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There are many types of scars, and as such there is no one treatment for removing all scars. Scars vary in their location, orientations and depth. Dr. Siegel takes an individual approach to scar treatment. One of the key points he stresses to patients, is that once a scar is formed it cannot be completely erased. The key is to camouflage, or hide the scar. Even if the scar is still there, the naked eye will not “see it”.
There are many surgical options for treatment, paired with the right approach and the right patient; the results can create almost invisible scars to the naked eye.
There are other ways of improving the appearance of scars besides surgery. Dermabrasion or laser resurfacing aims at removing the thicker superficial portions of the scar,
and stimulating new “more normal” skin to grow in place of the raised scar.
Skin injury may be the result of an accident, a surgical incision, or a burn. Regardless
of how this happened, the body heals by the same mechanism.
A breakage in the skin, regardless of how it occurred, causes new collagen production
as a result of the normal healing process. But when this collagen is overproduced, a
scar is formed.
Skin fibers are arranged in specific directions called Relaxed Skin Tension Lines (RSTL).
When skin is injured opposite to the RSTLs’ direction, the resulting scar will
be more noticeable.
Scar formation is a process taking six to twelve months. During this period the scar
will mature and change in color, texture and depth. It is important not to rush and
treat all scars. A scar that is noticeable at three months may spontaneously disappear
within a year. On the other hand, scars that are several years old are unlikely to change.
Unless there is grossly abnormal healing in the early stages, a scar should not be
operated on until it has matured. Scars that show early signs of abnormal healing may
be treated with steroid injections and silicone gels to try and minimize the risk of
future surgery.
The most important factor for skin healing is the overall health of the patient. People
taking steroids, who are in poor nutritional states, or who smoke will have a compromised
response to injury.
A scar cannot be completely eliminated once it has formed. Scars can be made less noticeable
by changing the geometry of the scar pattern, dermabrasion, or reorientation among other
techniques. Regardless of the method used, the goal is the same; to camouflage
the scar. It is important to understand that once a scar is formed, it can only be improved
on and not erased.
Certain parts of the body and certain skin types have higher chances of scarring.
Scarring can be either keloid or hypertrophic.
When too much collagen is produced beyond the borders of the initial injury it is called
a Keloid. Hypertrophic scars are raised and thick, but unlike keloids, they do
not grow beyond the initial area of injury.
It must be understood that there will always be a small risk of the scar returning
after it is treated. Only a personal consultation with your doctor can give you the
best options for scar treatment in your case.
Once the best option for scar improvement has been determined, it is important to closely
follow up with your doctor as the minimized scar goes through the normal healing process.
Remember, this may take up to a year. During this time, the newly treated area will
undergo several changes and the final appearance of a scar will not be evident until
about a year after the procedure is performed, sometimes longer. It is important to
be patient.
To discuss scar removal or revision with Dr. Siegel, schedule
an appointment by calling TOLL FREE 1-866-920-3223 or by
using our Contact Form.
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