Scarring is a natural part of the body’s healing process after an injury, surgery, or skin trauma. While scars are a sign of tissue repair, they can sometimes be aesthetically unpleasing or cause functional limitations, especially when they form excessively or in sensitive areas. At Heritage Hospital’s Plastic Surgery Department, we specialize in advanced scar management techniques to improve both the appearance and function of affected skin.
Scars develop when the skin repairs itself after an injury, such as a cut, burn, surgery, or acne. The body produces collagen fibers to close the wound, and the way these fibers arrange themselves determines the scar’s final appearance. Several factors influence scarring, including genetics, skin type, wound depth, and healing conditions.
Scars come in various forms, each requiring different treatment approaches:
These scars are raised, red, and thickened but remain within the boundaries of the original wound. They occur due to excessive collagen production during healing. Hypertrophic scars can improve over time but may benefit from treatment to accelerate the process.
Keloids are overgrown scars that extend beyond the original injury site. They can be raised, hard, and darker than the surrounding skin. Keloids are more common in darker skin tones and may cause itching, discomfort, or restricted movement.
Atrophic scars appear as depressions or indentations in the skin. They are common after acne or chickenpox. These scars occur due to insufficient collagen production during healing.
These scars develop after burns or severe skin injuries, causing the skin to tighten and restrict movement. Contracture scars can affect underlying muscles and nerves, requiring specialized treatment to restore mobility.
Although not traditional scars, stretch marks occur when the skin stretches rapidly, such as during pregnancy or sudden weight gain. These marks result from collagen and elastin breakdown in the skin.
At Heritage Hospital’s Plastic Surgery Department, we offer a range of scar treatment techniques to improve the appearance and function of scars. The choice of treatment depends on the scar type, location, and severity.
Laser treatments improve scar texture, color, and elevation by stimulating collagen remodeling and reducing redness. It is highly effective for acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks.
This technique uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen production and skin regeneration, particularly for atrophic scars.
Chemical peels remove the outer layers of damaged skin, improving the appearance of superficial scars and discoloration.
For deep or large scars, plastic surgery can help by removing the scar tissue and repositioning the skin to make it less noticeable. This is often used for contracture scars or severe keloids.
Involves freezing keloids with liquid nitrogen to reduce their size.
For severe keloids that don’t respond to other treatments, radiation therapy may be used to prevent regrowth after surgical removal.
While some scarring is unavoidable, proper wound care can minimize their appearance:
At Heritage Hospital, our Plastic Surgery Department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and expert plastic surgeons who specialize in scar management and revision. We offer personalized treatment plans to address different types of scars, ensuring the best cosmetic and functional outcomes for our patients.
If you are struggling with unsightly or restrictive scars, schedule a consultation today with our plastic surgery specialists to explore your options for scar improvement.
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