Category Archives: Scars

How to Care for a Sore Surgical Scar

Posted on by

ScarScarring is a common concern for patients who undergo surgery. No matter how you care for your surgical wound, it can still end up with some form of scarring. It doesn’t matter if the surgery is minor or major nor if the incision is deep or shallow. Add to that the fact that some patients are more prone to scarring than others and that some body parts develop scars worse than other parts. Some scars may even continue to grow long after the healing process is complete.

In a world where smooth skin is one of the measures of physical beauty, having an unsightly scar can be truly distressing especially on areas where they can easily be seen. Fortunately, taking care of surgical scars is not difficult at all thanks to these tips on how to take care of them.

Tip #1

Protection from sun exposure, particularly during the first year after surgery, is extremely important to prevent scars from getting worse. UV rays from the sun cause scars to darken and get thicker which makes them even more obvious. To prevent this from happening, dermatologists recommend using sun protection products that contain titanium dioxide or zinc. These agents block the effects of UV rays of the skin. Find products with SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. Tanning beds must also be avoided as they practically produce the same UV rays as the sun.

Tip #2

Keep the scar hydrated by applying moisturizing creams or gels. Don’t let it dry out. Gently massage the moisturizer on the scar to stimulate blood flow in the area. Use a hypoallergenic product and find ones that contain vitamin E and shea butter. Vitamin E is an antioxidant which also promotes faster healing while shea butter is natural oil that has been effectively used as a skin softener and moisturizer for hundreds of years. While shea butter is incorporated in many skin products, dermatologists recommend using the pure form and rubbing it directly on the scar for a much faster effect.

Tip #3

Aside from commercial moisturizers, there are also some home remedies that you can employ to keep your scars hydrated. These include raw honey, St. Johns Wort and aloe vera. Raw honey is one of the most frequently used traditional home remedies for many skin-related concerns including scars. It contains enzymes which act as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory healing agent. Honey can be applied directly on the skin.

St. Johns Wort is a powerful antidepressant which also produces effective healing results on the skin. It induces collagen formation and facilitates faster and healthier wound healing. According to studies, patients who have used St. Johns Wort on their surgical wounds experienced faster healing, less discomfort and flatter and less discolored scars.

Lastly, aloe vera is another herbal remedy widely popular for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Its ability to penetrate deep layers of the skin promotes faster repair of damaged cells and increased amount of collagen production. When applied on scars, aloe vera extract significantly reduces the redness and swelling of scars.

Tip #4

Putting silicone gel sheets on the scar may help it fade away over time. These sheets are particularly useful for keeping scars flat. Some companies that produce silicone sheets also claim that these sheets can combat redness, swelling and itching of both new and old scars. Silicone gel sheets are available at drugstores and you can also buy them from a dermatologist. This product produces noticeable improvements after three months of regular use.

Tip #5

If you are a smoker, it is strongly advised that you stop the habit immediately. Smoking, or more specifically the nicotine in cigarettes and tobacco, causes blood vessels to narrow. This leads to decreased delivery of blood to the site of the scar. Blood contains oxygen which speeds up healing. If there isn’t enough oxygen, healing is compromised and slowed down. A lack of oxygen may lead to a breakdown of tissues that can cause the creation of an open wound that will take weeks, or even months, to completely heal.

While surgical scars are a not-so-attractive reminder of the surgery that you underwent, it is the body’s way of protecting us from damage. While scars tend to fade away over time without any intervention, the tips given above will help speed up healing and minimize the appearance of the scar a bit faster. The tips discussed in this article are a rough guide and should not replace any advice given by your surgeon. Also, there are other tips and techniques out there that will help you. The overall effectiveness of these techniques is still largely dependent on the individual’s physiology and his or her efforts in following the advice of their doctor.

Types of Scars

Posted on by

Scars tend to appear on the skin during the healing process of an injury or cut of some sort. While scars are part of the healing process, there are different types of scars that vary in their appearance on the skin.

Flat and Pale Scars

The scars that look flat and pale are the most common type of scars found on the body. They form as a natural part of the healing process of the body. The scars are not always flat and pale when they first form. In fact, there is a good chance that they might be dark, raised or red after the wound is first healed. However, they will become pale and flat as time passes.

The change from red and raised to flat and pale can take up to two years to complete. Even after the healing process is complete, there will always be some evidence of the original wound. Overall, this type of scar is not usually painful but it can be itchy as well as unsightly.

Keloid Scars

Keloid scars are characterized by being raised above the skin as well as their size. They can also often be itchy, painful, tender and burning. This type of scar occurs when too much collagen is produced at the wound site and the scar keeps growing even after the actual wound has healed. It is basically an overgrowth of tissue. Overall, a new keloid scar can be either purple or red but it will become pale as time passes. They are most likely to form on the upper back, the upper arms and shoulders or around the sternum.

Hypertrophic Scars

Much like keloid scars, hypertrophic scars are also a result of too much collagen production in a wound that is healing. However, they do not extend any further than the boundaries of the original wound which is a typical feature of keloid scars. A hypertrophic scar is characterized by being red and raised and can continue to become thicker for up to six months.

Hypertrophic scars also become pale and flat as time passes. These scars can restrict some movements due to the scar tissue not being as flexible as the original skin. While they eventually become flat and pale, the overall redness can persist for a number of years.

Pitted/Sunken Scars

Also known as “Ice Pick” scars, these are the result of conditions such as chickenpox or acne can have an appearance that is best described as pitted or sunken. It’s not just skin conditions that can cause scars with this appearance. Injuries which include the loss of any underlying fat have been known to cause this type of scar.

Pitted scars don’t normally fade away as time passes. However, there are a number of treatments that can be used to try and reverse or mask the scars. Some of these treatments include topical creams to boost collagen, dermabrasion to sand away the top layers of the skin with a brush in order to allow new cells to develop and laser resurfacing which can get rid of the damaged layer of skin so new cells can develop where the damaged skin was located.

Treating Acne Scars with Laser

Posted on by

Scarring is one of the most dreadful complications of acne. Long after the actual acne is gone, the scars that it leaves can continue to lower the patient’s self-esteem. A number of treatment options are available to combat this problem but their effectiveness varies depending on the type of scar and the definition of “acceptable” results for the patient. According to experts, laser technology is by far the most useful treatment as it is indicated for more severe cases of scarring. Today, dermatologists use a variety of lasers to treat severe cases of acne.

Ablative Lasers

The term “ablative” means removal of some body tissue. Thus, the use of an ablative laser involves the removal of the outer surface of the skin. This type of laser is best used on pitted scars. There are two types of ablative laser for acne scars and they are CO2 and Erbium lasers. CO2 lasers produce a 50-80% improvement in skin texture and were initially thought to be better than Erbium lasers. However, CO2 lasers have much more side effects compared to Erbium so the latter is preferred by dermatologists despite being the less effective of the two.

According to studies, the side effects of CO2 lasers are often seen in patients with dark skin with skin discoloration being the most commonly reported. Other side effects include redness, itching, milia (small bumps of dead skin), infection, bleeding and formation of acne-like bumps. Erbium lasers produce the same side effects but they are milder in nature. Ablative lasers tend to produce excellent results if performed properly by a board-certified specialist.

Non-Ablative Lasers

Although ablative laser is considered one of the best treatments for acne scars, it is limited by its side effects. These limitations led to the development of non-ablative lasers which produce fewer side effects but less effective results. The idea behind using this type of laser is to induce collagen formation in the deeper layers of the skin without damaging the outer layers.

Non-ablative lasers can be further classified as infrared lasers and visible light lasers. Infrared laser is the kind of laser used in leg veins and hair removal. Their role in the treatment of acne scars is based on findings that show they can also promote the formation of collagen and cause destruction of fibrotic collagen in scars. These mechanisms, when combined together, cause significant improvement of both raised and pitted scars.

Fractional Lasers

The concept of fractional lasers was introduced in the early 2000s to address both the limited effectiveness of non-ablative lasers and the undesirable side effects of ablative lasers. Fractional lasers work by creating zones of thermal damage on smaller fractions of the skin.

The damaged part of the skin is healed and repaired by the surrounding uninjured skin. Healing occurs in a much shorter period of time so the risk of infection and other side effects are significantly reduced. Any side effects should resolve in one month or less.

Tattoo-Removal Lasers

This type of laser is newer than the others and has proven to be an effective way of getting rid of pitted acne scars. This laser is the picosecond laser which was originally used for removing tattoos. More details about this interesting new laser treatment are available here.

Laser treatment continues to be an effective way to stop the misery of acne scars. With the numerous types of lasers available today, it can be quite challenging to tell which laser is the best choice for a patient. Knowing which one to use is extremely important as using the wrong type can do more harm than good. As always, patients should consult with a board-certified dermatologist for proper evaluation and treatment of their acne scars. A dermatologist is the right person to determine which type of laser is suitable to use on patients.

Treating Scar Formations

Posted on by

Scars and scar formation are some of the most commonly misunderstood medical concepts. If a person undergoes surgery, for cosmetic reasons or otherwise, having a scar is one of the things they should expect. Most patients assume if the operation was performed by a plastic surgeon, there won’t be any scarring. Scars always form but some surgeons are better than others at hiding them.

Scarring is the body’s way of healing itself after an injury. In fact, it is the final phase of the body’s wound healing process. A scar is a direct result of damage from accidents, burns, skin conditions, surgery and trauma. Something as simple as having piercings in your body can cause scars to form.

The body’s wound healing process comes in multiple stages. The first phase involves the sealing of the wound by blood clots to prevent further blood loss and infection. This is followed by a series of events that lead to the formation of collagen to actually repair and fully heal the wound. Wounds that are left to heal on their own produce scars that are a bit worse than those which are closed through stitches. It can take at least a year for a scar to completely heal. Once healed, a scar may appear as a fine line that is minimally visible or as a thick scar like hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Scars are treated using various methods. The choice of treatment depends on how thick and big the scar is. Small and soft scars are best managed by massaging them with moisturizer once or twice a day for a few minutes. The moisturizer should contain ingredients like vitamin E and cocoa butter for maximum results. Sun exposure must also be avoided as much as possible to keep the scars from turning dark. On the other hand, thicker and more extensive scars such as hypertrophic scars, keloids and burn scars can heal properly by using silicone gel sheets.

In recent years, steroids have also been prescribed as a treatment for scaring. Topical steroids alone, or in combination with other scar treatment products, have been proven to improve scar formation in some patients. Steroids administered through injections are said to be effective on hypertrophic scars and keloids. A series of injections is required when using steroids in intervals ranging from six to eight weeks. The most common side effect of injected steroids is the formation of a dent on the site where it is administered. Steroids may be combined with surgical excision especially in cases involving keloids. This combination treatment is usually effective although there is still a possibility for recurrence.

If the treatments listed above fail to produce any response, the patient may try a less common treatment option like radiation therapy. Stubborn keloids respond well to low-dose radiation following surgical treatment. Radiation therapy does raise some concerns due to the risk of long-term complications. Laser treatment is another option but the results vary and some patients find using lasers to be an ineffective treatment.

Scarring should be expected by a patient no matter what type of plastic surgery procedure they are having performed. The key to effectively managing the lasting effects of a scar is knowing how to treat and minimize the long-term effects of any scar formations.

Scar Treatment and Removal Tips

Posted on by

Scars are unwanted things that can be a result of surgical procedures, burns, injuries and the removal of moles and acne. Scars develop due to any pull or tension that lasts for too long. Thankfully, there are a variety of methods to help reduce and remove scars.
Cosmetic surgery procedures can remove scars. There are a variety of methods and treatments that can be used to treat and remove scars including:

• A procedure called dermabrasion can lighten scars. An instrument called a wire brush is used to remove the upper layer of skin and, in turn, makes the scar light in appearance.

• Natural remedies used for dealing with scars include the use of lemon, aloe vera gel and onions. These items are rubbed on the scars and left on there for some time. Natural products like lemon, aloe vera and onion possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce skin irritation. They are known to reduce scars and help new skin cells to develop. Natural remedy methods take more time to show their results.

• Silicone gel sheeting is known to reduce scars. It is applied to the affected area and should be used for 3 or 4 months to get rid of scars.

• Steroids are also known to lighten scars. Steroids are injected on the skin that has the scar and converts the raised part of the scar into a flattened one. This procedure takes longer than others to get rid of any scars.

• Laser procedures can be used to remove the upper skin that is affected by scars by making the scar lighter. The laser is also used to activate collagen that helps the new cells to generate and cover the scar.

• Concealers can be used to cover the scar temporarily. In this method, a concealer that matches the skin color is used to cover the scar. It will make the scar invisible for some time.

• Creams can be applied to the scars. If the scar is not very deep, it can lighten up in 3 or 4 months.

• Vitamin E is helpful in dealing with scars by regenerating the skin and redeveloping the treated area. Vitamin E supplements as well as creams and lotions that contain Vitamin E are available at almost any grocery store or drug store. After applying the lotion to the scar, the skin regeneration starts and the scar will disappear within some months depending on the deepness of the scar.

• Dermatologists can apply chemicals on the skin that peel the scar away and allow the new skin to develop. They lighten up the scar and it eventually disappears. Chemical peeling is the name of this method and the chemical used for peeling of the skin is light acid.

• Scrubbing is also a method for treating scars. Exfoliation with a scrub needs to be regularly performed on the scarred area. The scrub must contain alpha hydroxyl acid to help make the scar disappear. The scrubs should be used as directed by a physician after a careful examination of the scar and skin type.

Scars can be lightened, or even removed, by following the steps mentioned above. Sometimes it takes a good amount of time to diminish deep scars depending on the deepness of the scar and the regeneration ability of the skin. A patient should consult with a dermatologist before starting any scar treatments.

Mole Removal Scar Prevention Tips and Tricks

Posted on by

Mole removal surgery scar prevention While moles are generally harmless, there are times that moles can be irregular in shape as well as continue to grow on a consistent basis. This means there might be something happening in your body that needs to be examined by a doctor. While the mole itself might be harmless, there are many people who want to decrease the chances of the mole becoming harmful by having it removed.

Moles are removed by an excision procedure or by having them shaved off with a scalpel blade. No matter which way the doctor decides to remove the scar, there is still a chance of scarring after its removal. Want to prevent scarring from happening after the mole removal procedure? Here are some tips to help you prevent scaring:

1. Listen to your doctor because a mole can cause scarring no matter how big or small the size of the mole. The doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for the wound including how to clean it and change the dressing. These aftercare tips are vital in reducing and even completely preventing scarring.

2. Keeping the wound clean stops bacteria, debris and infections from forming in the wound. Keeping the skin moisturized is also vital in preventing scars from forming where the mole was removed. Wait until the surgery wound has started to scab before you start the moisturizing process.

3. Massaging the surgical wound is a big help in preventing scarring. Massaging any area of the body actually increases the circulation of blood in the area of the body being massaged. Massaging the area where the wound is located will help prevent the formation of a scar.

4. Stay out of the sun after your mole removal surgery. Too much exposure to the sun following a surgical procedure can lead to scarring. It is best to either stay out of the sun, until the wound is completely healed. If that is not possible, keep the wound covered when going outside. The UV rays from the sun can damage the skin and also delay the overall healing process after surgery. If being out the sun can’t be avoided, be sure to wear a high SPF sunscreen no matter what time of year it is.

5. A healthy lifestyle is also important in preventing scarring from happening after the mole removal procedure. While eating healthy and drinking plenty of water is not guaranteed to prevent scarring, it certainly increases the chances of a scar not forming as well as helping you lead an overall healthy lifestyle. When it comes to your food intake, give yourself plenty of vitamins and minerals with each meal so the nutrients can help your body heal properly.

6. Exercise is not recommended immediately after surgery. The area where the mole was removed is also the home of the stitches that will be placed post-surgery. Too much exercise can cause the stitches to tear which can cause the wound itself to open again. Also, too much exercise can cause sweat that can enter the wound. The sweat can irritate the wound and also cause an infection.

Mole removal surgery is helpful in removing both elevated and flat moles. By following the proper post-surgery steps listed above, the chances of a scar forming are lessened. If you have any further questions or concerns about mole removal, please consult with an experienced doctor in your area.

Lollipop Breast Lift

Posted on by

Lollipop IncisionA breast lift surgery, otherwise known as mastopexy, is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures for the breast. Women find it an effective method of restoring the youthful appearance of their breasts. By adjusting the position of the breasts into a higher position, this procedure reduces sagging and makes the curves of the upper body look more defined.

There are many reasons why women want to undergo a breast lift. Some do it because they want tighter and fuller-looking breasts while others are simply bothered by sagging. Sagging of the breasts is usually a result of the aging process as well as giving birth and having children. One thing patients don’t want is the scarring associated with a breast lift. Thankfully, breast lifts are available with different techniques to suit the patient’s needs. One of the most popular among these techniques is the lollipop breast lift which is said to be an excellent compromise between the amount of incisions needed and the effectiveness.

A lollipop breast lift, AKA the vertical lift, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to reshape the breasts without changing its volume. The name “lollipop” is used to describe the incisions used for the procedure. They include a vertical incision that runs from the bottom of the breast to the nipple where a circular incision is made around it. This allows greater flexibility and adaptability while keeping the incisions to a minimum and not as visible as incisions used with other breast lift surgeries. Lollipop breast lift improves the appearance of a droopy breast by allowing it to have a more rounded shaped that looks fuller and more youthful.

Other than a lollipop lift, breast lift surgeries can also be performed using two other incision techniques: Benelli lift and anchor lift.

The Benelli lift, also called the periareolar or donut incision, is performed by creating an incision around the areola only. It is the best option for cases that require very minimal lift.

Inverted T IncisionThe anchor technique, also known as the keyhole or inverted T incision, involves a vertical incision from the nipple down to the bottom of the breast much like a lollipop incision. The second incision is created horizontally and runs along the breast fold, thereby creating a distinctive anchor pattern for which the technique is named.

The lollipop technique offers better results than a Benelli incision. The lollipop can also be performed without the extensive incisions required in an anchor incision. In general, the technique used to perform a breast lift depends on how low the breasts have sagged and how much tissue needs to be repositioned or removed. The lollipop breast lift technique is recommended in cases of mild to moderate sagging that requires a minimal amount of surgical correction. Women in their 30s and 40s who have had children are usually the ideal candidates for a lollipop breast lift.

A lollipop breast lift moderately elevates the nipple, reduces the size of the areola and removes excess skin with less noticeable scarring. The scar fully heals after about six months to one year. Recovery is also faster since the wound created is small. The typical recovery period is only one month.

The results of a lollipop breast lift can last for up to 10 years. The need for a follow-up procedure depends on the size of the breast or if the patient has had implants. For very minimal adjustments, the Benelli lift is usually performed. On the other hand, larger adjustments call for the anchor breast lift.

The lollipop breast lift is one of the most common breast lift procedures. Patients considering a lollipop breast lift should first consult with a plastic surgeon experienced in performing the procedure.

Is Laser Therapy Effective for Treating Scars?

Posted on by

Scarring on the body is a fact of life that impacts almost everyone. Sometimes the scars are caused by a simple accident while other scars are a result of abnormal wound healing. Is there an effective way to treat excessive scars that are a result of abnormal wound healing? The answer is “yes” and the solution is laser therapy according to an article in the December 2013 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The magazine is the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Laser therapy for scarsThe article focuses on Dr. Qingfeng Li of Shanghai, China and her research on using laser treatment on hypertrophic scars. Dr. Li supports the use of lasers on hypertrophic scars but not necessarily on keloids. The difference in the scars is this: Hypertrophic scars are limited to the area that was initially injured while keloids have been known to spread beyond the area that was first injured. Also, keloids are more common in individuals with darker skin. What they do have in common is abnormal tissue responses that can result in areas with raised scarring that need to be addressed by cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Li, along with her colleagues at Shanghai’s Ninth People’s Hospital, analyzed a number of studies previously conducted on laser treatment for abnormal scarring. A majority of the studies focused on treating hypertrophic scarring with laser therapy. The remaining handful of studies focused on the treatment of keloids.

The data from the patients studied showed a very good laser treatment success rate. In fact, the success rate was around 70% for both types of scarring. Two specific lasers provided the best treatment responses: The 532-nm (nanometer) laser and the 585/595-nm pulsed-dye laser. Some studies showed if a patient is undergoing multiple laser treatments, the optimum time between treatment sessions is 5-6 weeks.

It should be noted that Dr. Li and her colleagues do not claim their research is the definitive word on the subject. They call for further research of laser therapy treatments. Interested in learning more information about their research? A good article about Dr. Li’s study on laser treatment for scars can be found here.

Tales of Breast Reconstruction!

Posted on by

While breast reconstruction is one of the most common surgeries performed on women, the reasons for having the surgery is (unfortunately) normally cancer related. When a patient has lost either one or both breasts to cancer, breast reconstruction is the best option for patients who wish to regain their breasts after a mastectomy. The procedure involves reconstructing the breast using either the patient’s own tissue or a prosthetic device. Oftentimes, it also involves recreating the nipple and areola. The procedure is for anyone who suffered from breast cancer and had to undergo a mastectomy. Insurance companies usually cover the costs of this procedure.

Breast ReconstructionThe risks associated with breast reconstruction surgery depend on the method used by the surgeon. It’s important to remember that, in general, there will be swelling, bleeding, infections and maybe some anesthetic complications. Implant-based reconstructions may result in capsular contracture (AKA scar tissue formation) while flap reconstruction may lead to problems related to wound healing. The overall health of the patient must also be considered as healthy patients are more likely to suffer fewer complications compared to the not-so-healthy ones.

Looking for the best way to minimize the occurrence of the aforementioned risks? Do your research in choosing the surgeon to perform the operation. Of course, there is no guarantee that the procedure will be 100% complication-free but having an experienced surgeon perform the procedure practically guarantees good results. Check the surgeon’s credentials, certifications and reviews. And when you’ve chosen one, remember to discuss with him/her the procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Breast reconstruction is a great option for patients who have lost their breasts due to cancer and a mastectomy. It helps bring back the sense of normalcy in patients who would otherwise have to deal with the constant reminder of the disease they once had. If you’re among those who are looking to undergo a breast reconstruction procedure, learn more about the procedure by following this link to an informative article by Dr. Mossi Salibian.

Sometimes Scars Are Not Visible On The Outside

Posted on by

It’s been estimated that the American public spends more than $12-billion dollars each year on procedures that change, alter and enhance their looks. Physical appearance is such an important component of daily life that a nip here and a tuck there play an important part in the way many people feel about themselves.

A February literature review from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania stated that scars resulting from skin cancer surgeries, on areas such as the head and the neck, can alter the psychosocial well-being of a person. In fact, the psychosocial impact of scarring resulting from scan cancer treatments impacts patients regardless of their age and gender. (1)

One technique being employed by doctors to reduce the visibility of scars resulting from skin cancer is the Mohs technique. This medical procedure is a micrographic form of skin cancer removal utilized in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face and hands. The Mohs technique allows doctors to pinpoint the cancer and remove a small amount of normal skin that surrounds the cancer. The end result can be virtually unnoticeable scars following surgery.

According to Joseph F. Sobanko, MD, director of Dermatologic Surgery Education, and an assistant professor of Dermatology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the way patients feel about themselves can be greatly influenced by their final cosmetic look after surgery.

According to Sobanko, “What we’re learning now is that these scars are much more than skin deep, and given these possible repercussions, it’s vital that surgeons be able to provide patients with advanced treatment options to limit and avoid visible scarring.” (2)

While it’s sometimes hard to implement this practice in daily life, it’s important not to judge a person solely on their physical appearance. The scars on their outer appearance might be nothing compared to the scars they are feeling inside.

(1)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25654193
(2)http://news.pennmedicine.org/blog/2015/05/beyond-skin-deep-how-scars-affect-psychosocial-well-being.html