Scar Treatments
There are many types of scars, just as there are many different reasons people get scars.
Burns, wounds, acne, cuts, or abrasions can all cause damage to the skin. The remaining scar is evidence that the healing process has taken place. Scars are thick, fibrous tissue that form when skin tissue is repairing itself. There are effective methods to treat scars, but many variables must be taken into consideration when choosing the right treatment. The location of the scar, the size of the wound, the person’s age, the depth of the cut, and ethnicity are all factors. Some treatments, such as laser therapy, are not effective on darker complexions.
Contracture, Keloid, Cryotherapy and Hypertrophic Scars
Scars Are Not Always Superficial
A contracture scar is due to a burn. It causes the skin to tighten and remain uneven or bumpy. These scars are not always superficial and may go deep into underlying tissues affecting nerve endings and muscles. Contracture scars may hamper movement and require surgery to restore that function. For example, if a person experienced burns on their hands, the contracture scar may have caused the skin to tighten so much that they aren’t able to move their fingers properly without surgery. Skin grafts are necessary if the burn was severe. Keloid scars are due to the overproduction of collagen in the healing process. They extend beyond the original sight of the wound. They are thick, red, and usually very itchy. Keloid scars are more common among people with darker skin tones. These scars may be treated with steroid injections to decrease the size, silicone sheets pressed against the scar to flatten it, or surgically removed with an incision, then stitches. Cryotherapy is the process of freezing the scar off using liquid nitrogen. It is only effective if the keloid scar is small. Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloid scars, but they don’t go beyond the original wound. Steroid injections and silicone sheets are also used to treat these scars.
Laser Treatment For Acne Scarring Can Be A Long Lasting Solution
Acne Scars Treatment
Acne scarring is not only due to adolescent blemishes, but may be caused at any age by stress, hormone imbalances, or nerve irregularities. Acne scars can be treated with prescription creams and moisturizers, removed surgically with a procedure called punch grafting, or with the use of laser skin resurfacing. Injectable fillers have proven to be effective by raising the surface of the scar, allowing for a smoother complexion. The downside of fillers is that they are not a long lasting solution. On the other hand, laser treatment for acne scarring can be a long lasting solution.
All scars can be treated with prescription ointments and creams. Antihistamine cream is used to reduce itching, silicone ointment soothes sensitive scars, and vitamin E may reduce the size of a scar.
Facial scarring causes the most concern for both males and females. This is obviously because our faces are exposed and seen by others. If you have been self-conscious due to facial scarring, there are many options available to you. Dr. Cory Torgerson would be pleased to show you before and after photos of many clients who have had scars greatly diminished or even completely removed. Please schedule an appointment at his Toronto laser centre today!
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