Most common scar types:

Scars are created due to the high and anarchic production of collagen and elastin in the area resulting in skin hyperplasia. The most common types of scars are:

Keloid scar

Keloid is the deformed, thick and red scar tissue that develops at a point where skin damage exists and extends beyond the wound. Keloid scars appear mainly on the ears, neck, back and face. They are usually found in people who have dark skin and cause pain and pruritism (itching). The repair of keloid scars is difficult and is treated surgically or with a combination of methods.

Hypertrophic scar

Hypertrophic scars have many similarities to keloid scars with the difference that the hypertrophic ones develop within the boundaries of the wound. They are red, swollen and overgrown compared to the rest of the healthy surface of the skin. If the scar does not go away on its own or with the application of a conservative treatment, then the combination of treatment methods or surgery is recommended.

Contracture scar

Contracture scars are the result of skin injuries following burns or accidents that have resulted in severe skin loss. They can often affect muscles, tendons and joints causing movement disorders. If contracture scars occur at a younger age, they can affect the development of muscle groups and bones. To combat them, it is advisable to surgically replace them with skin grafts and flaps or the use of skin dilators, as well as the use of the surgical technique Z-plasty to change their direction.

Ways to treat scars

The degree of potential repair of a scar can be affected by its size, extent, depth and direction, the surrounding satisfactory perfusion of the area, the presence of inflammation and the type of skin, i.e. its thickness and color. Age also plays an important role, since in older people the levels of collagen and elastin are lower and slow down the healing period.

The above factors will determine the method to be chosen for the treatment and correction of scars. Some invasive and non-invasive methods are the following:

• Cortisone injections
• Fractional Laser
• Chemical peeling
• Dermabrasion
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Intra-lesion injection of solutions of steroids & other substances
• Application of topical steroids in combination with topical bandaging
• Topical application of gel or silicone sheets in combination with local bandaging
• Surgical removal using skin grafts, flaps or skin dilatators

Each method of treatment aims at the regeneration of the affected area with the aesthetic and functional remodeling of the scars. Scars cannot be completely removed but can be smoothed out. Consistent following of medical advice and continuous cleaning of the area is needed. Their healing will be gradual, and the final results will be visible after 1 year