Lasers may be used to smooth a scar, remove the abnormal color of a scar, or flatten a scar. Most laser therapy for keloid scars is done in conjunction with other treatments, including injections of steroids, use of special dressings, and the use of bandages.
Corticosteroid injections: This is a main treatment for hypertrophic scars. Injections are made into the scar tissue. They flatten and soften scar tissue and ease pain and itch. Several shots may be needed, each given a few weeks apart.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
All our experts recommend using silicone-based patches (called sheeting) or gels (more on those to come) to treat scars in the early stages of formation. “Silicone sheets are very effective in treating scars, providing an optimal dressing for helping scars heal,” says Karp.
The puckering is very common, just wait for the swelling to subside. By 6 months you will notice that it will all settle down.
Once it is formed, scar tissue can sometimes be remodeled or reshaped with the help of a facial plastic surgeon or another highly trained specialist.
It is recommended to perform scar massage on a daily basis to have the greatest affect on scar development, pain reduction, and scar mobility.
Sometimes scar tissue grows over the boundaries of the original wound, creating a puffy, round protrusion called a keloid. Hypertrophic scars and keloids may be itchy, tender, or painful.
One tip for taking care of scars is to use a topical ointment. Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible.
Normal fine-line scars
A minor wound like a cut will usually heal to leave a raised line, which will gradually fade and flatten over time. This process can take up to 2 years. The scar will not disappear completely and you'll be left with a visible mark or line.
Scars continue to grow and change throughout the recovery process which may take from twelve to eighteen months. Scar massage is an effective way to decrease scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Massage will not help soften a scar more than two years old.
Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 by researchers at the University of California who suggested it had beneficial properties for skin, especially in support of wound healing and scar repair. It is the main lipid-soluble antioxidant in the skin.
After 6 months, researchers found that the silicone gel produced an 86% reduction in texture, 84% in color, and 68% in height of scars.
[8,9] Silicon gel exerts several actions which may explain this benefit in scars: It increases hydration of stratum corneum and thereby facilitates regulation of fibroblast production and reduction in collagen production. It results into softer and flatter scar.
Avoid scratching or picking scabs.
Healing wounds may itch, but you should avoid the temptation to scratch them. “Scratching the wound or picking at the scab causes more inflammation, making a scar more likely,” Hultman says.
Silicone. Gels or sheets made of silicone are available over the counter to help with healing and fading fresh scars and are the most suggested and effective at-home scar healing product, Dr. Rogers suggests.
Bepanthen Scar Treatment is suitable for use in new and old scars. If your scar is new (less than 1 month old but completely closed) by applying Bepanthen Scar Treatment it will help prevent the formation of a red and raised scar by nourishing the damaged skin and reduce scar redness, itching and appearance.
To help your scar mature it is recommended that you massage and moisturise your scar.
Wait until your wound has fully healed and allow 4 weeks after any stitches have been removed before you start to apply Bio-Oil. To apply, massage in a small amount until it has been fully absorbed. You need to be dedicated and ensure you regularly massage and moisturise your scar twice a day for at least 3 months.
The scar will appear to become more lumpy and redder at first. This process will take between two and six weeks. Between approximately four and eight weeks the scar will look much wider and redder than it did initially. This is usually the worst the scar will look, and this is a natural part of the healing process.