5 Techniques For Treating Hypertrophic Scarring

There are generally two kinds of scars - hypertrophic and keloid. Scars are considered to be hypertrophic when the damaged tissue heals and becomes a reddish lump that does not overextend beyond the original wound. Though somewhat abnormal looking, these scars heal with time but become permanent in some cases and require hypertrophic scar treatment for removal.

There is a wide variety of hypertrophic scar treatments and it is important to know that no matter which of them is used, scars are never really removed and treatments always leave a trace.

Needling scar treatment

Needling is one of the cheapest hypertrophic scar treatments available. One of its advantages over other treatments is that it can be done at home with special scarring needles under clean and sterile environments. Proper use requires constant needling of scarred tissue to induce collagen formation. First time users are advised to seek professional medical supervision when attempting to needle the face or other vital areas where nerves are located.

Silicone scar treatment

The hypertrophic scar treatment that erases the most traces of scarring is silicone treatment. Typically used by plastic surgeons, silicone gel sheets help to moisturize the scar and even out the discoloration so that it matches the surrounding skin once again. This particular type of treatment has a very low risk of side effects and further damage to the tissue.

Steroid injections

Steroid injection is a common method used in hypertrophic scar treatment. Since steroids cause tissue to thin out, it is injected directly into the scar on a monthly interval until the scar is sufficiently flattened out. Due to the nature of steroid injections, there are certain risks involved in the procedure most especially if the scar to be injected has not completely closed on the inside or is ruptured.

Collagen injections

Similar to certain cosmetic practices, collagen injections can be used as a hypertrophic scar treatment for scars that do not grow out of the skin but rather sinks in. The treatment involves injecting collagen or an alternative into the sunken scar enough so that it rises to the same level of the skin. This method of treatment is short-term, however, as repeated treatments are required to maintain the level of the scar.

Radiotherapy

In extreme cases, scars can be cut out and stitched up or exposed to radiotherapy. These hypertrophic scar treatments are not usually used as it risks opening up new wounds and has long-term side effects.

With the advances in science and technology, new methods of treatment are being researched and developed for treating and removing scars. And with so many treatments for scar care and removal, scars are a thing of the past.

source: ezinearticles.com