Permanent scars can be disfiguring and unattractive and often create painful itching. Unfortunately, many people believe their scars are permanent and have been told so by a doctor. If the scar is visible, this can lead to isolation, anxiety and depression. However, science and technology have once again created progress, and many scars thought permanent could be reduced or removed. One type of scar that many people want to get rid of is a hypertrophic scar.
What is a Hypertrophic Scar?
A hypertrophic scar occurs when a wound doesn’t heal normally, and the body deposits too much collagen in the healing process. Hypertrophic scars are unattractive due to their thick, raised appearance. These scars are usually found in unnaturally taut surgical sites or on other traumatized skin, like burns. They stay within the boundaries of the original wound but raise up as much as 4 mm. Hypertrophic scars are usually red or pink.
While some hypertrophic scars may lighten and recede on their own. Unfortunately, some may contain nerves or blood vessels, making treatment more difficult. You should always seek treatment from a specialist to ensure you get the best results. You’ll have several treatment options when you go to a top specialist in scar reconstruction and excision. An excellent provider will work with you and begin with the least invasive process first.
How Can a Specialist Eliminate My Hypertrophic Scar?
There are various treatments used to treat hypertrophic scars. They range from compression garments to surgery, with several options in between. Laser treatments are highly effective in smoothing the skin’s texture and removing the redness of many hypertrophic scars. Laser treatments are often combined with other treatments.
Steroid injections are also a treatment option for many. While steroids reduce the scar size, they may be used with dermabrasion to soften and smooth the skin.
If surgery is the best option, it can be done with tension-free closures and a sheet of silicon placed over the incision to protect it. The silicone can reduce the possibility of a hypertrophic scar forming.
Finally, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections can reduce fibroblasts, which are cells that begin the formation of the tissue that becomes the scar. 5-U is a chemotherapy medication that is also effective in reducing scars.
If you have hypertrophic scarring, seek out a specialist in this type of plastic surgery for the best outcome. You can find a highly qualified specialist in Orlando.
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