Scar Reduction

This is a question a lot of people ask when looking for solutions to the reduction of existing scars.

Scarring can have a lasting impact on a person and their experiences both personally and socially. Poor self image and social discomfort may seem to be small and insignificant side effects of minor scarring, but for the individual they can create massive obstacles to feeling happy and achieving ones potential. Major scarring can be utterly disabling in so many areas of life with such problems as limited mobility and constant pain.

Surgery can actually be quite effective in scar reduction and help a person to improve their life and confidence.

There are many different techniques available; some are obviously more effective than others.

The choice of surgery will depend upon the type of scarring that a person has.

The most difficult scars to reduce are known as ‘keloid scars’. These are the thick, dark itchy clusters of dense fibrous scar tissue that grow beyond the edges of a wound. This is as a result of the production of collagen by the body after a scar has formed. The surgical procedure is to cut out the scar and close the wound with stitches or superglue. This can leave faint scarring but it is still a massive improvement.

Another type of scarring is known as the ‘hypertropic scar’. These are red, swollen, puffy and itchy scars that have grown around the edges of the original wound. These treated in a similar way as with keloid scars but the surgeon may reposition the wound so it will heal in a less obvious way.

Laser treatment can be very effective in scar reduction, especially with ‘atropic scars’ which are small pockets in the skin caused by acne and other skin conditions.

The other issue that may have a massive influence on the decision to have surgery is the cost. Plastic surgery is not particularly cheap and the price is going to be dictated by the type and extent of the procedures required. You should always consult your family doctor and use an approved surgeon.

There are numerous non surgical techniques available but the effectiveness of these is always questionable. There are many valid claims and evidence to support this approach which, should never be discarded. It’s always worth taking this approach before considering surgery.

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Imagine a drug that actually reduces the appearance and effects of scarring in people. It would seem that this may soon be a reality.

Historically scars have been treated by an array of techniques ranging from surgical procedures to oils, creams and patches.

Never before has there been a drug with so much promise to revolutionise the lives of people that endure the devastating effects of scarring and scar tissue.

It was reported by the BBC in April 2009 that scientists in Manchester, UK have developed a new drug designed to reduce the appearance and effects of scarring. This new scar reduction drug was first conceived accidentally by a dental scientist. He experienced a “Eureka moment” about 20 years ago when working with baby alligators. Following operations on the baby alligators that were still in their eggs he noticed that they hatched with no scarring from the procedures.

Since then he has developed ‘Juvista’, the worlds first scar reduction drug, which is hoped to improve disfiguring scars in human beings without the need for laser treatment or skin grafts. The drug consists of a growth factor substance that is administered by injection.

The drug is still being tested with the clinical trials showing some very favourable results. Claims have been made that some scars have improved by up to 60 percent.

That’s very impressive but we all know that in the real world things are not so clear or simple. If this drug works to half its potential it could still be seen as a miracle by many.

In the US alone there are at least 40 million procedures a year that could benefit from scar reduction therapy. This does not take into account people with existing difficulties associated with scarring.

There may yet be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. All we can do is watch and wait with renewed hope.

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