Scar Surgery & Treatment
Acne, mosquito or bug bites, injuries from accidents or surgical wounds can all impair skin appearance. Even though wounds may recover within one to two weeks, the red swelling can persist and protruding scar tissue can also develop. While most scar tissues usually disappear within six to nine months, some scars may remain elevated and stiff with no visual improvement. In serious cases, they may even spread beyond the original wound site. Excessive production of collagen by hypersensitive skin cells stimulates scar growth, heightening skin sensitivity, causing itchiness or even pain.
Depressed Scar
Commonly seen in chicken pox and acne cases and mostly caused by late replacement of damaged skin tissue.
Hypertrophic Scar
Excessive collagen production during wound healing may cause the resulting scar to look elevated with smooth texture and pinkish-red in colour.
Keloid Scar
Another type of overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the boundary of the original wound, making the entire area elevated, curved and hard. The surrounding area may also look uneven and claw-like, and an itchy or stinging sensation is not uncommon.
Treatment
While it is challenging to eliminate unsightly scars, one can make them significantly less obvious today with the help of surgery, laser or medication.
Surgery
Excisional surgery can narrow a scar or divide it into numerous segments. These segments are then subsequently transfigured into wave- or wrinkle-like patterns, all in close resemblance to one’s natural skin colour and texture.
Laser Treatment (e.g. Pulsed Dye Laser & AFFIRM Fractional Laser)
By applying laser of a specific wavelength, the treatment can reduce micro-capillaries and modify collagen. A new generation of laser systems can also improve appearance of reddish scars. Multiple treatments are required for optimal results.
Subcision by Needling
A fine needle is inserted into the tissue below the scar to release and push up the depression. Hyaluronic acid is then injected to fill up the depressed area. The acid usually lasts for three to six months. For long-term effects, fat transplanted from other body areas is used as the filling material.
Silicone Adhesive & Pressure Garment
Patients can restrain the growth of hypertrophic and keloid scars by wearing tailor-made pressure garments. One may also use a silicone adhesive to apply pressure to the skin and rearrange the collagen pattern.
Steroid Injection
Steroid injections can inhibit collagen production, relieve itchy or stinging sensations and shrink the scar. One to two injections are required monthly for optimal results.
Post-Operative Radiotherapy
Surgery cannot guarantee that an initial removal of keloid scar will not recur as scar tissue at the wound site grows back. However, if surgery is complemented with radiotherapy, the rate of recurrence can be reduced by 15 to 20%.