Keloid formation or hypertrophic scars are therefore a problem for many people. Such scars are raised, and they could also be thick, as well as sensitive as they may cause itching or even pain at times. They are commonly seen in patients after surgery, injury or a burn. Knowing the most effective therapies for these kinds of scars can assist in enhancing the appearance of the scar tissue and make a patient more confident.
What Are Hypertrophic Scars?
Hypertrophic scars are one of the types of skin scars that result from the process of skin healing after skin injury. They are folded and can be red or purple. Hypertrophic scars, however, do not extend beyond the actual dimensions of the wound as opposed to keloids. All the same, they are relatively large and may at times be slightly painful or uncomfortable at the very least.
Common Treatments for Hypertrophic Scars
As mentioned earlier, hypertrophic scars have several treatment options that one can undergo. All the treatments have their advantages and often the use of more than one treatment could be required.
- Silicone Sheets and Gels
Silicone sheets and gels are one of the most widely used interventions in hypertrophic scars. It assists in reducing the thickness of the scar and gradually smoothening it. Silicone products can be applied on any new and even the old scar. They are effective by the mechanism of increasing the water content in the scar tissue and decreasing the synthesis of collagen, which in turn minimizes the scar’s visibility.
- Steroid Injections
Another treatment that can be used in the management of hypertrophic scars is steroid injections. These injections assist in decreasing inflammation and also make the scar flatter. They are normally administered in several treatments over weeks or even months. It is for this reason that steroid injections are most appropriate for scars that are inflamed, elevated and pruritic.
- Laser Therapy
Hypertrophic scar treatment is one of the areas where laser therapy is commonly used to minimize the visibility of scars. One can use lasers of different types depending on the given scar and the skin type of the patient in question. Laser therapy aims at the blood vessels within the scar tissue; it helps to decrease redness and flatten the scar. Such treatment can be performed in a doctor’s office and often entails several visits.
- Pressure Therapy
Compression therapy includes the use of a garment that has to be worn to press continuously on the scar. This treatment is usually applied to remove scars that are a result of burns. The pressure assists in flattening the scar so that it cannot be easily seen. Pressure garments should be worn for several hours a day for several months to experience the improvement.
- Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a process of using liquid nitrogen to freeze the scar tissue. In other words, this treatment assists in the reduction of the size and thickness of hypertrophic scars. Cryotherapy is usually applied alongside other treatment methods such as the administration of steroids to achieve the best outcomes. This is fast but may sometimes take several days.
- Surgery
At times, a hypertrophic scar may be very aggressive and may require surgical intervention in the form of excision. Laser excision of the scar is one way of getting rid of the scar and making the size small and the scar less conspicuous. However, it may be worth reemphasizing that the scar may recur or worsen in the future once surgery has been done. Surgeons performing surgery for scar removal also use other interventions to ensure that the scar does not grow back again.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Hypertrophic scars greatly require the following factors when determining the best treatment; this involves the size of the scar, the place it is, and the duration it has persisted. It is important to consult a dermatologist or a specialist in the field of scar treatment to find out which way is the most efficient.
Professional Help
In this case, if hypertrophic scars are a problem and home remedies are not sufficient, it is necessary to consult a specialist. Dr. P. K. Talwar provides treatment for hypertrophic scars and other kinds of skin problems. Having a long working experience and offering a wide variety of sophisticated procedures, Dr. Talwar will provide you with the best outcome. This is what makes him the best plastic surgeon in Delhi. For more information about the treatments and to set an appointment with Dr. PK Talwar, kindly go to his website.
