Formation of Scars

To understand and figure out the best treatment for scars, a clinician must first know how they were formed. Scars are formed after a wound is completely healed. When the thick layer of the skin, known as dermis, gets damaged, the body forms new collagen fibres to repair the damage, resulting to a scar. Compared to its surrounding tissue, the new scar tissue has a different texture and quality.

There various types of scar, but most scars are as flat and pale. However, scars can also appear when the body produces too much collagen. These scars are more prevalent in younger and dark-skinned people.

Moreover, when underlying structures supporting the skin, such as fat or muscle, are lost, some types of scars can appear as a hollow or sunken. Scars resulting from surgery or acne have this appearance.

When the skin stretches rapidly, especially during pregnancy, some scars appear like stretched skin. This occurs most especially when the skin is under tension as it undergoes the healing process.

Types of Scars

• Keloid Scars

There are a variety of scars that are common among humans and one of them is the keloid scars (a.k.a. keloids). These scars are from insistent healing process and are extended further than the injury. Surgeries, injections that contain steroids or cryotherapy are possible methods to treat these scars. Some avoid this type of scar formation by applying pressure treatment of silicone gel pads to assist the wound.

1. Contracture Scars

Contracture scars happen when one’s skin is burned and the constricting of the skin can weaken one’s movements. In addition, this scar can penetrate into harming nerves and muscles of the body. Hypertrophic scars on the other hand are akin to keloid scars. They are prominent and reddish but are only within the injury spots. Steroid injections can be jabbed to lessen the swelling and soreness.

1. Acne Scars

Acne scars, one of the most common scars are formed when one experiences severe acne. Acne scars have different appearances such as gaunt-shaped, wave-formed, deep pits or just a scar as itself. There are probable treatments that can suit the different types of acne scars.

• Brown or Purple Scars

These scars are formed as a result of inflammation during the infection stage of the pimple, wherein the body forms new blood vessels to supply nutrients on the affected area. This result to a purplish skin color. After the skin heals, it actively responds by forming pigments, leading to what is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 

Scar Treatment

• Prescription Creams, Ointments, or Gels

Scar treatments are available now such as application creams, ointments, gels which may be prescribed or obtained over-the-counter. These products can treat scars caused from wounds, incisions and injuries. Scarring produced from cosmetic and plastic surgery will have prescriptions from their surgeons and usually these are effective. But sometimes, these creams can cause itching as they are very sensitive to the skin. Similarly, dermatologist will recommend products for severe acne scarring. Most likely, pressure treatments and silicone gel sheets are used to prevent and treat scars.

• Surgical Removal

Another method to treat scars would be surgery and there are several types of surgeries such as dermabrasion, skin grafts, excision and laser surgery. One such well-known surgery is the skin graft whereby skin from other parts of the body is replaced onto the burnt and scarred area. Do bear in mind however scarring from plastic and cosmetic surgeries will fade in time and become less noticeable.

• Injections

For more prominent and protruding scars, steroid injections are used as the sole treatment or in combination with other methods. Collagen injections can be helpful for deep pits scarring but there do not provide long-lasting results.

Scar Removal Treatment in Singapore

Generally, scars can have a huge impact on one’s self-esteem, especially if the scars are noticeable and leaves a serious mark on your face or on any part of your body. However, many people are unaware that recent advances in technology makes scar treatment possible.

Many clinics and dermatologists in Singapore are able to use these technologies to treat and improve severely damaged and scarred skin. For the different specialties, each clinician offers a different type of treatment as based on the assessment of patient’s needs