SCARRING
Scarring
Scarring on your face or body. A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after injury to the skin. A scar comes about because of the healing process that occurs in skin when it is injured. Skin can heal without scars or with scars. The kind of scarring that results depends on many factors.
In healthy skin the collagen fibres are arranged in neat rows with all the fibres in a single direction. In skin with scar tissue the collagen fibres are haphazardly arranged and give the skin a different appearance both under microscope and to the naked eye. Skin that is scarred also may be pigmented.
The most common types of scarring seen on skin are:
- Traumatic scars
- Surgical scars
- Acne scars
- Scars from burns
- Post Inflammatory Scars with or without Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Keloid Scars
Traumatic or Surgical Scars
These occur after sharp incisions or injury to the skin. Depending on the severity of the injury as well as other factors, these scars may be minor or significant. When surgical wounds are repaired with care, these wounds can heal with little scarring in most instances
Acne Scars
Acne scars can occur on the face as well as the body. There are various kinds of scars:
- Depressed or atrophic scars
A depressed scar sits below the natural surface of the skin so that the skin in that area appears sunken or depressed. Atrophic scars are more typically seen on the face. These kinds of scars result from the healing process of active acne when not enough collagen is formed. There are a number of different kinds:- Rolling scars– these have a rounded edge
- Ice pick scars– are narrower scar formations
- Box car– have a wider appearance
- Raised or hypertrophic scars
These scars are more typically seen on the body, most commonly on the back and chest. Raised scars appear higher than the surrounding skin and they result when excess collagen is created in the area during the healing process of active acne.
Treatment options for acne scarring depend on several factors:
- Your skin-type
- Your age and other medical conditions
- Location of the scars
- Type of scars
- Severity of the scarring
- Overall condition of the skin
Burn Scars
This type of scar develops as the result of second or third-degree heat or chemical injury to the skin. If the scarring is significant, then a contracture develops when the surrounding skin pulls together and may lead to restricted movement in the surrounding area. Burns scars heal best if treated rapidly and effectively.
Post Inflammatory Scars and Hyperpigmentation
Post-Inflammatory Scarring and Hyperpigmentation (PIH) refers to the discolouration of the skin that develops after a wound, such as inflamed acne, has healed. These marks range in colour from pink to red, purple or brown, are flat and may fade away naturally over a period of time. The discolouration is the result of an over-production of melanin in the affected area during the healing process.
PIH can occur in all skin tones but is more common in darker skin, and especially prevalent in acne sufferers. If you have skin that is sensitive to trauma or to inflammation, then there are preventative measures you can take to avoid or lessen the effects of PIH. In addition, at The Face and Body Place we offer a variety of solutions for treating PIH including:
- De-pigmenting chemical peels and programs
- IV drip therapy
- Laser treatments such as BBL® and Fractional Laser
Keloid Scars
Keloid Scars develop after a skin injury, during the healing process. They are mainly composed of collagen and have a shiny, raised, rubbery, but firm, appearance. They can vary in colour, from pink to flesh-coloured or red to dark brown. Although they are benign and do not become malignant, the patient may also experience a degree of itchiness and pain. It is important for you to advise your doctor whenever you are undergoing a medical or surgical procedure that you may have experienced keloid scarring in the past. There are ways to reduce keloid scarring and your doctor can advise you on that.
Treatment Options
Profractional Laser Treatment
The Profractional Laser treatment was designed for those looking for younger-looking skin or who want to improve scars, wrinkles or sun damage with a comfortable treatment. If you demand a fast recovery, then you may be an ideal candidate for fractional laser.
Micro Laser Peels
A Micro Laser Peel is a gentle, laser-assisted skin peel, which precisely removes the skin’s outermost layer to a predetermined depth. It is the perfect step between Microdermabrasion and deeper Chemical or Laser Peels for treating pigmentation, sun damage and melasma.
Laser Resurfacing
An Erbium Yag laser emits short pulses of high-energy light, which gets absorbed by the water and chromophores in the skin. The light becomes heat, and that heat removes thin layers of your skin’s surface, which will be replaced by younger, healthier and stronger skin growth.
Carboxy therapy
Carboxytherapy is a revolutionary new skin rejuvenation treatment, which is being touted as the biggest advance in Aesthetics since muscle relaxing injectables. Small quantities of pharmaceutical grade, warmed carbon dioxide is injected below the skin in damaged areas.
Skin Care Products
A good skin care regime is essential for achieving and maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion and plays a vital role in the battle against ageing. The Face and Body Place stocks and provides a complete selection of Skincare Products
Skin Care Supplements
Xymogen™ has formulated a comprehensive range of dietary supplement formulas scientifically designed to support the structure and function of your body systems, so that you can live healthy by reducing the effects of stress, improve your skin, nails, hair, support bone or joint health and ensure optimal health.
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