is healed. We didn’t have to do anything special or even think about it again because our bodies did all the work for us.
When we experience an injury of any kind, our body has a built-in mechanism that kicks into action to repair the damage. The skin’s natural repair process is to quickly produce new collagen fibers and scars are the result of these rapidly produced fibers.
Normally the collagen fibers produced by the skin are done slowly and methodically creating a random but smooth basketweave pattern. The collagen that is rapidly manufactured to fix an injury to the skin is woven in a disorganized fashion in one direction with no clear pattern forming a scar.
Uninjured skin forms a protective barrier that holds in moisture and keeps the skin hydrated but skin that has suffered an injury allows air and elements to penetrate deep into the layers. The lack of moisture can cause the scarring to be worse which is why the best scar treatments after surgery or an injury are those that help keep the area hydrated.
Unfortunately, wounds must be kept clean and dry for a time before patients are able to begin applying topical scar treatments and so there is no way to stop the haphazard collagen repairs before they start. Applying topical scar treatments as soon as the doctor gives the “all clear” can often influence the remaining collagen fibers that are produced to repair the skin. This can help scars to form that are flatter, lighter in color, and less visible than if left to heal untreated.
What Scar Treatments Are Available?
Scar treatments can be done during the healing process and visible scarring can be reduced or eliminated through cosmetic treatments after they have healed.
Scar Treatments During The Healing Process
Research has been conducted on many different types of scar prevention and certain topical solutions, as well as natural treatments, have been identified to promote healing and reduce the visibility of dermal scars.
Your cosmetic surgeon can provide topical recommendations for you based on the type and location of your incision. Some remedies that have been known to lessen the visibility of a scar include
1. Silicone Gel
This well-known treatment has been used for over three decades and is one of the best treatments available. It is most effective when treatment is started as soon as possible after the injury and is available in many forms.
One of the most popular is the use of silicone strips that come prepared and ready to use. These are available in many different lengths and can be cut to the proper length.
Another newer and highly effective scar treatment endorsed by Dr. Angelina and Surgicare Arts & Aesthetics is BioCorneum which is a powerful silicone-based treatment in gel form. Once applied and allowed to dry, it creates a barrier that protects the skin from losing the moisture that is essential for proper collagen formation. An additional benefit is that BioCorneum contains 30 SPF sunscreen protecting sensitive healing skin from harmful UV ray exposure. Clothing, compression garments, cosmetics, and more can be used once the gel is dried.
2. Scar Treatment Creams
Many over-the-counter and prescription-strength topical creams and treatments are available that are made to reduce the visibility of scars. Aloe vera, vitamin E, and allantoin are key ingredients that help lessen the appearance of scars.
3. Natural Treatments
Holistic treatments such as green tea extract and onion extract are known to reduce scar inflammation and offer antioxidant properties that inhibit haphazard patterns of collagen growth. Aloe and vitamin E both help the skin retain moisture which is essential to minimize scarring during the healing process. Many over-the-counter and prescription topical scar tissue treatments include these ingredients.
Scar Treatments To Reduce The Appearance Of Healed Scars
Most scars reach their mature healing point after about a year or two and at this point, cosmetic treatments are available that can reduce the visibility of scars.
The type of treatment needed will depend on factors such as the cause of the scar, where the scar is located, and the type of scar that was formed. For instance, a keloid scar treatment may be different from an atrophic scar treatment. Not all scars form the same and therefore may require different treatments or a combination of treatments to help reduce their appearance.
1. Light-Based And Laser Treatments
Once the scar has healed (normally after about 12 months) a medical spa procedure can help minimize its appearance. Treatments such as laser resurfacing, such as CoolPeel, or a light-based procedure can offer a smoother texture lightening scars to reduce redness so they are less visible. A combination of these treatments is often used for maximum results.
2. Microneedling Treatments
Morpheus8 is a powerful scar tissue treatment that combines radiofrequency with microneedling which jump-starts the body’s natural collagen formation. It works to resurface the skin from deep within naturally so collagen can form in a smooth and even basketweave formation which will significantly flatten existing scars. Morepheus8 also does wonders for reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
3. Resurfacing Treatments
Diamond Glow is a three-in-one treatment that exfoliates the top layer of dead skin, extracts impurities, and infuses the skin with much-needed hydration in the same facial procedure. It is effective in reducing visible acne scarring as well as lightening areas of discoloration often caused by scars.
Scarring is a natural part of the body’s healing process and unfortunately, most people will be left with some visible signs of trauma or injury. Proper wound care followed by the use of an effective scar treatment like Biocorenum will help the scars that form to be flatter, softer, and lighter.
If after adequate healing time, residual scarring remains, contact Surgicare Arts & Aesthetics for a consultation. Our expert team of professionals can address your concerns and come up with a treatment plan to reduce or eliminate visible scarring.
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer effective treatments to reduce the signs of scarring for men and women in Buckhead, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, and the surrounding areas of Georgia. Contact us today to learn more!
