Almost everyone develops a scar, whether from an accident, a medical treatment, acne, or an illness like chickenpox. Scars have an impact on people of all ages and genders.
Scars are one of the most common things we all have experienced. They are the results of an injury, burns, illness and acne. In simple terms, Scars are the growth of tissues marking the spot where skin has healed after an injury, Whether it can be a small injury or a big one. Scars are a natural component of the healing process. As wounds heal, the body creates new collagen fibers at the location of the wound to replace those that were destroyed.Â
Over time a few scars just fade away, but in some cases they stay visible. The more the skin is injured and the deeper the injury goes below the surface, the longer it takes for the lesion to heal, which typically results in a visible scar
Did you know? The age of the individual and the location of the incision on the body or face influence on how a scar grows. For example:Â
- The injury will heal faster for the younger skin, resulting in larger and thicker scars.
- The skin above the jawline is firmer than on the face, making a scar more noticeable.
- A sunken or raised scar also casts irregular shadows, giving the skin an uneven appearance.
- Scars that bridge natural expression lines or are wider than a wrinkle will stand out more since they do not follow a natural pattern or seem to be a naturally formed line.
With the help of these examples, now you might be confused by things. Are there any different types of Scars? Yes, there are various types of Scars, depending on the underlying cause of the scar and the produced damage.Â
Types of Scars
- Discoloration and Surface Irregularities
These are tiny scars that can be corrected with cosmetic surgery performed by a trained cosmetic surgeon. Acne scars, scars from a minor accident, and scars from past surgical incisions are examples of these sorts of scars that do not limit function. Scar tissue grows when wounds heal. At first the scar may seem tobe red and thick, but it will progressively disappear. Many scars that are actively healing and appear unattractive after three months may mend well if given further time. Scars of this sort are not painful.
- Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic, also known as raised scars. These are the raised red scars that do not go beyond the boundary of the injuries. These are thick clusters of scar tissue that form right at the site of the incision. They are frequently elevated, and unpleasant, and these may spread over time. They may be darker or lighter in colour when compared to the surrounding skin.
- Keloids
These scars rise beyond the skin's surface and extend beyond the location of injury. Overgrown scar tissue can become big and restrict mobility. These larger scars may be unpleasant and irritating. They may also pucker and expand beyond the initial incision or wound's boundaries. Keloids can arise everywhere in the body, although they are more common in areas with a scarcity of fatty tissues like the face, neck, ears, chest, and shoulders.
- Contractures
If your skin has been scorched, you may acquire a contracture scar. These scars constrain the skin, making movement difficult. Contracture scars can also penetrate deeper into the skin, damaging muscles and nerves. Scars that limit mobility are caused by the skin and underlying tissue pushing together during healing. They happen when there is a lot of tissue loss. Contractures can also develop when a scar spans a joint, limiting movement in the fingers, elbows, knees, or neck.Â
- Acne Scars
Acne scars - one of the most common scars, that are the results of inflammation of acne blemishes. Almost 80% of the people at the age between 11 to 30 may experience these types of scars and are common on the face, back and the chest. If you've had severe acne, you've most likely got scars to prove it. Acne scars appear in a range of forms and sizes, ranging from deep pits to angular or wavelike scars. Treatment choices vary according to the type of acne scars you have.
- Stretch marks
Stretch Marks are also a type of scars that appear when the skin expands or contracts rapidly, the connective tissues beneath the skin might be injured. Stretch marks are common during pregnancy, adolescence, and after a significant weight increase or loss. These stretch marks are most commonly found on breasts, stomach, thighs, and upper arms.
When it comes to the treatment of these types of scars. There are several therapies that can make scars smaller or less visible. Your doctor may recommend a single therapy or a combination of therapies.
Scar Revision at Pretty U
Scar Revision Treatment is a surgery used to enhance or minimize the appearance of scars. It also treats skin discoloration and deformity caused by an accident, wound, poor healing, or prior surgery. It also reduces the visibility of scars by blending them in with the surrounding skin texture and tone.Â
Your doctor may use either general anaesthetic or local anesthetic with sedation, recommending the best solution for you. Scar therapy will be determined by the degree of your scarring, as well as the kind, size, and location of your scar. In certain circumstances, your surgeon will only employ a single approach to provide the best outcomes. In other cases, your cosmetic surgeon will advise you to use a mix of scar revision treatments to produce the greatest results.
Different Types of Treatments
Topical Treatment: Topical treatments include gels, tapes, and external compression. These aid in wound closure and healing. They also aid in lowering the damaged skin's capacity to create uneven pigment. These can be used to treat surface scars and discolouration, as well as to help in the healing of scar revision treatments.
Injectable Treatment: This treatment includes dermal fillers, which are used to cover depressed or concave scars. Your results may endure from three months to several years, depending on the chemical utilized to fill the scars. To keep the effects, you must repeat the therapy. Another type of injectable treatment reduces collagen production by using steroid-based chemicals. Scar tissue may change in size, appearance, and texture as a result of this.
Surface Treatment: This type of treatment is used to enhance the appearance of scars. These techniques can help to decrease uneven pigmentation and smooth surface imperfections. Dermabrasion, Laser or Light Therapy, Chemical Peel Solutions, and Skin Bleaching Agents are examples of therapies in this area.
Surgical/Incision Treatment: This type of treatment is only recommended in some persistent situations with very deep scars. This treatment will surgically remove the old scar and some scars need a multi-layered closure. This is employed when the excision extends beyond the skin's surface or in locations with a lot of mobility.Â
Complex flap closures, W-plasty, S-plasty, or Z-plasty methods are examples of advanced scar revision treatments. A flap closure may relocate a scar to make it less visible. It may also increase flexibility in cases when a contracture limits mobility. If there is insufficient healthy tissue to seal the scar, pharmaceutical tissue substitutes can be employed. This is particularly prevalent in cases of severe burn scars.
As there are various surgical procedures for scar revision, you should review them all with your cosmetic surgeon, who will then prescribe the best approach for you. You should also make sure that you are mentally prepared for scar revision surgery. And you should also remember that your treatment choices may depend on the level of scarring.Â
Dr. Suma Sandhyala is an expert in scar revision surgery. She will walk you through the healing process so there are no unpleasant surprises. She will also describe the scar correction surgery or procedures that are appropriate for you. So, if you are considering scar revision surgery and looking for the best experience and outcomes. Just dial and book your appointment here.