Scars are nothing more than skin changes resulting from mechanical or chemical damage to the skin, caused by acne, burns and the like. It happens that we find scars on our body that do not make us feel uncomfortable, they are small, delicate. However, sometimes it happens that we really want to remove such a mark on our skin to feel better.
What are the methods and ways to remove scars?
Scars, as mentioned earlier, are simply traces of a healed wound on the skin. They are distinguished from the rest of the skin of the body usually by color and elasticity, sometimes the scars are convex. On this basis, the types of scars were classified:
- Convex - otherwise hypertrophic scars. They are characterized by a delicate thickening above the surface of the skin. The main causes of these types of marks on our skin are usually burns or the effect of wound healing after surgery. This is due to the overproduction of collagen in the wound healing process.
- Atrophic - in this case, the scars are characterized by too little tissue, and the scars resemble a depression in the skin.
- Keloids, or keloids - protrude above the surface of the skin, similarly to raised scars. They arise as a result of injuries or operations. Keloids can cause discomfort because they can be painful.
- Scar contractures - occur in places where the skin bends, on the joints.
- Stretch marks, flat, pale.
It should be remembered that the most important factor before starting the treatment that will help us remove scars is complete healing of the wound. Each scar is different, we also differ in predisposition to wound healing.
What are the factors affecting wound and scar healing?
- Size and shape, location - in places exposed to stretching, where the wound is constantly working, healing may take longer, and the scar may be more visible as a result,
- Pressure and bleeding
- Age – in the elderly, the healing process is longer than in children,
- Wound factor,
- Number of seams and their type,
- Complexion,
- hormonal economy,
- Genetic predispositions,
The weakening of the body by diseases can make it difficult for wounds to heal.
To prevent the formation of scars, you can take simple steps that will minimize the risk of their formation. First of all, avoid excessive stretching of the skin around the wound. Never pick off any scabs that form on a healing wound. It is advisable to massage the scars and use creams and agents intended for scar care.
What is the best way to remove a scar?
If home care does not result in a complete reduction of the scar, the decision on which treatment we should choose to remove the scars depends on the above-mentioned factors. It is also worth considering that the choice of the best method will be decided by a specialist cosmetologist or doctor - dermatologist or surgeon. The most appropriate method will then be adapted depending on our individual conditions and contraindications.
What are the scar removal methods?
- Chemical peeling
Directed mainly to people with small scars after diseases, e.g. smallpox or mild acne. Its task is to exfoliate the epidermis and smooth the skin. The phenol contained in the composition causes the decomposition of the top layer of the epidermis, and at the same time stimulates it to regenerate, so that the skin after the chemical peeling treatment becomes firm, smooth and, above all, healthy. However, people with very sensitive skin or prone to allergies should not undergo the treatment. It is recommended to perform a series of 6 treatments at 2-week intervals.
- Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion works similarly to a chemical peel, however, it penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and can deal with deeper and more visible scars. The treatment consists in using a diamond head, which mechanically, rotating, rubs the epidermis layers. The procedure may be painful, therefore an anesthetic cream (EsteCream, LidoCare) is used before it is performed. Skin regeneration after a dermabrasion treatment takes about a week, but this period may be extended due to the intensity and depth of abrasion, as well as individual healing of irritations. It is recommended to perform a series of 2 to 10 treatments.
- microdermabrasion
This is definitely a milder form of dermabrasion treatment, dedicated mainly to people with single, shallow acne scars. The effects of the treatment are visible after its first performance after a few days, however, it is recommended to perform the full series about 10 times. There is no need to use anesthesia.
- Cryotherapy
This is a method that uses liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide (temperature from 90 to 190 ° C). Blood flow is disturbed, resulting in ischemia and hypoxia of cells at the site of scar formation. The healing process consists in damaging cells, and as a result, new healthy and regenerated ones begin to be produced. Healed smooth skin. It is recommended to perform a series of about 5 treatments at intervals of several weeks.
- Microneedle and needle mesotherapy
The procedure is performed to remove deep, overgrown, brown scars resulting from surgical procedures or burns. The treatment consists in performing an injection and injecting an individually selected ampoule. Thanks to this, the overgrown tissue disappears, and a smooth and flat scar appears in its place, which is much easier to remove. The frequency of repetition of the procedure depends on the depth and size of the scar.
Laser removal
This method has recently become much more popular, mainly due to the safety of the procedure and the lack of contraindications to perform it in people of all ages. It is painless and more patients decide to have it performed. To perform the procedure, he uses a fractional laser after applying an anesthetic cream. The skin may later be reddened and irritated, so it is necessary to take care of the place where the treatment was performed.