Depending on the nature of your scar, you can choose from a variety of treatment options. From injections, injections and surgical procedures, to therapies such as pressure bandages, massages, ointments and creams.
Laser
There are different types and techniques of lasers to treat scars. A comprehensive consultation with a specialist is recommended here.
Possible risks:
- Pigmentation disorders
- Long lasting redness
- High probability of new scar formation
Notice:
- Costly
Operation
Scar bulges (keloids) are removed using a special incision technique (often used in combination with other treatment options).
Possible risks:
- High probability of new formation of such a scar.
Injections
Injection of cortisone for scar growths causes a reduction of connective tissue. The scar becomes flatter.
Possible risks:
- The skin becomes thinner
- Formation of fine red veins
- Pigmentation disorders
Hint:
- Method is painful
- Scar depressions can be injected (filled) with collagen.
Cryotherapy
Scar growths or bulges are iced with liquid nitrogen.
Potential risks:
- Occurrence of pigmentary disorders
- High probability of new scar formation
Notice:
- Only suitable for small area scars
- Method is painful
Abrasion (grinding)
Scars can be smoothed by abrasion.
Potential risks:
- Pigmentation disorders
- High probability of new scar formation
Notice:
- General anesthesia may be required for large scars.
- In most cases, follow-up treatment must be performed.
Pressure dressings
They are used for extensive injuries (such as burns) to positively affect scarring.
Application issue:
- For a good result, the bandage should be worn for several months – permanently.
Ointments and creams
Massage with ointments and creams promotes blood flow to the scar tissue and helps to make the scar more supple and inconspicuous.
Application issue:
- Time-consuming application over many months
Notice:
- Efficacy only medically proven for medicinal products
Silicone gel sheets/pads
Silicone injections as a means of preventing and treating noticeable scars is internationally recognized. Its effectiveness is very well proven medically.
Application issue:
- Previous silicone gel sheets/pads are impractical in daily use.
There are so-called “disposable” products: they must be cut exactly each time they are renewed. And there are “reusable” products: These do not have to be cut every time, but here a daily cleaning is necessary.
The following applies to both types of products:
- On movable parts of the body (e.g. shoulder, back, joints), they usually need to be fixed by plasters, so that they do not come off.
- They are visible.
- It is not possible to make over. No discreet therapy.
Conclusion
There are many treatment options that have their justification depending on the type of scar, but as a rule they often have some drawbacks: some of them are painful, very expensive, complex and impractical, or their effectiveness is not medically proven. Today, modern scar therapy begins immediately after the wound has healed, so that scar proliferation does not occur in the first place. Silicone is internationally recommended as a first-line agent for the prevention of noticeable or bothersome scars, as well as for scar treatment.
