What is Abnormal Scarring?

Scar formation is an integral and inevitable part of the normal wound healing cascade. Problems arise however when scar formation reaches an abnormal end-point.

It is normal for scars to take up to 12-18 months to fully mature and settle, and a mature scar tends to be flat, soft, non-tender, non-itchy, pale and within the confines of the original injury to the skin. However in abnormal scarring, we begin to witness features such as excessive scar thickness (hypertrophic), excessive uncontrolled growth beyond the confines of the original injury (keloid), denting (atrophic, ice-pick, box-car scars) as well as symptoms such as burning, itching, hypersensitivity and restriction of movement.

Therefore we offer a range of treatments to address the various different endpoints of scarring.

Generalised Acne Scarring

For generalised, widespread, acne scarring then collagen-inducing treatments such as micro-needling or PRP can help reduce the texture and appearance.

Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars

For thick or symptomatic hypertrophic or keloid scars, administration of steroid injections directly into the scar can have a very powerful anti-inflammatory effect which can not only help to soften the scar tissue but these can also help to really alleviate symptoms such as hypersensitivity and itching. Although the scar will never fully disappear, a course of steroid injections can significantly improve its appearance.

For maximal effect, multiple sessions of steroid injections are required, 4-6 weeks apart, and the action of the injections can be supported by the simultaneous use of scar techniques such as silicone sheeting or massage. The treatment involves a series of small injections directly into the scar, and it is over in a matter of minutes with no downtime. The area may feel a bit itchy or tender for a few hours.

Atrophic Scars (Dipped Scars)

For atrophic scars where the indentation compared to the surrounding skin is significant, then you may benefit from administration of a small amount of dermal filler to help lift up the dipped scar. Furthermore, a minimally invasive technique known as ‘subcision’ may be used, whereby a small needle is used to separate the tethered skin from its underlying attachments. These options are best suited for isolated areas, as for more generalised atrophic scarring, microneedling and or PRP would be more appropriate.

Scar treatments using Polynucleotides, is also proving to be a promising means of harnessing the the regenerative power of Polynucleotides to help improve the circulation, appearance and texture of the scar tissue.