Fearless Healing: Natural and Surgical Procedures for Scars
Photo by Nataliya Melnychuk on Unsplash
The formation of scars is a natural aspect of your body's healing journey. Your body builds tissues to repair and bridge gaps in the skin caused by injuries. Scars can be in various shapes and sizes, arising from incidents like accidents, burns, surgical procedures, acne, or illnesses.
Most scars naturally diminish over time, but some do not. There are several treatments available to make them less noticeable. In this article, we will discuss various surgical and natural procedures that can help reduce scars.
Surgical Treatments
Scar revision surgery can change the placement and appearance of scars, providing a chance for improvement. This surgical procedure can also address tight scars near joints, enhancing flexibility and movement. The type of anesthesia depends on the scar's size and location.
As per the experts at Main Line Plastic Surgery, scar treatment is done to lighten very dark scars. This treatment can also even out raised scars so they do not bulge out from the skin.
In the process of scar excision and revision, the goal is often to remove the scar tissue completely. To restore the area, a portion of healthy skin from the nearby region is carefully repositioned, forming a flap. In cases where a flap isn't feasible, a skin graft from another part of the body becomes the solution. Generally, the graft is taken from areas like the buttocks and thighs as they have less cosmetic importance.
Another method known as Z-plasty is a method that moves the scar into a natural crease to lower the visibility. It can also help ease the tightness caused due to scar tissue.
Surface Treatments
Skin resurfacing involves the removal of the top layer of damaged skin, enabling the emergence of new, smoother layers. This process can improve surface irregularities and uneven coloring, lowering the visibility of scars.
Laser therapy throws concentrated beams of light at uneven skin to remove skin layers precisely. This therapy aids in flattening and softening scars. It also helps in improving discoloration and imparts a tighter, more youthful appearance to the skin. The precision of the therapy makes it very effective for small facial and acne scars.
Dermabrasion uses a fast-rotating device to eliminate the outer layer of the skin manually. This method is frequently used to reduce skin lines, age spots, acne scars, and sun damage. Before the procedure, topical anesthesia may be applied to the location. After the treatment, the skin could remain sensitive for several weeks before returning to its normal state.
Chemical peels remove superficial skin layers using various chemical solutions, from light to deep. Deeper peels yield more significant results but require a longer recovery. They are commonly applied to the face for issues like acne scars, sun damage, and wrinkles. During the procedure, some stinging and burning may occur. After the treatment, it's advisable to use moisturizers and sunscreen for several weeks.
Natural Procedures for Scars
Various lotion and cream companies that claim to diminish scars promote the addition of natural substances. These substances can be onion extract, aloe vera, honey, and other plant oils.
Onion Extract: One of the well-known natural remedies for the treatment of scars is onion extract. Many products contain onion extracts and are proven to improve and soften scars after four weeks.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera can help the skin stay moist and promote wound healing, but there is no evidence that it can treat scars.
Honey: Honey can promote wound healing and may help in reducing scar visibility.
Pressure Therapy: Elastic bandages, pressure stockings, and similar garments can aid in scar reduction by applying pressure to the wound. They may be uncomfortable, requiring consistent wear for 6–12 months to see any difference.
Preventing Scars
Removing an old scar can be a difficult task. But there are some ways that can help prevent and reduce scars while the wound is healing.
You can follow the given steps after sustaining an injury to prevent scarring:
Keep the area clean
Do not let the scar dry out
Remove the stitches as advised by your doctor
Applying petroleum jelly
Conclusion
To make a scar disappear, you must first try some natural methods, as discussed above. If the scar is very old, natural remedies may not have any effect on it. In such cases, you must consult a doctor and discuss options like surgery and medications with them.
The doctor may guide you with methods such as laser therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and scar revision surgery. These are beneficial treatments to diminish a scar. Keep in mind that you have to prevent further scars by properly cleaning the wound and keeping it moist.