Scarring can result from a variety of causes, including: accidents, injuries and cancer. In general, a scar will form following injury to the skin, when it becomes cut or torn. This can be accidental, or from having had surgery.
Scars can appear differently, depending on their cause. Typically, a scar will be lighter in tone to the surrounding skin, also being softer in texture.
The individual appearance of a scar will depend on the severity of the injury, as well as how much tissue was removed or destroyed. This can also determine its particular size, shape and colour. With fair skin, most scars will begin red or purple in colour, before fading to become much paler in tone. For those with darker skin, scars will often look grey.
Scars may also be caused by inflammation of tissue, such as with acne when the marks left on the skin look flat or pitted, and may also be accompanied by discolouration of the skin.
There are different types of scarring which may differ depending on the way the skin became damaged. Contracted scars where skin stretches and tears are commonly caused by burns. This type of scarring may also go deeper, affecting muscles and nerves.
Hypertrophic scars are raised, red scars that are often formed from too much collagen being sent to the damaged site. These scars will often continue to grow outside of their boundary. Keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic scars but do not go beyond the boundary of the injury.
If you’ve had severe acne, you’re likely to develop acne scarring, ranging from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance. When scars form after surgery, they’re likely to be fineline scars that are straighter and neater in appearance.
A scar forms when the skin tissue gets damaged, either accidentally or as a result of surgery.
Any break in the skin triggers a complex healing process, with collagen playing the main role together with a multitude of other proteins. Over the following months, the wound will continue to produce collagen accompanied by an increase in blood supply, which can result in the wound forming a scar that is lumpy, red and raised. Generally, it takes up to 18 months for a scar to settle down and achieve its final appearance.
Whilst the ideal scar is a fine pale line, poor scarring may occur either due to genetic factors (the way each individual scars up) or factors such as trauma, infection or delayed wound healing.
The appearance of a scar can cause a person to feel self-conscious and wanting to keep it covered. Whilst there are several non-surgical ways available to treat poor scars, if all other attempts to improve the scar appearance does not prove effective enough, skin surgery for surgical scar revision may be an appropriate option.
Treatment for a scar will depend on the type of scarring. In some cases, an aesthetic treatment such as dermal fillers can be used to help smooth the appearance of the skin. This method is often effective on acne scarring, but will only provide a temporary solution.
At Chester Cosmetic Surgery we can perform both aesthetic treatments as well as surgical procedures for the revision of scars. Surgically, scars may be reopened to encourage improved regrowth of scar tissue, thus improving the overall size and shape.
Scar revision surgery has come a long way, with many advancements allowing for more effective and less invasive procedures. Among the most notable are laser surgery, micro-needling, and surgical scar excision, each tailored to different types of scars and patient needs.
Laser surgery is increasingly popular for its precision and the ability to target different layers of skin without invasive cutting. Different types of lasers, such as ablative and non-ablative lasers, can be used depending on the scar’s characteristics. Ablative lasers work by vaporising the upper layers of damaged skin, prompting the body to produce new, healthier tissue. On the other hand, non-ablative lasers focus on the underlying skin tissue, promoting collagen production without damaging the surface.
Micro-needling, another minimally invasive technique, involves using fine needles to puncture the skin and stimulate collagen production. This procedure is particularly effective for atrophic scars, such as those from acne or chickenpox, as it helps to elevate the depressed areas.
Surgical excision is reserved for more severe cases, such as hypertrophic scars and keloids, which do not typically respond well to less invasive methods. In this procedure, the scar is surgically removed, and the skin is sutured or grafted to heal in a more controlled and aesthetically pleasing way. New techniques in this area include the use of precision cutting tools and improved suturing techniques that minimise the risk of new scar formation.
When it comes to choosing a scar treatment method, it’s essential to consider the type of scar, its location, and your skin type. Here’s a detailed comparison of popular treatment options:
Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and often, a combination approach may be necessary to achieve the best results. The choice of treatment should be guided by a thorough evaluation from a plastic surgeon like Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna who can recommend the most effective options based on your specific conditions and expected outcomes.