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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