A scarwhich is the sign after the healing of a wound or a surgical intervention, can, in some cases, suppose the beginning of an emotional problem for whoever has it, depending on its location, size or shape.
Once past the minimum period of 10 months so that the healing process is complete completely, there are several non-surgical procedures to try to hide them, although sometimes you can opt for the surgery to remove them more definitely. The Dr. Carmen Iglesiasof the Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Service of the Our Lady of the Rosary Hospitalremember that “healing is a long processwhich lasts for 12-18 monthsin which rushing does not help to achieve the best results”.
A scar can be an emotional problem for those who have it. It can be treated by surgical techniques and procedures that do not require surgery
As the specialist explains, being a active process, scarring presents several types: the normal, which is flattened, begins red and later takes on the normal color of the skin; and the abnormal or pathological, whose origin can be both in the way in which the wound originated or its location, as well as in a natural predisposition of the skin to this type of healing. In this case, it can cause hypertrophic, keloid, atrophic, dyschromic scars, etc. “It can also happen that the scars are painful because catch some nerveor they can limit the mobility of a joint why are they retractable”, points out Dr. Iglesias, who belongs to the team of Dr. Antonio de la Fuente.
During the ripening period of the scar sun exposure should be avoided. This is especially important in first six to eight months after skin closure. “The hydration It is another of the measures to help healing. The silicone dressings They are usually used from skin closure to eight months. Its use must be methodical and prolonged in order to verify its efficiency. The massages and radiofrequency treatment They are also useful in this phase”, comments the surgeon, who adds that “only after the first 10 monthsand when the scar has ceased to vary, other medical treatments can begin to be considered”.
If a person decides treat the scarafter the appointed time, there are several non-surgical procedures recommended by Dr. Iglesias: the intralesional injection of corticosteroids, dermabrasion, peelings, laser in its different varieties, the photodynamic therapythe Botulinum toxinhe plasma with growth factorshe imiquimod and anti-inflammatory products.
If it happens that, in the eyes of the patient, the already mature scars continue to be unsightly, surgery should be considered on the same. In this regard, the specialist points out:
- Choosing the moment is very important. The scar should be deflated, normal in color and soft. (fact that happens around 12-18 months).
- Evaluate the most appropriate surgical method: resection with deep detachment, filling with fat grafts or local flaps.
- If the scars are bigit is necessary to plan a sequential spin-off or the two-stage surgeryusing in the first one a skin expander.
- If the scars are linear and cut through normal wrinkles of the expression, they should lengthenmaking them zigzagging and less obvious.
Finally, Dr. Iglesias from the remember that after surgery the same care should be followed as at the beginning: sun protection, hydration, massages, silicone dressings and avoiding tobacco use.