Many conditions may leave permanent scars on the skin. Depending on the location and visibility it can become a great concern for the patient. It can cause lack of confidence and impact the patients social life, both privately and professionally.
Acne Scars
Acne can leave permanent scars, especially in the case of cystic or nodular acne. These scars can appear anywhere. The typical locations for acne and thus acne scars are: the face, neck, chest, shoulders and arms.
Scars are rarely pleasant, but can be particularly bothersome in case acne leaves scars on the face. They can be much harder to hide even with make-up. Fortunately, in most cases it’s possible to reduce the visibility of acne scars with the right treatment.
Among the options are Microneedling, PRP and dermal fillers, to treat acne scars. Please see below for further details regarding procedures.
Stretch Marks (striae distensae)
Stretch Marks are very common, especially in women, though they are also relatively common in men.
Initially stretch marks are usually red or pink, with time they turn purple and will slowly fade into white stretch marks that may or may not disappear.
They are most commonly seen on the stomach, hips, thighs, back and breasts. While they do not only occur in people that are overweight, they are more commonly seen in people that are obese and the conditions is associated with pregnancy, rapid weight gain, bodybuilding and obesity. Medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome (with an excess production of steroids that causes obesity among many other symptoms) and Marfan Syndrome.
Stretch marks are usually not harmful in and of themselves. In few cases they may be indicative of an underlying medical condition. As mentioned, they are also seen in Cushing’s Syndrome or Marfan Syndrome.
There are many “treatments” for stretch marks. Most gels, lotions or creams that claim to be effective have no or limited medical evidence, to support their claims.
In many cases it’s possible to reduce the visibility of stretch marks with Microneedling, PRP and/or dermal fillers.
Generally, newer stretch marks that are still reddish may respond better or faster than older paler stretch marks. We, therefore, suggest you seek a consultation, sooner rather than later, for better and faster results.
You can read more about the treatment option below.
Keloid and hypertrophic Scars
Keloid scars are raised, red scars growing out of the site of injury (including surgery). They can often be seen on the chest, over the shoulders or the hands, though it can occur in other places.
Keloid scars are more common with darker skin and equally common in men and women.
Keloid scars result from an abnormal scar formation after a trauma, whether accidental or intentional (such as surgery). As opposed to normal scars and healing, keloid scars do not “know” when to stop the healing and repair process, once the scar is healed. The precise process and development of keloid scars are not fully understood.
Treatment of acne scars, stretch marks and keloid scars
Microneedling, PRP, dermal fillers and steroid injections can all be used to reduce the visibility of scar on the skin.
Steroid injection, is an additional option for treating keloid scars: Injections are administered into the scar every 4-8 weeks and can flatten the scars. The scars may become less prominent and less elevated, but in most cases, there will still be some change in the skin, that looks and feels different from normal skin. This, is well worth it, especially if the keloid scar is in the face.
Fluorouracil or bleomycin injections for keloid scars, can be combined with steroids.
