The Function of Scarring

Scars are an incredible part of the healing process of the body. It’s not always a smooth process when new skin is generated. While many scars do become less visible, even invisible, some still look angry and irritated well after the original healing process is finished. This usually occurs because of an abnormality with collagen production or if the area was in continual movement after the event.

What’s more, scars have the potential to impair how a person moves, as thick scars will limit mobility. At the offices of Andrew Trussler, MD, our staff has seen how scars can have a major impact on how a person feels about everything from their appearance to their abilities.

How Scar Therapy Works

Scar therapy can take the form of different procedures, depending on the patient’s scars and preferences. In some cases, it may only take a stronger moisturizer or sunscreen to reduce the appearance of scars. For more advanced therapies, a healthcare professional might recommend silicone sheeting or steroid tape, which can flatten and soften the appearance of the scar. The right therapy for you will depend on where the scar is located on the body and its general characteristics. For instance, a particularly stubborn scar may require silicone gel to produce the best results.

Find Scar Therapy in Austin, TX

If you want to know if scar therapy works, the answer is that it has been shown to be effective. There are several ways to reduce the appearance of scars, and it can help to see a professional to find out which one is right for you. If you’re interested in how scar therapy works and whether it will have the right effects on you, contact the office of Andrew Trussler, MD, in Austin, TX, by calling 512-450-1077 or filling out our contact form today.

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Scarring Cannot Be Completely Avoided
Scarring is a normal part of the healing process and if a deep cut or incision is made in your skin a scar will form. However, there are many things you can do during the healing process to keep the scar as small and inconspicuous as possible.

Scars Cannot Be Healed
Scars are permanent. They can fade and shrink, but they do not go away completely.

There Are Different Types Of Scars
There are a few different types of scars including:

• Keloids: Overgrown areas of scar tissue result in keloids- scars that are raised and irregularly shaped. These scars can grow larger over time and usually appearance on the face, ears, neck, shoulders, and chest.
• Hypertropic Scars: These scars come from immature collagen that is deposited in the area of an injury or incision. If these scars are large or inconveniently placed, they can sometimes limit movement. They do not grow larger over time and if they aren’t interfering with movement, they are not considered harmful.
• Contractures: These are mature scars that can restrict movement. Contractures often occur when there has been large amounts of tissue loss or when a patient has been immobile for a long time.

Scars Can Be Minimized
While scars cannot be completely eliminated, there are a number of things that can be done to reduce the size of a scar or make it less noticeable.

The first step is normally scar care, which should continue for at least 3 months after the incision or injury. Your doctor can give you specific advice, but there are a number of things that can help aid the healing process. Some options include:

• Applying moisturizer and massaging the area to soften and flatten a scar.
• Wearing sunscreen to protect your skin. UV radiation can damage the skin and make a scar appear darker.
• Silicone sheets that keep the area hydrated and help flatten and soften the scar.

After a scar has formed, there are still many steps you can take to minimize its appearance. Scar revision is sometimes used to replace a larger noticeable scar with a smaller lighter scar. Laser treatments can flatten scars and fade them so that they are less noticeable. Dermabrasion can also be used to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of scars. To learn more about scar therapy schedule a consultation with Dr. Trussler.

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Though scars cannot be healed completely, they can be made less visible through scar therapy. Scars are of various types and each has a particular therapy to to treat it.

Types of Scars and Their Treatments

• Keloid Scars: These are scars that are formed as a result of hyperactive healing processes and have spread way beyond the original injury itself. Keloid scars have also been known to affect movement. Treatments vary depending on the size of these scars. Large keloid scars are treated using surgery, silicone sheets and steroid injections. Smaller keloid scars, on the other hand, are treated using cryotherapy. The formation of keloid scars can be prevented using silicone gel pads or pressure treatment.
• Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are characterized by red color and a raised appearance. Unlike keloid scars, they do not spread beyond the injured area. They appear due to the accumulation of immature collagen over the affected area and can restrict movement and potentially become infected. Treatment for these scars generally include flattening through silicone sheets or steroid injections.
• Acne Scars: Acne scars occur as a result of acne, which is the result of hormonal changes affecting the skin. This is common among individuals going through puberty. Acne scars disappear gradually over a period of time. If severe, laser treatment or steroid based topical applications are suggested.

Interested in Learning More About Scar Therapy? Contact Dr. Andrew Trussler.

For more information about scar therapy, contact Dr. Andrew Trussler. We are located in Austin and can be reached directly at 512.450.1077. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Scar formation is the bodies normal healing response to injury. Any break in the outer layers of the skin can lead to a scar. The normal phase of healing includes an inflammatory phase which signals collagen production. Initially, this collagen is immature and is then replaced by a more mature and organized collagen type.

• Over-production of collagen can lead to thick and raised scars which can be referred to as a hypertrophic scar. These are common over areas of continuous movement and may relate to genetics.
• Persistent immature collagen in scars can lead to red scars.
• Thick, mature scar bands can limit movement over joint extremities leading to contractures and open wounds.
• As scars mature, they can widen leading to a more noticeable scar.
• Abnormal scar formation can cause scar growth, as seen in Keloid scars.

Indications for scar revision:

1. Wide scars
2. Depressed scars
3. Scar Contractures
4. Open Wounds
5. Persistent Scar Hypertrophy

Scar revision typically removes the scarred area (scar excision) and removes tension on the scar through Z-plasty which elongates the area over the scar, or moves unscarred tissue into the area as seen in a rotational or pedicle flap. Scar revision are surgical options which recreate the injury to the tissue in a controlled fashion. Movement limitation with splinting and deep supportive sutures may be needed to ensure proper healing. After scar revision, active scar care is needed to help guide the new healing process, so the clock is reset on the scar.

Scar care can help to guide the bodies normal scar formation and healing creating an environment which optimizes the phases of collagen production and remodeling. Active scar care can help to ensure proper healing of difficult scars and can ultimately decrease the need for scar revision.

Positive Effects of Active Scar Care:

• Hydrate: moisturizers and moisture barriers (silicone sheeting) are typically applied to scars daily to help prevent scars from drying out.
• Compress: this can help to flatten raised scars and help to control movement around the scar. This can be provided with silicone sheeting and taping of the scar. Silicone sheeting is available online through NewGel®
• Fade: as collagen matures it normally progresses from a red scar to a more neutral tone. Sun protection over the scar can prevent permanent darkening of the immature scar. Sunscreen application on exposed scars is vital to ensure normal fading of the scars. Silicone sheeting and gel, can help to decrease redness of the scar. Topical steroids or scar gel can help fade scars too

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BioCornuem® Silicone gel with Sunscreen is an effective product for any scar in exposed areas. This product is available in the office of Dr. Trussler.

Negative Effects of Active Scar Care:

• Daily care regimen: scar care is a slow process which requires a daily regimen that needs to be followed. This can seem daunting, but Dr. Trussler will develop an individualized scar care protocol that is right for you and your scar. There are typically products which are more appropriate for each scarred area and for use in the day and the night.
• Widening: some scar care products can be over used and lead to thinning and widening of the scar. Silicone sheeting and steroid application can lead to this if not followed by a physician.
• Expense: scar care regimens are typically applied for a minimum of 3 months. Scar care does not have to be costly and a simple regimen can easily be develops with one to two components available on-line, over the counter, or through the office of Dr. Trussler.

Additional Options:

Dermabrasion can help to even and smooth raised or depressed early scars

Laser light therapy can help to fade redness in the scar and flatten dense, firm scars

Dr. Trussler in his plastic surgery practice in Austin Texas will provide scar care instructions after each procedure and develop a scar care regimen that is individualized for your lifestyle and your scar.

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