Causes
Marks left on the skin as a result of deep tissue trauma either by injury, disease or medical procedures.
Surprisingly scarring can be considered normal, but can only be considered that when there is uncomplicated healing. A normal scar has no colour and is flat and almost unrecognisable.
Unfortunately when a scar is not given enough time to heal properly it can result in abnormal scarring. Certain things such as impatience, age, infection, smoking, certain medications, depth of wound, inflammation and over-extension can limit the healing process needed to form a normal scar.
Types
1. Keloid Scarring: Form of abnormal healing when excess tissue is formed and overextends the site of injury resulting in mass type growth. Most commonly appear on the earlobes, chest, shoulders and back.
2. Hypertrophic Scarring: Form of abnormal healing when excess tissue rises above the skin level, but stays within the confines of the original lesion making it different from a keloid scar. May regress or resolve over time.
3. Acne Scarring: The end result of acne can often leave some people with scarring. The severity and type of scar will all depend on the skin type, skin colour, grade of acne and length acne was present.
Treatment
When it comes to scarring it is important to bear in mind the age of the scar, type of scar, the skin type and colour. Older, more mature scars will take far longer than fresh, new scars to improve in appearance.
Darker skins tend to scar far easier than lighter skins. This always has to be taken into account when deciding on the best treatment going forward as one wants to avoid even more scarring.
With regards to Keloid Scarring – Treatment is challenging, but can be successful if done correctly. Options can be to remove surgically or steroid injections can be administered. Steroid injections can also be administered for Hypertrophic Scarring if not resolved on its own.
To start off we recommend a Skin Analysis. This allows us to see what is going on within the different skin layers. From our findings we are able to draw up the best treatment plan indicated to treat your scar. If we cannot successfully treat your scar we will refer you to the best possible medical professional to do so.
We always recommend a combination of products and treatments over a period of time to ensure the best possible results.
Products such as RegimA and Collagen are great when combined with treatments such as Dermapen for treating certain scarring.