No scar can be completely removed. They will always leave behind a trace, but a number of procedures can improve their appearance.
Surgery
Surgery will never completely remove a scar but can be used to alter its location or shape to make it less noticeable. Surgery is at times necessary to remove a scar on skin near a joint where it restricts movement, but it will leave another scar.
Laser surgery & resurfacing
The use of laser on scars is still on an experimental phase, as the safety or effectiveness has not yet been proven.
Steroid injections
A course of steroid injections into the scar may help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.
Z-Plasty
Z-plasty is a surgical technique used to relocate a scar so that it more closely matches to the natural creases of the skin, where it will be less noticeable. In this procedure, the old scar is removed and new incisions are made on each side, creating small triangular flaps of skin.
Skin grafting
Grafting involves the transfer of skin from a healthy part of the body to cover the injured area. All grafts leave some scarring at the donor and recipient sites.
Make sure that your expectations from any surgery are realistic. You cannot expect that old scars will completely disappear; however, they will always turn flatter, paler and softer.
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Minggu, 07 Maret 2010
Types of Scars
Keloid scars
Keloids are itchy clusters of scar tissue that grow beyond the edges of the wound or incision. They occur when the body continues to produce the tough, fibrous protein known as collagen after a wound has healed. They are more common in dark-skinned people. Keloids are treated by injecting a steroid medication directly into the scar tissue to reduce redness and itching. However, the disheartening fact is that keloids have a tendency to recur, sometimes even larger than before, thus requiring repeated procedures.
Hypertrophic scars
These scars, unlike keloids, remain within the limits of the original wound. They often improve on their own, though it may take a year or more. They may also require steroid applications or in some cases may have to be improved surgically.
Contractures
Burns or other injuries that result in the loss of a large area of skin may form a scar that pulls the edges of the skin together, a process called contraction. Improving a contracture usually involves cutting out the scar and replacing it with a skin graft or a flap. In some cases, a procedure known as Z-plasty may be used.
Facial scars
Mostly, facial scars are cut out and closed with tiny stitches, leaving a less noticeable scar. Some facial scars can be softened using a technique called dermabrasion, that leaves a smoother surface to the skin, but does not completely erase the scar.
Keloids are itchy clusters of scar tissue that grow beyond the edges of the wound or incision. They occur when the body continues to produce the tough, fibrous protein known as collagen after a wound has healed. They are more common in dark-skinned people. Keloids are treated by injecting a steroid medication directly into the scar tissue to reduce redness and itching. However, the disheartening fact is that keloids have a tendency to recur, sometimes even larger than before, thus requiring repeated procedures.
Hypertrophic scars
These scars, unlike keloids, remain within the limits of the original wound. They often improve on their own, though it may take a year or more. They may also require steroid applications or in some cases may have to be improved surgically.
Contractures
Burns or other injuries that result in the loss of a large area of skin may form a scar that pulls the edges of the skin together, a process called contraction. Improving a contracture usually involves cutting out the scar and replacing it with a skin graft or a flap. In some cases, a procedure known as Z-plasty may be used.
Facial scars
Mostly, facial scars are cut out and closed with tiny stitches, leaving a less noticeable scar. Some facial scars can be softened using a technique called dermabrasion, that leaves a smoother surface to the skin, but does not completely erase the scar.
Sabtu, 13 Februari 2010
Scar removal techniques
There are several types of scars, and the most common of which are keloids, hypertrophic scars, contractures, and facial scars. Keloid scars are tissues that grow or rise beyond the wound or incision. These itchy tissues develop after wound healing takes place, when the body produces collagen.
Hypertrophic scars are like keloids that also take in a raised appearance. Sometimes, differentiating one from the other is difficult. The untrained eye may refer to hypertrophic scars as keloids. A thing to remember is that hypertrophic scars do not go beyond the boundary of the wound; instead, they limit themselves on the wound area only.
Meanwhile, contractures are scars that usually develop when there is loss of a large area of the skin, as what happens in burns, and facial scars are scars that develop on the face. The sad thing is, scars are permanent. Certain surgical and non-surgical procedures, as well as natural remedies, may lessen the severity of the scar, but at present, there is no technological method that is so advanced to enable the complete removal of scars.
Ideally, a scar should be treated as soon as it develops as it increases its chance of responding well to the treatment of choice. There are a variety of treatment options for the different types of scars. For example, keloids and hypertrophic scars respond well to steroid injections. If you are having contractures, though, you will need a procedure called Z-plasty or skin grafting. In Z-plasty, the scar is relocated to the area where it can blend well with the color of the skin. In skin grafting, skin from the injured part of the body is removed to cover the area. You can also go for laser surgery and resurfacing, however, its effectiveness has not yet been established.
If you'd rather opt for something that is non-invasive, there are some natural remedies to flatten the scar, lighten it or disguise it so it becomes less noticeable. For instance, mix sandalwood paste with black gray paste and rub it on your affected area, or use ice cubs to rub your skin with. Also, mixing cucumber with lemon juice, as well as the vitamins C and E, fish oil, aloe vera gel, cod liver oil and coco butter are great alternatives to the surgical scar removal procedures.
Scars Home Remedies with Vitamin E in any form is and ideal solution for any skin related complexities. Whether it is as vitamin E capsules or plain and simple vitamin E oil, it is very effective in the treatment of scars on the skin. Smear a bit of vitamin E oil on the affected area everyday and get astonished by the results within a few days. Having a vitamin E capsule too would help in faster marginalisation of the scar.
Natural Treatments for Scars with Tea Leaves are also very effective in the treatment of scars. The alkaloids present in the tea leaves help heal the scars faster. Soak a handful of tea leaves and then wrap them in a bag and keep the same pressed over the affected area for sometime regularly. It is advisable to try these natural home remedies first before going for invasive procedures. They are less risky because natural methods are being employed, and they are definitely less expensive, too.
Hypertrophic scars are like keloids that also take in a raised appearance. Sometimes, differentiating one from the other is difficult. The untrained eye may refer to hypertrophic scars as keloids. A thing to remember is that hypertrophic scars do not go beyond the boundary of the wound; instead, they limit themselves on the wound area only.
Meanwhile, contractures are scars that usually develop when there is loss of a large area of the skin, as what happens in burns, and facial scars are scars that develop on the face. The sad thing is, scars are permanent. Certain surgical and non-surgical procedures, as well as natural remedies, may lessen the severity of the scar, but at present, there is no technological method that is so advanced to enable the complete removal of scars.
Ideally, a scar should be treated as soon as it develops as it increases its chance of responding well to the treatment of choice. There are a variety of treatment options for the different types of scars. For example, keloids and hypertrophic scars respond well to steroid injections. If you are having contractures, though, you will need a procedure called Z-plasty or skin grafting. In Z-plasty, the scar is relocated to the area where it can blend well with the color of the skin. In skin grafting, skin from the injured part of the body is removed to cover the area. You can also go for laser surgery and resurfacing, however, its effectiveness has not yet been established.
If you'd rather opt for something that is non-invasive, there are some natural remedies to flatten the scar, lighten it or disguise it so it becomes less noticeable. For instance, mix sandalwood paste with black gray paste and rub it on your affected area, or use ice cubs to rub your skin with. Also, mixing cucumber with lemon juice, as well as the vitamins C and E, fish oil, aloe vera gel, cod liver oil and coco butter are great alternatives to the surgical scar removal procedures.
Scars Home Remedies with Vitamin E in any form is and ideal solution for any skin related complexities. Whether it is as vitamin E capsules or plain and simple vitamin E oil, it is very effective in the treatment of scars on the skin. Smear a bit of vitamin E oil on the affected area everyday and get astonished by the results within a few days. Having a vitamin E capsule too would help in faster marginalisation of the scar.
Natural Treatments for Scars with Tea Leaves are also very effective in the treatment of scars. The alkaloids present in the tea leaves help heal the scars faster. Soak a handful of tea leaves and then wrap them in a bag and keep the same pressed over the affected area for sometime regularly. It is advisable to try these natural home remedies first before going for invasive procedures. They are less risky because natural methods are being employed, and they are definitely less expensive, too.
The pain after surgeon
The amount of pain experienced varies from person to person, and depends on the method used. In general, more extensive procedures can give better correction of scars, but at the cost of greater operating time, more risk, longer swelling, slower recovery, and greater cost. You should discuss your goals, budget, and pain tolerance with your surgeon in order to help him/her determine the procedure, or combination of procedures, that will produce the best results for you.
Dermabrasion Although there is some bleeding during this procedure, there is not a much pain during the procedure itself, which is usually performed under local anesthesia that is injected or sprayed on to skin.
Vascular laser treatments may be slightly uncomfortable. As mentioned earlier, the sensation associated with the treatment is that of a rubber band snapping on the skin. A cold compress, such as frozen Aloe Vera gel, may be applied during the procedure.
Laser skin resurfacing – Most likely, you’ll be awake during the procedure, and feel minimal discomfort. Most doctors use a local anesthesia or a local anesthesia with a sedative. This is similar to the anesthesia used by dentists.
Silicone gel sheets involve little or no discomfort.
Skin grafts, punch grafts and flap surgeries are performed under general anesthesia.
Steroid applications and injections and collagen injections – You will feel the pin prick of the needle and possibly pressure when the fluid enters the skin.
Tissue Expansion may be slightly uncomfortable. The surgery is often done under local anesthesia.
Z-plasty and related techniques are done under a local anesthetic.
Dermabrasion Although there is some bleeding during this procedure, there is not a much pain during the procedure itself, which is usually performed under local anesthesia that is injected or sprayed on to skin.
Vascular laser treatments may be slightly uncomfortable. As mentioned earlier, the sensation associated with the treatment is that of a rubber band snapping on the skin. A cold compress, such as frozen Aloe Vera gel, may be applied during the procedure.
Laser skin resurfacing – Most likely, you’ll be awake during the procedure, and feel minimal discomfort. Most doctors use a local anesthesia or a local anesthesia with a sedative. This is similar to the anesthesia used by dentists.
Silicone gel sheets involve little or no discomfort.
Skin grafts, punch grafts and flap surgeries are performed under general anesthesia.
Steroid applications and injections and collagen injections – You will feel the pin prick of the needle and possibly pressure when the fluid enters the skin.
Tissue Expansion may be slightly uncomfortable. The surgery is often done under local anesthesia.
Z-plasty and related techniques are done under a local anesthetic.
Jumat, 12 Februari 2010
Expecting after surgery
Collagen Injections The result is immediate. Pitted scars look smooth and even. However, these results are not permanent. Periodic treatments are necessary to maintain results. Dermabrasion After the procedure, the treated area may be covered with an ointment, a wet or waxy covering, and/or a dry covering. The skin may feel as though it is severely sunburned. Moving facial muscles and eating may be uncomfortable. Oral pain medication may be taken to ease the discomfort. In some cases, antibiotics may be taken in order to prevent possible infections. The skin is usually swollen for around 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. During this time, a scab begins to form over the treated area.
Vascular Laser The treated area may show purple discoloration, which should fade in 5 to 10 days. Generally after this period the scar should be less red and raised. Laser Skin Resurfacing You may experience some swelling and discomfort. Cold packs are usually recommended to reduce the swelling. If a bandage was applied after the surgery, it will be removed after approximately one week, and an ointment will then be applied. Some surgeons use a moisture retaining tape to bandage the treated area. Because this bandage must remain dry, you will not be able to shower until the bandages are removed.
If the treated area is not bandaged, you will need to wash the area several times every day. After each washing, you will need to apply an ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to the treated area. You will need to use caution in caring for the treated area. Scabs may form and last for about 10 days. If you are experiencing discomfort, an over-the-counter oral pain medication can be taken. Punch Grafting – The new skin is taped into place for about seven days to permit healing.
Skin Grafts and Flap Surgeries You can expect to feel some discomfort after facial scar revision surgery. Some swelling, bruising and redness are generally unavoidable. Any sutures will be removed within days after the surgery but your skin needs more time to heal. In general, surgeons suggest limiting activities -- especially any activity that places undue stress on the area of the incision. Silicone Gel Sheets After 2 to 12 months scars should look flatter and smoother. The procedure may have to be repeated after several years since keloid scars have the tendency to return.
Steroid Applications and Injections You may experience mild soreness, as with any injection. The scar should reduce in redness and thickness. The procedure may have to be repeated after several years since keloid scars have the tendency to return. Tissue Expansion Expect some fairly mild swelling and possible bruising. Stitches are normally removed within a week of the procedure. Z-plasty and Related Techniques The treated area will be closed with fine stitches, which will be removed within a week of the procedure. As with most incisions, the area may swell or bruise slightly.
Vascular Laser The treated area may show purple discoloration, which should fade in 5 to 10 days. Generally after this period the scar should be less red and raised. Laser Skin Resurfacing You may experience some swelling and discomfort. Cold packs are usually recommended to reduce the swelling. If a bandage was applied after the surgery, it will be removed after approximately one week, and an ointment will then be applied. Some surgeons use a moisture retaining tape to bandage the treated area. Because this bandage must remain dry, you will not be able to shower until the bandages are removed.
If the treated area is not bandaged, you will need to wash the area several times every day. After each washing, you will need to apply an ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to the treated area. You will need to use caution in caring for the treated area. Scabs may form and last for about 10 days. If you are experiencing discomfort, an over-the-counter oral pain medication can be taken. Punch Grafting – The new skin is taped into place for about seven days to permit healing.
Skin Grafts and Flap Surgeries You can expect to feel some discomfort after facial scar revision surgery. Some swelling, bruising and redness are generally unavoidable. Any sutures will be removed within days after the surgery but your skin needs more time to heal. In general, surgeons suggest limiting activities -- especially any activity that places undue stress on the area of the incision. Silicone Gel Sheets After 2 to 12 months scars should look flatter and smoother. The procedure may have to be repeated after several years since keloid scars have the tendency to return.
Steroid Applications and Injections You may experience mild soreness, as with any injection. The scar should reduce in redness and thickness. The procedure may have to be repeated after several years since keloid scars have the tendency to return. Tissue Expansion Expect some fairly mild swelling and possible bruising. Stitches are normally removed within a week of the procedure. Z-plasty and Related Techniques The treated area will be closed with fine stitches, which will be removed within a week of the procedure. As with most incisions, the area may swell or bruise slightly.
Kamis, 11 Februari 2010
Raised acne scars
When acne clears, some people see raised scars on their skin. With time, these scars may become larger and more noticeable. Some raised scars itch. They can even be painful and tender. To ease the discomfort and diminish the appearance of these scars, dermatologists offer patients a number of treatment options.
Your dermatologist considers many things before deciding how to treat a raised scar. Considerations include where the scar appears on the body, the size of the scar, and how long the scar has been there. Your dermatologist will use this information to create a treatment plan. Often a treatment plan will include more than 1 treatment option. Raised scars, especially keloids, often respond better when treated this way.
Injections
These injections, which your dermatologist may call “intralesional injections,” help shrink raised scars. Injections of corticosteroids can soften and flatten thick, raised scars. Interferon can help soften a keloid and make it feel smoother. Dermatologists generally give a series of injections. Usually given every few weeks, the frequency will depend on the type of scar and many other considerations. Some patients receive an injection every 2 or 3 weeks. Others get an injection once every 3 to 6 weeks. If a scar does not respond (or stops responding) by the 4th injection, scar surgery may be recommended.
Acne Scar Surgery
When raised scars do not respond to injections, your dermatologist may recommend surgery to remove the scar. This surgery can be performed in a dermatologist’s office, and you can go home afterward. When treating a keloid, dermatologists do not recommend surgery alone. Most keloids have a high risk (between 45% and 100%) of returning when surgery is the only treatment. To prevent a keloid from returning, dermatologists use other treatments before and after surgery. Many people receive injections of corticosteroids before surgery.
Cryotherapy
This treatment freezes the scar tissue. Freezing the tissue causes it to die and gradually fall off. To improve the results, dermatologists may schedule a series of cryotherapy sessions and corticosteroid injections. This combination often produces the best results. It can effectively diminish hypertrophic scars and flatten some keloids. Cryotherapy, however, can leave the treated skin looking lighter than the surrounding skin. This limits its use in people with skin of color.
Gels, Creams, and Tapes
Many of these are available without a prescription and can be used at home to treat raised scars. Products containing silicone may help reduce the itch and discomfort of both hypertrophic scars and keloids. One study found that some (34%) keloids actually flattened a bit when patients applied a silicone gel continuously for 6 months.
To be effective, gels, creams, and tapes must be used continuously. This can be difficult, especially for scars on the face. Many people are willing to do this because these treatments have little risk of side effects. Even so, with continuous use, some people develop itchy, irritated skin. None of these gels, creams, or tapes is likely to eliminate a raised scar, but these can help reduce the discomfort and the size.
Your dermatologist considers many things before deciding how to treat a raised scar. Considerations include where the scar appears on the body, the size of the scar, and how long the scar has been there. Your dermatologist will use this information to create a treatment plan. Often a treatment plan will include more than 1 treatment option. Raised scars, especially keloids, often respond better when treated this way.
Injections
These injections, which your dermatologist may call “intralesional injections,” help shrink raised scars. Injections of corticosteroids can soften and flatten thick, raised scars. Interferon can help soften a keloid and make it feel smoother. Dermatologists generally give a series of injections. Usually given every few weeks, the frequency will depend on the type of scar and many other considerations. Some patients receive an injection every 2 or 3 weeks. Others get an injection once every 3 to 6 weeks. If a scar does not respond (or stops responding) by the 4th injection, scar surgery may be recommended.
Acne Scar Surgery
When raised scars do not respond to injections, your dermatologist may recommend surgery to remove the scar. This surgery can be performed in a dermatologist’s office, and you can go home afterward. When treating a keloid, dermatologists do not recommend surgery alone. Most keloids have a high risk (between 45% and 100%) of returning when surgery is the only treatment. To prevent a keloid from returning, dermatologists use other treatments before and after surgery. Many people receive injections of corticosteroids before surgery.
Cryotherapy
This treatment freezes the scar tissue. Freezing the tissue causes it to die and gradually fall off. To improve the results, dermatologists may schedule a series of cryotherapy sessions and corticosteroid injections. This combination often produces the best results. It can effectively diminish hypertrophic scars and flatten some keloids. Cryotherapy, however, can leave the treated skin looking lighter than the surrounding skin. This limits its use in people with skin of color.
Gels, Creams, and Tapes
Many of these are available without a prescription and can be used at home to treat raised scars. Products containing silicone may help reduce the itch and discomfort of both hypertrophic scars and keloids. One study found that some (34%) keloids actually flattened a bit when patients applied a silicone gel continuously for 6 months.
To be effective, gels, creams, and tapes must be used continuously. This can be difficult, especially for scars on the face. Many people are willing to do this because these treatments have little risk of side effects. Even so, with continuous use, some people develop itchy, irritated skin. None of these gels, creams, or tapes is likely to eliminate a raised scar, but these can help reduce the discomfort and the size.
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hypertrophic,
injection,
keloid,
remove scar,
scar,
scar removal,
scar tissue,
skin,
treatment,
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Z-plasty
Selasa, 02 Februari 2010
Scar treatment procedures
No scar can be completely removed. They will always leave behind a trace, but a number of procedures can improve their appearance.
Surgery
Surgery will never completely remove a scar but can be used to alter its location or shape to make it less noticeable. Surgery is at times necessary to remove a scar on skin near a joint where it restricts movement, but it will leave another scar.
Laser surgery and resurfacing
The use of laser on scars is still on an experimental phase, as the safety or effectiveness has not yet been proven.
Steroid injection
A course of steroid injections into the scar may help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.
Z-Plasty
Z-plasty is a surgical technique used to relocate a scar so that it more closely matches to the natural creases of the skin, where it will be less noticeable. In this procedure, the old scar is removed and new incisions are made on each side, creating small triangular flaps of skin.
Skin grafting
Grafting involves the transfer of skin from a healthy part of the body to cover the injured area. All grafts leave some scarring at the donor and recipient sites. Make sure that your expectations from any surgery are realistic. You cannot expect that old scars will completely disappear; however, they will always turn flatter, paler and softer.
Home Remedies for Scars
* A mixture of sandalwood paste and black gram paste helps reduce the intensity of scars if started early.
* Rubbing your skin with ice cubes helps to tighten the skin.
* You can use cucumber and lemon juice on your scars.
* Vitamin E oil when applied on the scarred skin may do wonders for your skin.
* To prevent deepening of the scars, apply aloe vera gel, cod liver oil or vitamin E oil.
* Applying cocoa butter is also a good remedy in getting rid of the scars. This is also effective Home Remedy for Scars
Surgery
Surgery will never completely remove a scar but can be used to alter its location or shape to make it less noticeable. Surgery is at times necessary to remove a scar on skin near a joint where it restricts movement, but it will leave another scar.
Laser surgery and resurfacing
The use of laser on scars is still on an experimental phase, as the safety or effectiveness has not yet been proven.
Steroid injection
A course of steroid injections into the scar may help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.
Z-Plasty
Z-plasty is a surgical technique used to relocate a scar so that it more closely matches to the natural creases of the skin, where it will be less noticeable. In this procedure, the old scar is removed and new incisions are made on each side, creating small triangular flaps of skin.
Skin grafting
Grafting involves the transfer of skin from a healthy part of the body to cover the injured area. All grafts leave some scarring at the donor and recipient sites. Make sure that your expectations from any surgery are realistic. You cannot expect that old scars will completely disappear; however, they will always turn flatter, paler and softer.
Home Remedies for Scars
* A mixture of sandalwood paste and black gram paste helps reduce the intensity of scars if started early.
* Rubbing your skin with ice cubes helps to tighten the skin.
* You can use cucumber and lemon juice on your scars.
* Vitamin E oil when applied on the scarred skin may do wonders for your skin.
* To prevent deepening of the scars, apply aloe vera gel, cod liver oil or vitamin E oil.
* Applying cocoa butter is also a good remedy in getting rid of the scars. This is also effective Home Remedy for Scars
Label:
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injection,
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