What is a Scar?

Whenever we injure our skin, our body goes into repair mode and tries to heal the wound. If the injury is superficial, at the level of epidermis only, healing takes place without any scarring, leaving just a thin layer of newly formed skin. If injury is deeper than the level of epidermis, our body makes a tissue that is harder than the normal skin. This hard tissue often becomes a scar.

While newly formed scars are reddish pink in color, they become slightly darker than the normal skin as they mature.

Types of scars

Depending upon what type and quantity of tissue our body makes as part of healing process, there are different types of scars

• Hypertrophic scar – when the body makes a lot of extra tissue, it results in a raised scar known as hypertrophic scar
• Keloid – when the body makes way more than the required amount of healing tissue, it not only is raised but also occupy more area than the actual wound. This is called a keloid.
• Atrophic scar – when something causes a lot of inflammation in the skin, it results in a scar that looks sunken or depressed than the normal skin. This is the most common type of scarring seen after acne and chicken pox. This happens because inflammation destroys the collagen in the skin.

Can scars be prevented?

Yes, if correct wound care is done at the right time, scarring can be prevented to some extent. This essentially means that if you are suffering from acne, actively start its treatment rather than waiting for it to subside on its own. Doing this will not only reduce the chances of scarring but also pigmentation, which is also a common complication of acne.

Likewise, if you have suffered from any injury, laceration etc. get first aid immediately. Wounds might require suture as well. Refrain from applying hydrogen peroxide without doctor’s advice as it might cause further damage.

Scar management at Meraki

Depending upon the cause, type, and age of the scars, we make use of different treatment modalities for the treatment of scars at Meraki skin clinic.

• Micro needling Radiofrequency (MnRF)
  

  This modality of treatment works on the principle of the use of heat energy along with creating microscopic wounds on the affected area, ultimately resulting in new collagen synthesis that helps in clearing up the scar tissue.

  It is a versatile treatment option for acne scars, chick pox scars, open pores, pigmentation, and fine lines to some extent.

  Before beginning the sessions, our experts would assess your skin and prep it for the procedure for about a week to ten days.

  Sessions are spaced 3-4 weeks apart until a desirable response is achieved.

  Post procedure care –

  • Protection from UV radiation is essential, so sunscreen is a must both indoors and outdoors.
  • Skin must be kept well hydrated – water intake should be sufficient and moisturize twice a day.
• CO2 Laser
  

  Carbon dioxide laser also works on the principle of use of laser energy for new collagen synthesis and breaking up of the pigment cells. CO2 laser resurfacing can not only be used for depressed scars (acne scars, chickenpox scars etc.) but also in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.

  Assessment of patient’s skin before the sessions is important to decide the number of sessions and plan the entire treatment.

  Post procedure care is the same as that of MnRF.

• Subcision
  

  It is a procedure that is used to treat minor scars. Subcision is performed using a special needle that it inserted into the scared skin, and it moved in way to break the fibrotic bands withing the scar. The process of wound healing results in release of fibrotic bands and synthesis of fresh collagen results in cosmetic improvement of the scar.

  At Meraki skin clinic, we take utmost care to choose the correct candidate for this particular procedure as it is not to be performed in patients with keloidal tendency.

• TCA CROSS
  

  This is a technique which makes use of Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) for chemical reconstruction of skin scar. It is helpful in reducing atrophic acne scar. A small amount of high concentration of TCA is deposited on to the scar which causes a local inflammatory reaction, eventually resulting in new collagen synthesis.

All the treatment options mentioned here are OPD procedures which can be scheduled as per the patient’s convenience. It is always a good idea to prepare the skin a few days prior to the procedure to see the best results.

Reduction of scars is a gradual process and when done under expert guidance would always give gratifying results.

If you are looking to get your scars treated and achieving your dream skin, Meraki Skin Clinic would be happy to help.

Consult our experts to get the Best Management of Scars in Gurgaon