Ingrown Hair Treatment

Posted on 12/24/2013 by Michael James

When your hair curls around and can’t grow out of the skin it is referred to as an ingrown hair. This problem is commonly mistaken for pimples. Ingrown hair is known to be found on the cheeks and neck for men, especially after shaving. Women in most cases find ingrown hair on their legs and sensitive shaving areas. Those who have curly hair are more prone to getting ingrown hairs, especially because their hair can easily be curled underneath the skin preventing it from growing out properly.

Ingrown hair on leg Just like what is seen with pimples, when one has an ingrown hair, it produces a small raised red bump. That bump will be itchy and many times might be sore to the touch. Treatment for ingrown hair may not be necessary at all times because ingrown hair sometimes tends to go away on its own. However, if the ingrown hair does not go away, it is best to treat it as it may leave a dark spot or scar on your skin. If an ingrown hair becomes infected, a doctor’s visit is necessary where they can safely use a needle to release the hair.

If you have scarring from an ingrown hair, it is best to see a dermatologist so they can observe the scarring and recommend treatment options for you. Some treatment options may consist of using a bleaching cream, laser treatment, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels.

Scalp Scar Reduction

Posted on 12/11/2013 by Michael James

Scalp scars from any procedure such as scalp reduction, old plug surgery, trauma or neurosurgical procedures can be treated to minimize the look of the scar. Modern hair transplant yields natural, proven, and permanent results along with special wound closure techniques to minimize scars.

Here are some methods that a hair transplant surgeon can use to reduce the visibility of the scar:

Left: Before Scar Revision, Right: After Scar Revision

1. Simple Scar Revision: This method can be used if there is a wide scalp scar due to the initial technical problem during the wound closure.
2. Scar Revision and Trichophytic Closure: This method allows the hair to grow inside the scar, which helps to minimize the contrast between the scar and the surrounding areas of the scalp.
3. Hair Transplantation inside the Scar: In this method, the hair will be harvested from other areas of the scalp and will be transplanted inside the scar to blend the scar with the rest of the hair. The hair will be harvested through the FUE hair transplant technique. The benefit of using this technique is that with FUE, follicles are extracted individually, giving the surgeon the opportunity to place them into the scar without having new scarring.
4. Scalp Micro Pigmentation on the Scar: By introducing dermal pigments into the scar, the visibility of the scar can be significantly improved because it helps reduce the contrast in color between the scar tissue and the surrounding scalp area.

In order to know which technique would fit your needs, it is recommended to visit an experienced hair transplant surgeon.

Keratosis Pilaris

Posted on 11/26/2013 by Michael James

Keratosis pilaris are rough, small bumps that appear on a person’s upper arms and thighs. This condition comes from a buildup of the protein known as keratin. When this protein builds up, it plugs the hair follicles. These bumps are the size of a grain of sand and in most cases are not itchy.

If you are wondering whether or not you have keratosis pilaris, it is best to see a doctor. Most of the time the doctor can tell if it is keratosis pilaris just by looking at it, without needing any further tests. It is known that keratosis pilaris can worsen during dry seasons; humidifiers can be used to add moisture to the air. Family history is the first question that you may be asked, as this is a genetic condition and can affect you at any age, but worsens during puberty.

Keratosis pilaris is not harmful, so medical treatment is not necessary. However, scarring may occur as a result of this condition, so it is recommended to exfoliate with a mild soap and moisturize skin at least twice a day. Over-the-counter creams and lotions are what most people use to treat this condition. The effectiveness of these creams is very limited. There have been a few cases that it was treated by laser therapy, however research is still being done to find out the best treatment for this condition.

Medication usage on a regular basis can improve the appearance of one’s skin. Even with medical treatment, keratosis pilaris can continue for years.

Scar Types

Posted on 11/12/2013 by Michael James

Skin is the largest organ of a person’s body. Any type of trauma including burns, injury, and surgery can cause a scar to appear on the skin. Scarring can happen on any part of the person’s body that the trauma occurred. Some scars may be small or in locations that aren’t visible to the public eye. However, some people may have scars that are visible, which bother them. There are treatments that can help improve the appearance of the scar, but you can never make it completely disappear.

Scarring happens when the healing process begins. The depth and the size of the wound are one of the many factors of how big and visible the scar will be. Other factors can be your age, ethnicity, genes, and location of the injury. When it comes to surgical scars, the way the surgeon closes the wound can affect the visibility and size of the scar.

There are different types of scars:

Keloid Scar, Contracture Scar, Hypertrophic Scar, Acne Scar

1. Keloid scar: spreads past the original injury and begins to grow
2. Contracture scars: when you burn your skin
3. Hypertrophic scars: Red scars which are raised
4. Acne scars: forms when people have severe acne. Acne scars can vary, some can be deep and some can even have a little bump.

Acne scars can be treated depending on the size, location, and type of scar. Some scars can be treated by over the counter or prescription creams. Another form of scar treatment is by injections or by surgical removal. In order to find out what the best treatment is for you, it is recommended to see a physician. If you have a scar from surgery it is best to see the surgeon who performed the surgery. If you have acne scars, it is recommended to see a dermatologist.

Will I have More Than One Scar?

Posted on 09/03/2013 by Michael James

Patient’s who have had a hair transplant surgery through the traditional strip method have a linear scar in their donor area. Many patients wonder if they will end up with more than one scar if they get another hair transplant. They answer to that question is no.

When a patient receives a second hair transplant, the surgeon who is performing the surgery will include the old linear scar in the new strip that will be taken out from the donor area. Once that step is done the patient will end up with only one scar no matter how many hair transplant they might receive.

Scar After 2 Hair Transplants

One of the factors for the size of the scar can depend on the Doctor that the patient chooses to have surgery with. Another factor will be how well the patient’s skin heals. Many doctors are now performing the trichophytic closure. Trichophytic closure technique helps hair grow inside of the donor scar. Once the hair grows and the scar heals it will help the donor scar blend in with the surrounding skin.

If a patient has had a hair transplant years ago, it is most likely that the scar they have is wider. Since technology has improved, the size of the scar can be reduced in most patients. Choosing an experienced hair surgeon is vital because if a professional hair surgeon does the procedure, the scar that you had from the previous hair transplant can most likely be reduced in size. Ofcourse, the results will always vary between every patient, but a good hair transplant Doctor will try to do everything to minimize the visibility of the scar for all patients.

What Can Be Done About Scarring?

Posted on 08/20/2013 by Michael James

Scarring is the result of tissue fibers replacing normal skin after a trauma. Scarring can result from surgery, burns, open wounds, or any other abrasion of the skin. Scars are caused when the deep thick layer of skin, also known as the dermis, is damaged. Once trauma occurs, the body forms a collagen fiber which aids in the healing process of the wound and causes a scar. Because the tissue is a different consistency and quality the scar becomes visible.

Some scars can be easily hidden, while other will always be visible. Even though scars can never be removed completely, there are procedures offered that will improve the appearance of the scar. Laser resurfacing can be used to remove the surface layers of the skin, resulting in a less visible scar. If a person has a larger scar, surgery is an available option to reduce the size of the scar. Scalp Micro Pigmentation is a new method being offered which uses dermal pigments to camouflage the scars on hair bearing areas of the scalp or face.

If a scar leaves an indentation in the skin, you can use filler injections to raise the scar to the level of the surrounding skin. This type of treatment will be temporary, meaning it should be done a few times a year. If you have a keloid scar, scars that are raised, steroid injections can help flatten the scar giving it an enhanced appearance.

To reduce heavy scarring, topical creams and ointments can be used directly after trauma. Certain scars will fade away after a year and will not need any special method of treatment. For all other cases, it is best to see a specialist who can further assist you.

Scalp Micro Pigmentation

Posted on 08/07/2013 by Michael James

The new innovative non-surgical procedure, Scalp Micro Pigmentation also known as SMP is becoming a very popular procedure. SMP is done using dermal pigments. The Doctor finds a compatible pigment to the patient’s hair and introduces it into the scalp, through the use of the SMP machine. The insertions of the pigments are very superficial, which will reduce the level of pain and discomfort the patient may feel.

The many benefits of this procedure are:

Left: Before Procedure, Right: After Procedure

-No recovery time
-More cost efficient than a surgical procedure
-Most cases local anesthesia is not needed
-Eliminates appearance of baldness without hair

The only disadvantage that this procedure has is its non-permanence. The procedure will require touch ups in the future, but will vary among different individuals.

Scalp Micro Pigmentation can be used to cover a full head that is bald or it can be used to cover a small area. SMP is also used to minimize and camouflage the visibility of scars on the scalp. SMP gives the impression of a shaved head appearance. This procedure is also great for women who do not have enough donor hair and would like to have this procedure done with having a hair transplant to fully cover their hair loss.

This new innovative procedure has helped many patients overcome the stress that they live through daily that is associated with their baldness. As with any other procedure, choosing an experienced Doctor is vital to achieve desired results.

A Scars Story

Posted on 05/23/2013 by Michael James

Scar Truths and Tales

Scars, who doesn’t have one? A little annoying insect bite gets scratched obsessively becomes infected and though not deep it scars. The athletic endeavors of youth, life threatening accidents, surgery or to the catastrophic injuries of war can all leave our bodies scared. Scars can be the source of pride for some an icebreaker to tell an embellished tale at a family event or hob-knobbing with friends.

Scars can just be minor footnotes to our lives or major source of emotional and psychological angst. One on my right palm once stretched the full width; now, it is barely noticeable unless pointed out. It marks a dramatic bloody incident of falling in a 2nd grade foot race at recess. Then there is the one near my right eye a story that I don’t often want to recount. The visible one on my right shoulder blade always invites comment in a shirtless pickup game of basketball. Scars can be mileage markers on the amazing journey of our life. Sometimes, those scars bare even more tragic consequences to some people. They can infringe upon their well-being and devastate their quality of life.

View Amazing Scar Revision Surgery on Young Girl

The more I reflect my hands begin to braille my body through my clothing and my mind shuffles through vignettes of memories of burns and bruises, scrapes and scabs; bumps and lumps. Limbs and torso marked by stitches and scratches, gashes and slashes; all with the requisite blood; some of these scars bleeding more profusely causing parental angst and a flood of tears.
My active childhood, athletics and sporting lifestyle have given my dermis a lifetime of stories and embellished tales to share. Not a one would I remove. They are my story for better and worse.

By now you’re asking the purpose of this tale. My many scars have left to date only memories to be romanced and morphed into heroic tales. This is not true for many people. Scarring can deeply mar the psyche of a person and impact their life at every level.

Scar revision provides an opportunity to effect positive change on such people’s self image and esteem. The effect of scarring can be compounded by the onset of depression; a too often debilitating life-cycle if untreated.

It can be a vitally important step in their journey to inner and outer healing to treat the scar through the wonderful advancements in scar revision treatment. If you or a family member or friend struggle with issues regarding scars; consult with a dermatologist and or cosmetic surgeon. Scar revision in the 21st century has come a long way in providing wonderful results for many.

Preventing Scars

Posted on 05/10/2013 by Michael James

Preventing Scars

Whether it’s a child bumping his head on the edge of a table or an adult slipping with a kitchen knife while cutting up vegetables, accidents happen no matter how careful you are being. Injuries and scars often- abound. After a cut it is impossible to not have a scar, but there are things you can do to lessen the severity of any lasting marks. Some scars are called sexy at times but for the most part people don’t like scarring.

Scar Prevention: Do’s and Don’ts

To help heal the skin with as little residual scarring as possible, there are steps you may take, and mistakes to avoid. “The key to lessening scarring is to decrease the amount of work the body has to do to heal the scar,” Krant says. Here’s how:

Stitches can be used if needed. Often times when you have a cut that is spread apart or deep its always better to have them stitched by a medical professional. Always keep in mind that when the wound or injury is fresh, stitches must be sewn as soon as possible. If you let too much time pass by since the injury, the wound can become contaminated with bacteria, germs, and the doctor will not want to stitch it closed because of the risk of infection. But the wound may start to heal, which can obstruct successful suturing. When having doubts if whether stitches are in order, contact a doctor in a timely manner and let him decide the best treatment for the wound.
Applying petroleum jelly to the wound and covering it with a non-stick bandage, and alsokeeping the wound moist, can speed up the healing and minimize scarring, says Krant.
Scar Creams and Ointments – There will always be advertisement for scar creams, don’t fall for them. You may have herd that vitamin E can help with reducing the scarring, but this actually has been proven in high-quality studies (a double-blind, placebo-controlled trail). As a matter of fact, there is no over-the-counter product claiming to prevent scars that has been scientifically shown to significantly improve scarring.
Massage the wound – Krant claims, that by massaging the scar daily with vitamin E may help promote a less visible scar.
Avoid the sun – By keeping the scar away from sunlight it can help minimize discoloration.
Let it heal naturally – When using hydrogen peroxide constantly on a wound it would cause irritation and slow down the healing process. Krant says “Scabs are nature’s biologic dressing, Picking off a scab repeatedly when a wound is trying to heal will slow healing and increase scarring.” So it would be best to not pick on scabs.
Healing takes time, perhaps a long time. So be patient. The first stage of healing takes three months, followed by the second stage that lasts another three months. One year after the injury the injury has already been formed, but the scar still may change in the following year. “The truth is, that scars never stop changing and improving unless they are keloid scars, which continually worsen unless treated by a physician,” says Krant.

Types of Surgical Scar Revision

Posted on 05/03/2013 by Michael James

Description of Types of Surgical Scar Revision

Listed below are the most common surgical techniques utilized in scar revision.

Z-plasty is a reconstructive surgery procedure. Its utilization is for improving the functional and aesthetics of scars. Functionally refers to the lengthening of the scar the lengthening of a scar which helps relax or release linear burn scar contractures. The availability of mobile adjacent skin is a predicator for the use of this medical procedure. Z-plasty can procedurally make the scar less noticeable. Re-alignment of the central element can place the scar in natural skin tension lines and thereby disguise it. Utilizing this procedure the surgeon can rotate the tension line of a scar and or make a contracted scar elongated. In Z-plasty the midline of the Z-shaped incision is made along the meridian of highest tension or contracture. Triangular flaps are raised on the opposite ends of this incision. The flaps are than transposed and closed.

W-plasty is another reconstructive plastic surgery technique used for the excision of unaesthetic scarring. The excised edges of the scar are cut in a zig-zag pattern is like a connected row W’s. The borders are interdigitated for suturing. This method is very effective in rendering a linear scar irregular and less visible.

W-plasty revisions the scar into a ‘pinking shear pattern; which will interlock when sutured. Optically, it is more difficult for the eye to follow an irregular line. This makes W-plasty a favored method for revisioning linear scars. Often there is no discreet skinfold to hide a scar. Think of areas such as the forehead, the side of the face or cheek. Still is the irregular pattern is uniform visibility is not obscured. For that reason W-plasty is most often combined with

Geometric Broken Line Closure (GBLC).

W-plasties are not usually employed on their own throughout the entire scar. Visibility of the scar can be better reduced by combining other patterns with the W pattern. This is a more sophisticated procedural technique of scar revision is known as geometric broken line closure (GBLC). W-plasty is the basic technique and then other shapes besides triangular flaps are utilized for interdigitation creating a very irregular irregularity. This procedure offers the optimal potential for camouflaging the scar. Added to this is also dermabrasion which is done approximately two to three months after the surgery.

M-plasty

The object of electing M-plasty in reconstructive surgery is to better preserve healthy tissue and to reduce the chance of secondary tissue deformity. Proper technique in M-plasty reduces the loss of surrounding health tissue by nearly fifty percent. The M-plasty is performed by creating two separate thirty degree angles instead of a single one.

Adjunctive Techniques of Scar Revision

Dermabrasion

precisely and in a controlled deliberate manner superficial abrading of the scar and surrounding skin. The end result is a smooth texture and in some cases further reduced visibility.
Abrasion can be used in a process that will improve the appearance of uneven scar edges including: scar edges, grafts and or flaps.
Dermabrasion works best on lighter complexions because of the lower risk of dyspigmentation.

Intralesional Steroids

Hypertrophic linear scars, bulky grafts and flaps, can be treated with intralesional corticosteroids. Injections can be instituted at approximately 1 month postoperatively.
A small amount (as little as 0.1 mL) of low-dose triamcinolone acetonide at 5 to 10 mg/mL is injected into the scar; this dosage can be repeated monthly until the scar has flattened.
Side effects include atrophy (if the injection leaks out into healthy skin ), hypopigmentation and telangiectasias when injected in higher concentrations into the dermis.

Contraindications

The reasons for a patient not to undergo scar revision include:

The present psychological status of the patient does not prepare the patient for a positive outcome.
The patient’s expectations are unrealistic limiting the opportunity for a favorable visible outcome.
An individual’s history for hypertrophic and or keloid scarring represent a poor risk for a pleasing aesthetic result.
Patient’s with thickened skin from the trauma reducing compliancy endure the risk of a compromised scar revision.