Scars

Keloid scarring is thickened and red in appearance and the scar can grow well beyond the boundaries of the original scar. This type of scarring is more common amongst patients with black skin, however it is not exclusive to this skin type.

In time, the scar will become solid, but it will not shrink or flatten.

Hypertrophic scarring is when the scarring is initially raised, and takes between 1-5 years to settle down. Once fully settled, hypertrophic scars are wide, pale and flat in appearance and they can also become thinned and slightly sunken.

Unfortunately, some people are prone to scarring badly, and therefore scar revision surgery will not alleviate the problem. In some cases, the additional surgery may even incur further poor scars. The two common types of healing problem are Hypertrophic Scarring and Keloid Scarring.

Applying pressure to a well healed scar, (whether through a garment or through massage), will help break down the scar tissue and subsequently improve the overall appearance of the scar.

Silicone gel or tape can help flatten the scar and it can also work to minimize hyperpigmentation of the scar. Tenderness and itching can also be alleviated by silicone.

Keloid scars are formed by a build up of a rubbery material called collagen, this is created by a build up of cells around the scar called fibroblasts. Steroid injections work by preventing these cells from producing collagen and the steroids also help flatten the scar by weakening the collagen. Steroids also work to reduce any itchiness and tenderness.

Direct Excision involves cutting out the old scar tissue and using the healthy tissue that surrounds the wound to reclose it. This will still leave a scar, but it will be smaller, neater and less noticeable.

A surprising number of people have poor quality scars that are a result of wounds that haven’t healed very well. There are a number of reasons why wounds are unable to heal properly, including:

• Poor stitching.
• Tension in the wound.
• A foreign body in the wound.

As a result, scars can be unsightly and could possibly cause embarrassment and discomfort. Scar revision surgery can work to help minimise and reduce the appearance of these kind of scars.

The costs for scar revision surgery vary, depending on the severity of the scar and the type of treatment needed to treat the patient’s individual circumstances.

Scar revision surgery: from £750.

Steroid injections: from £85.

Silicone gel/tape: Between £20 – £50 depending on the treatment.

This treatment uses Botulinum Toxin to relax the muscles and improve the appearance of the wrinkles. Very small amounts of Botulinum Toxin are inserted into skin, penetrating the muscles with a very fine needle.