A scar is caused by trauma, disease or surgery. It is a growth of collagen beneath the skin that has formed as a result of healing.
There are many forms of scarring, but the main types that we may be more familiar with are hypertrophic, atrophic, stretch marks and keloid.
Hypertrophic scars remain within the perimeter of the wound and can be slightly raised.
Atrophic are more depressed-looking scars that look like little valleys or holes in the skin.
Stretch marks are formed because the skin is either stretched or shrunk very quickly. This sudden change causes the collagen and elastin to rupture, giving the appearance of narrow bands on the skin.
Keloids are very unpredictable and appear outside the perimeter of the wound. They are caused by excess protein production that builds up after the scar has healed. It has the appearance of shiny, dense and often red and elevated.
What can we do to improve scars?
There are procedures now that can help improve the appearance of a scar, such as scar restoration or camouflage with micropigmentation.
Scar restoration is a procedure where serums are infused into the healed scar with target needles. Small apertures are made to the skin with gentle application. The scar is broken down and collagen and elastin are stimulated along with the increase of melanin (our skin’s natural pigment). Raised scars are flattened and old tissue is relaxed.
Immediately after the procedure, the scar goes red as the blood flow is brought back to the area, bringing with it the collagen and melanin. It’s recommended every four to six weeks. A couple of sessions are necessary and if the scar hasn’t been fully restored naturally, we have then prepared our canvas for adding a little camouflage with pigment. When this technique of scar restoration is used on burn patients, it can alleviate discomfort from contractures and offer patients better skin mobility.
Any products used during any micro-pigmentation process must be REACH-compliant and medically approved.
Donna Groom is a qualified medical micro-pigmentation specialist.
