Common types of scar formations & how to treat them
If you’re like most people, then you have probably attained a scar or two from injury or surgery during your lifetime. Although they are completely natural and harmless to health, people can feel insecure and uncomfortable with their scars.
Did you know that most scars once they have settled can be treated with Paramedical Tattoo? In this post we will go over some of the interesting facts about scars that may just help you.
There are different types of scars
Scars are classified based on how they appear and the way they form. Keloids and Hypertrophic scars are considered the most severe because they are marked by an overgrowth of scar tissue. These scars can appear raised, ropey, and purple or red in appearance.
Atrophic scars, on the other hand, are commonly caused by acne or chicken pox and are marked by a pitted or sunken appearance. This is because these scars are due to a loss of collagen in the affected area.
Contractures are another type of scar that are usually caused by burn injuries. Contracture scars pull the skin together due to extensive damage the skin tissue, causing the skin to feel tight.
Age and genetics effect scar formation
As we get older, skin becomes thinner, cell renewal slows down and wounds take longer to heal. However, old age is also correlated with less scarring. The reasons for this aren’t exactly clear yet, but it may have to do with a specialized compound secreted in the bloodstream. Along with age, genetics also play a role in scar formation. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that people of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent are more likely to develop keloid scars than other ethnicities. Furthermore, if you have a family history of keloids, then you will also be at higher risk for developing them.
Environmental protection and Supplements can greatly impact how a scar heals and develops
UV rays can trigger hyperpigmentation (darkening of the scar) in the skin, which makes it even more visible in contrast with the rest of your skin. It also will slow down healing and can damage the cells further causing the final state of the scar to be more severe. Applying a physical sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and wearing protective clothing to protect your scar while it’s healing is crucial.
Collagen and Antioxidant supplements will boost your healing and repair greatly! Individually, Vida Glow Collagen and Anti-G-Ox Sachets are formidable players in the supplements arena. But together, they will work on intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) aging and damage. They form a synergistic powerhouse that will accelerate healing, reduce redness and swelling, boost collagen and elastin production and rejuvenate your skin from the inside out. Whether you're wanting to enhance your healing of a recent wound or prepare for a paramedical tattoo procedure, this dynamic duo has got you covered.
As a bonus they will also boost overall skin health as well as hair + nail growth!
Scars can take more than a year to fully heal
After an injury or surgery, scar tissue will continue to heal and change long after the wound has fully healed. In some cases, a scar can take up to 12-18 months before it takes its final form. Usually, scars will start out red or purple, they may even hyperpigment (turn brown) and will usually fade in colour over time. The good news is that scar treatment such as paramedical tattoo is very still effective long after the scar tissue has formed as it is able to break up the scar tissue and conceal it into the rest of the skin with the Inkless and/or Pigment techniques.
Scars can be treated in many ways
Scars can be treated in a variety of different ways. If the scar is starting to keloid; treatment such as corticosteroid injections are the preferred method to start with. Laser treatment such as Laser Genesis is also very successful for reducing keloid formation, in some instances surgical removal may be also required (this can all be done at Infinity Skin Clinic in Mosman).
For all other types of scars, early intervention with LED and Gentle Lasers such as Laser Genesis + BBL (BroadBand Light) minimize scar tissue formation and appearance. Once the scar is at least 3-6 months old, Paramedical tattoo Inkless or Pigment can be introduced to camouflage the remaining scar tissue.
Reach out to me if you would like more information to help heal and conceal your scars.
