How To Improve Scars (Scar Healing Treatments)

Scars leave a physical mark but also affect people mentally. In this video, Consultant plastic surgeon, Masha Singh talks about what causes scars and how you can make scars less visible. Links: For more information on scar correction treatment - Private Surgery for Reconstruction and Correction of Scars To search for a consultant near you - https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/find-an-appointment Chapters: 00:00 - 00:33 - Introduction 00:33 - 00:56 - What causes scarring? 00:56 - 02:15 - What are the different types of scars? 02:15 - 02:33 - What are the options available to treat scars? 02:33 - 02:56 - Pressure garments 02:56 - 03:05 - Silicone gel treatments 03:05 - 03:14 - Laser therapy 03:14 - 03:30 - Dermal fillers 03:30 - 04:32 - Scar contractures 04:32 - 05:05 - Outro What causes scarring? A scar is a mark that is left on the skin after a wound or an injury to the skin has healed. Scars are permanent; however, they usually fade over some time. Scars can be caused by a variety of things including burns, injuries, bites, body piercings, tattoos, surgery, and complications from conditions such as acne or chickenpox. What are the different types of scars? The type of scar formed depends on several things, such as how the scar was caused, the patient's skin type, and their genetics. Types of scars can include the following: Flat, pale scars are extremely common. They'll often start off red or dark and raised, however, they will become paler and flatter over time, usually over a period of about two years. Hypertrophic scars are raised, red scars that form along a wound. These scars can stay like this for years but do ultimately tend to flatten and become paler to some degree. Keloid scars form due to excess scar tissue produced at the site of the wound. Most keloid scars continue to grow even after they have healed. Keloid scars are more common in certain body parts such as over the breastbone, shoulder, and earlobe. Pitted scars are sunken-looking scars and are often caused by skin conditions such as acne. Contracture scars are mostly caused by burns or scalds. The skin appears tight, which can restrict movement particularly when the scars cross joints. Stretched scars tend to be flat and pale but are wide. They tend to occur in patients with thin skin who may also have stretch marks, or when wounds are closed very tightly. What are the options available to treat scars? There are a range of treatments available for different types of scars. Options will depend on the type and age of the scar. They can't completely remove the scar but may drastically improve the appearance. Pressure garments Pressure garments are often used for scars caused by burns, or after skin grafts. They are used to flatten and soften the scar and are worn 24 hours a day for between 6 to 12 months. Pressure garments can also be useful to treat hypertrophic and keloid scars. Clip-on-earring-style pressure devices are useful for treating keloid scars on earlobes. Silicone gel treatment Silicone gels or sheets have been shown to improve scarring when used 24 hours a day for at least two months. Laser therapy Laser therapy reduces scar redness by targeting blood vessels, often used for flattening pitted scars. Dermal fillers This treatment involves injections to, essentially, fill pitted scars. Using dermal fillers as a treatment for scars can be expensive and you will need to go back for repeat injections in order to see results, which are usually temporary. Surgery options There are a variety of plastic surgery operations that can be used to improve scars. Different operations are used for different types of scarring and a consultation with a plastic surgeon is necessary to choose the most appropriate treatment. Scars from wound healing issues, like infections or reopened stitches, may benefit from revision surgery. These scars can often be improved by scar revision where the poor scar is removed and the wound is then closed meticulously. Scar contractures can occur after burns, scalds, or when scars cross joints. Scar contractures can be improved by releasing the scar surgically. The surgeon will then lengthen the skin area by either moving healthy adjacent flaps of skin inwards or by using skin grafts. It's important to explain to your consultant the history of how you got your scar and any relevant information that you may think will help. Your consultant will be able to offer you the best option specifically for you and your skin. Consultant details: Masha Singh, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He practices at Shirley Oaks Hospital in Croydon: Masha Singh - Consultant Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon in London, Kent and Surrey Do you want to hear more about treatment for scars? Leave a comment below and we will plan future videos on suggested topics. To see how Circle Health Group can help you - Private Treatment of Burns & Scars #scars #burns #scartreatments