SCARS NEED A
SUPERSPECIALIST’S TOUCH
WHAT IS A SCAR?
A scar is the fibrous tissue (thick, firm,
red) laid down by the body as a natural process of biological healing at any
site that sustains injury.
IS SCAR FORMATION PREVENTABLE?
The following factors determine scar
formation: Size and depth of the wound; Location of the injury on the body; Blood
supply to the area; Age of the person; Thickness, type and colour of the
person's skin; Direction of the scar & Duration of the wound. Some of these
factors can be modified to reduce scar formation.
CAN SCARS BE COMPLETELY REMOVED?
“Once
A Scar, Always A Scar. We Can Improve The Quality Of The Scar.” A skilled PLASTIC SURGEON can definitely improve the appearance of
the scar by disguising it, relocating it, or minimizing its prominence, by
surgical and non-surgical means.
ARE THERE ANY TYPES OF SCARS?
Scars can be good scars or bad scars but
scientifically they are classified into various type: Keloids, Hypertrophic
scar, Hypo or Hyper-pigmented scar, Pitted/ depressed acne scars, Stretch marks
(striae).
HOW DO I ENSURE THAT I GET A GOOD SCAR?
Follow the instructions given by your
PLASTIC SURGEON properly and for the entire duration as directed. Regular
follow up visits are necessary to assess the response of the body towards the
treatment and if any change is required can be instituted at the earliest.
WHAT ARE THE NON- SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR
IMPROVING MY SCAR?
Pressure garments and silicone gel/sheet
(medical grade as advised by the PLASTIC SURGEON) has been the mainstay in the
treatment of scars. Other options are: Chemical peels (by the Skin Specialist);
Fractional Lasers or Nd:YAG laser therapy
(by the Plastic Surgeon); Intra-lesional injection of Steroids (by the
Plastic Surgeon); Fillers
WHAT ARE THE SURGICAL OPTIONS?
The type of surgery may range from a simple
dermabrasion (surgical peeling of outer layer of skin); micro-dermabrasion
(does not require anaesthesia); Z- Plasty; scar excision; serial excision; scar
revision; skin grafting or tissue expansion (in large scars).
IS SCAR SURGERY A MAJOR SURGERY?
Usually Scar revision surgeries for small
scars can be done under local anaesthesia which do not require admission. Some
larger scars or scars in sensitive areas like near the eyes, nose etc may
require general anaesthesia and a day care admission in which the patient is
sent home in the evening. Complex scars may constitute a major surgery and
require admission for more than a day.
WILL INSURANCE COVER MY EXPENCES FOR SCAR
SURGERY?
If the scars are causing functional
problems like contractures, limiting ones daily activity, or hindering ones
social interactions; such scar revisions are likely to be covered under the
Insurance act. But a prior approval from the company is helpful. Cosmetic
surgery is not covered under the gamut of health insurance.
HOW LONG AFTER THE SURGERY WILL MY SCAR
LOOK BETTER?
The biological process of healing in a scar
usually subsides by 6-9 months. It is by that time the final results can be
commented upon.
DO HOME REMEDIES HELP?
People have tried lemon juice, shea butter,
cocoa butter, honey, sun exposure for scar reduction but with inconsistent
results. But application of Vit E, Aloe Vera creams, massage and avoiding sun
exposure do facilitate better scarring.
DR. ASHISH GUPTA
ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT
S.P.S. APOLLO HOSPITALS, LUDHIANA
