Scars can take many shapes and forms and can be a problem for many reasons:
- Scars may be pale and well matured but may tether across a joint in which case it would require release and lengthening.
- It may have a volume deficit in which case the volume may need filling
- A scar may run in a line which is cosmetically poor and may require re-alignment.
- A scar may be stretched and require refining
- A scar may just be poor and require excision and re-suturing.
Scars can be abnormal in their nature e.g:Hypertrophic scar.
This is classically a scar which is red, raised and and itchy. It usually starts to form approximately 6 weeks post healing. At this point instead of the scar settling it becomes more red and raised, but remains within the confines of the original wound. Classically these scars should resolve over an extended period of 12 to 24 months. These scars can sometimes be helped with massage, silicone gel, and steroid injections. Occasionally we consider excision and re-suturing.
Keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic scars in that they are red raised and commonly itchy. These scars can arise from the smallest injury, but unlike hypertrophic scars they can grow beyond the original wound.
The treatments are similar to hypertrophic scars but are less reliable and often are needed for much longer. Keloid scars should be considered permanent, though some works have suggested resolution when the patients are elderly.
For further advice, feel free to contact us by phone on 0121 794 2369