Hypertrophic scar on the neck
Scarring is an important part of the healing process. However, it can also leave unsightly marks on the skin which can be a cause for great concern. Those who have experienced trauma in their face have seen firsthand the difficulty that scars pose towards our social lives. Even minor scars on the arms and legs, especially on women, can be seen as undesirable and a source of social stigma. This article discusses the causes, effects, and – most importantly – the treatment of hypertrophic scars that you can use to get immediate results.
What is a hypertrophic scar?
When the body experiences an injury, scarring can occur. Scar formation is a natural part of the body’s healing process wherein the tears and trauma experienced by the skin gets repaired with a fibrous substance called collagen. Usually, the scars that are formed are parallel, aligned with the skin, and virtually invisible. However, these types of scars are a special condition where the collagen deposits are larger than usual, leading to a raised, swollen, and reddened area that stands out from the normal skin color and contour.
What goes on beneath the skin
The difference between a hypertrophic scar and a keloid
The good news is that hypertrophic scars are self-contained and will not proliferate or grow outside its boundary, unlike a keloid. They are also not cancerous and can be treated easily with some products and services that are widely available today. Whereas a keloid is uncontrollable and uneven in its spread and growth, hypertrophic ones are more defined and can be dealt with rather easily.
However, even though hypertrophic type scars may not pose too much of a problem to daily activities, they can be a nuisance and seen as undesirable especially if they are located on exposed body parts.
The following are four proven ways that you can try in order to treat them:
Four established treatment methods
1. Let nature take it’s course
Sometimes merely waiting is the best
The first treatment is, oddly enough, to simply wait for the scar to resolve itself. This is often the first advice given by doctors to patients who want to avail of medical services for scar treatment. It is a well-known fact that hypertrophic variety scars will shrink on their own in a few years’ time and disappear to a point where they can no longer be discerned from the natural skin appearance. If you aren’t particularly impatient on remedying a scar, consider waiting for some time to pass and let the scar heal itself. It’s the cheapest scar treatment available and also the safest. However, if years have passed and the scar still looks the same as before, then it’s time to consider other options.
2. Steroid injections
Steroid is injected to shrink the scar
In this minor treatment, a physician will inject steroids into the scar itself at regular scheduled intervals. The steroids will considerably shrink the scar tissue down to a manageable size that is no longer physically or emotionally discomforting. Steroid injections are also safe, since they only target the localized blood supply on the scar itself and will rarely cross over to the other blood vessels of the body.
3. Scar treatment creams
Revitol Scar Cream, a popular hypertrophic scar treatment cream
Scar treatment creams like the ones detailed in this review of revitol scar cream here: http://thebeautyreviewer.com/skin-care/scar-removal-cream/revitol-scar-cream-reviews/ are usually made from mineral and plant extracts. They are natural remedies and can be a great alternative therapy for those who want to take an active role in healing their scars but are hesitant on getting hospital treatment. These creams are often made by companies who specialize in natural products and are quite effective in treating skin trauma. To get an idea of some types of ingredients that are typical in these creams please see this post about the revitol brand ingredients. However, they work best on minor injuries and will rarely have a significant effect on major skin disfigurement. Just be sure to compare brands and decide which one has the most positive feedback and proven results since the market offers quite a lot of options.
4. Laser treatment surgery
Laser surgery is one of the most effective methods out there
When all else fails, laser surgery can be a last resort. However, this is also the most effective, since laser surgery in the hands of a competent dermatologist can practically eliminate all outward appearances of the scar and leaves it virtually invisible to the naked eye. If your scars cover a wide area and are socially debilitating, you might want to consider laser treatment. The average cost is about $350 to $1100 depending on the amount and severity of the scars. The procedure usually lasts for 1 to 3 hours and is relatively painless. For widespread scarring, laser treatment is a safe and solid option that would relieve you of much pain and suffering. Check with your physician to discuss this procedure in more detail.
For a complimentary post that talks about how to remove scars in general, click here.
Conclusion
Hypertrophic scars can be a struggle to deal with, but with the proper management, availability of services, and the right attitude, you can keep things in perspective and try to make the best out of a bad situation. Always consult with your physician first to determine what would be the best treatment for your scars. With a little patience and discipline, you can make your goal of being scar-free a reality.
