We all worry about whether a scar is going to heal into a fine – white line.
Scars are the natural result of the body’s attempt to heal an open wound or tear in the skin surface or body tissues. All people form scars, and scars always result from surgical incisions or trauma which goes to or through the deeper layers of the skin or underlying tissues and structures. In fact, scars occur from any type of procedure, and there is no such thing as a “scarless” operation, regardless what is hyped or advertised. Unfortunately, sometimes the body’s healing results in scars which are unsightly or cause unwanted symptoms such as tightness or pain. The process of scar revision involves the removal of the offending scar and its replacement with an improved surrounding skin or soft tissue. This may allow the scar to be minimized and camouflaged in a much functional and aesthetic way.
Scars may become a problem for a patient when they cause:
– Pain
– Itching and inflammation
– Restricted movement
– Poor appearance leading to self consciousness
– Types of Problem Scars
Hypertrophic Scars – usually raised, itchy and occasionally painful. These scars may improve with time but a stretched or wide scar may remain. The back, the chest and shoulders are areas prone to hypertrophic scarring.
Keloid Scars – these are extreme forms of hypertrophic scars where the thickened scar “mushrooms” and extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound. These scars becomes thick, puckered, firm, itchy and occasionally painful. Darker skinned races, burn injuries, younger patients and wounds in the chest and ears are all prone to keloid scars.
Stretched Scars – some areas, where the skin is under tension are prone to develop stretched scars, for example over the knee and elbow and back. If the wounds has been repaired with inappropriate suture material(the stitch itself), or if there is a problem with wound healing, stretched scars may result in these areas.
Facial Scars – The face has an excellent blood supply and consequently heals quickly. However, the location of facial scars (e.g. acne scars and traumatic scars) may make them cosmetically unacceptable.