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Scar is a mark left on the skin, which is formed by fibrous tissue in replacement of the normal skin after an injury, disease or surgery. It is a normal part of the healing process as the skin tries to repair itself. The greater the wound to the skin and the longer it takes for the skin to recover there is a greater chance of the scar becoming more evident. A new scar is normally red and thick at first, it tends to fade away gradually with time after the skin heals completely. Some scars may improve on their own over a period of six to eighteen months.
The formation of a scar will depend upon the person’s age as well as the location of the body or face. A young skin has a strong repair capability, leading to larger, thicker scars.
A scar can never be completely removed. A treatment will not bring the skin back to its original state before the injury occurred, but it can minimise the mark, making it less obvious.
There are different ways of treating scars and as each scar is different each will require a different treatment.
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Types of scar treatment:
- Surgical Scar Revision
- Dermabrasion
- Laser Resurfacing and Pulsed Dye Laser Scar Revision
- Soft Tissue Fillers (collagen, hyaluronic acid or fat injections)
- Punch Grafts and Punch Excisions
- Chemical Peels
Other Scar Treatment Methods include:
Pressure bandages and massages: can help to flatten scars if used regularly and may need to be used for several months
Silicone-containing gels, creams and bandages: can help to reduce scar thickness and pain, also can help to remodel elevated scars. Needs to be used on a regular basis.
Cryosurgery: freezes the outer layer of the skin creating a blister to remove the excess scared tissue.
Cortisone injections: helps to shrink and flatten hard scars, like keloids, by softening the skin tissues.
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Interferon: Injection of a chemical into the scar to help improve its texture and apperance.
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