There aren’t too many people who go through their lives without accumulating a scar or two. Whether these are from a traumatic incident or from surgery; for some, these marks are unsightly and disfiguring.
There are numerous causes of scars and an equally as diverse number of treatments that claim to reduce or remove them. Getting wonderful results with scarring treatments is achievable, but requires considered and professional advice on what is the right treatment, considering the severity and type of the scar.
Types of Scars
‘Normal’ scars – These appear after an injury has healed and fade without assistance.
Hypertrophic scars – These scars commonly occur after traumatic events and are raised, thick, and are dark in colour. A defining factor with this type of scarring is that they do not exceed the boarders of the original wound and often reduce over time.
Keloid scars – These scars do exceed the borders of the original wound and result from an overproduction of collagen at the site of the wound. They are raised, reddened, have a rubbery appearance and continue to grow over time. They are more genetically pre-disposed in people with darker skin types.
Atrophic scars – Commonly caused by acne, these scars form an indentation or ‘pit’ in the skin from a loss of collagen, fat and/or muscle due to the injury.
Stretch marks – Typically found on the stomach, thighs and breasts, stretch marks are caused by rapid growth or dramatic fluctuations in weight, and are one of the most difficult types of scars to treat.
Contracture scars – Mostly attributed to burn injuries, contracture scars result when the injury occurs in a joint or skin crease. As the wound heals, the scar tissue has no elasticity and the skin contacts, impairing the ability to move.
Can my scars be treated?
The first step is to have the scar assessed in a consultation. From here you will be guided as to what is the most appropriate treatment for you, how many treatments you may require and what is a realistic expectation to have given the severity and type of the scar. We have a number of extremely effective options at Clear Complexions.
Fraxel re:store® Laser Resurfacing – Fraxel® laser is a new and extremely effective way to treat surgical and trauma scars. Fraxel® causes microscopic, pixel-like damage to the treated area in the skin, leaving most of the surrounding skin intact. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process, breaking up the fibrous tissue and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.
The number of treatments required depends on the severity and type of the scar but a Clear Complexions nurse will be able to give you an indication during your consultation.
For more information about Fraxel® Laser and how it may benefit you, click here.
Omnilux Plus™ - “For anyone considering surgery, the Omnilux plus™is an absolute must, both before, to prepare the skin, and after, to encourage rapid wound healing and scar reduction. “ Suzie Hoitink, founder of Clear Complexions Clinics.
The new Omnilux plus™ penetrates 8-12 mm into the skin, stimulating the wound healing response, reducing healing time and scar formation. It is painless and non-invasive and will improve your overall skin health and appearance.
To learn more about the Omnilux for the pre and post treatment scar reduction, click here.
Procedure peels and microdermabrasion – While both procedure peels and microdermabrasion are best suited to treating active acne, they can also be successful in lessening the appearance of scars by exfoliating the upper layers of the skin, and initiating a wound healing response. Depending on the severity of the scars and the individuals skin health, multiple treatments may be required.
Your Clear Complexions nurse will be able to give you more advice as to whether procedure peels and microdermabrasion will be appropriate for you. Click here for a consultation.
Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) - Collagen induction therapy or skin needling involves the use of a roller which has acupuncture needles on it. These needles pierce your skin to create micro channels, stimulating the natural wound healing response in your body to produce collagen and elastin to naturally infill indented scars.
This home use roller is perfect for the treatment of minor scarring or to accelerate the results of in-clinic treatments like Fraxel laser.
