Scars

Scars are a natural part of the healing process following an injury, surgery, or skin condition like acne. However, they can vary in appearance and texture depending on the type and severity of the injury. In aesthetic medicine, there are several types of scars, and we provide various treatments at our Tracey Bell clinics to help improve their appearance.

Hypertrophic scars 
These are raised and red scars that appear thicker than the surrounding skin. They occur when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process. Treatments for hypertrophic scars may include corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets, or laser therapy.

Keloid scars
These are similar to hypertrophic scars but extend beyond the area of the initial injury. They can be painful and itchy and often have a rubbery texture. Treatments for keloid scars may include corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy, or laser therapy.

Atrophic scars
These are flat and depressed scars caused by tissue loss. They can be caused by acne, injury, or surgery. Treatments for atrophic scars may include dermal fillers, microneedling, or laser therapy.

Contracture scars
These occur when the skin is burned or damaged and can result in tight, painful, and rigid skin. Treatments for contracture scars may include surgery or laser therapy.

Acne scars
These scars are common atrophic scars caused by severe acne. Aesthetic treatments for acne scars may include chemical peels, microneedling, dermal fillers or laser therapy.

Surgical scars
These scars are caused by surgery and can vary in appearance depending on the location and type of surgery. Treatments for surgical scars may include laser therapy, microneedling or dermal fillers.

Scars and laser therapy
Fractionated lasers are a type of laser therapy commonly used to improve the appearance of scars. These lasers deliver targeted beams of light to the skin, creating micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing response, which promotes collagen production and helps improve the appearance of scars.

Fractionated lasers can be used to treat a range of scars, including acne, surgical, and traumatic scars. The treatment can also help improve the texture and tone of the skin, making it smoother and more even.

Scars and using PRP

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves using the patient’s blood plasma, which is rich in platelets and growth factors, to promote healing and tissue regeneration. PRP therapy has been used in aesthetic medicine to improve the appearance of scars.

PRP is typically injected directly into the affected area when used for scar treatment. The growth factors in the plasma help stimulate collagen production, which can improve the appearance of the scar and help it blend in better with the surrounding skin. It can treat a range of scars, including acne, surgical, and traumatic scars. The treatment can also help improve the texture and tone of the skin, making it smoother and more even.

Overall, treating scars in aesthetic medicine depends on the type of scar, its severity, and the patient’s goals. Therefore, aesthetic treatments should be tailored to the individual patient’s needs and may involve a combination of techniques to achieve the best possible outcome. It’s important to note that while aesthetic treatments can help improve the appearance of scars, they may not eliminate them.