What Are Scars?
Scars can vary in appearance depending on their cause and healing process. Hypertrophic scars are raised from the skin surface and may be red or dark, remaining within the boundaries of the original wound. Keloid scars extend beyond the wound site, becoming larger than the original injury and potentially causing discomfort if very severe. Atrophic scars are sunken and may appear as pits or depressions in the skin, commonly seen following conditions like more severe acne. A fine line scar is thin and often barely noticeable, resembling a faint red, white or skin tone line on the skin’s surface, typically resulting from minor injuries or surgical incisions. These scars can impact skin texture and aesthetics and may cause an individual to seek treatment to improve their appearance
What Causes Scars?
Scars form as part of the body’s natural healing process in response to tissue injury. When the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin, is damaged through cuts, burns, or surgery, the body produces collagen fibres to repair the wound. Collagen is characteristically different in texture and tone, giving scars their distinctive appearance. This collagen production can sometimes result in an overgrowth, leading to raised scars like keloids or hypertrophic scars. Alternatively, if there’s insufficient collagen production during healing and collagen has been damaged, atrophic scars, such as those seen in acne, may form. Factors like genetics, wound size, depth, location, and skin type influence the type and appearance of the resulting scar.
How Can I Treat Scars?
At Takroni Clinic we always recommend a consultation to assess the scars and decide what is the best treatment for you. For those with a fine line scar post-surgery or atrophic scars (pits and depressions in the skin) we may likely recommend a course of medical microneedling to help improve the appearance. This treatment works by stimulating the skin’s natural healing response to repair and regenerate tissues. During the procedure, tiny needles create 98000 channels in the skin per minute, triggering the production of collagen and elastin. This increased collagen production helps to remodel the scar tissue, smoothing out its appearance and reducing its visibility over time. Microneedling also enhances the absorption of topical treatments, such as vitamin-rich serums, further promoting skin regeneration. With repeated sessions, medical microneedling can effectively minimise the appearance of minor scars, resulting in smoother, more even-toned skin. This can also be combined with light fillers or skin boosters in the case of acne scars to help optimise results. Certain topical prescription products can also be used to improve the appearance of a scar.
