Scar Revision and Skin Rejuvenation: Unlocking Your Skin's Potential

·       Did you know a scar is composed of fibrous tissue because of the body's natural healing response post-surgery or may be caused by injuries, infections, or tissue inflammation?

·       Did you know the scar composition may vary and appear flat, bumpy, hollow, or coloured and may be painful or itchy?

·       Did you know laser energy can be used in two ways to minimize the appearance of scars, i.e., removal of the skin surface, or laser light targets the collagen in the dermis without upper layered skin removal?

·       Did you know lasers are becoming a cosmetologist's go-to treatment option for many scars, especially post-surgery?

Clear skin concept concerning Scar Revision Treatment and Skin Rejuvenation:

Clear skin means a healthy skin profile without blemishes, acne scars, age spots, sun damage, post-skin infection effect, or post-surgery scars appearance. And, when we talk about clear and glowing skin, the concern is how to rejuvenate the skin's appearance after having any scars. So, scar revision is mandatory in cosmetic dermatology, especially after surgeries, injuries, or infections. Scar revision and skin rejuvenation have a reciprocal relation because every skin rejuvenation method in cosmetology aims to minimize the appearance of scars along with youthfulness with the best effect possible. On the other hand, scar revision techniques available in cosmetic dermatology has both surgical and non-surgical option.

What is the Scar Revision Technique?

The scar revision technique involves the medically approved method to minimize the appearance of scars and improve the cosmetic appearance by making them less visible. Moreover, the scar revision treatment helps improve the itchiness caused by scars and restore function to a part of the body that the scar may have limited.

In this article, Dr. Karishma Kagodu (MS, MCh), a board-certified celebrity cosmetic surgeon and head of Kaesthetics, Bangalore, explains the various scar revision techniques she performs at her clinic frequently.

What are the different types of Scar Revision Treatment at Kaesthetics, Bangalore:

1.    Laser Skin Therapy: Laser treatment is considered a magic wand in cosmetic dermatology for minimizing the appearance of Keyloid/ thick, rounded, raised, irregular clusters of scar tissue after burns, injuries, or surgeries/ trauma. We must mention that various lasers, such as Q-switched laser, CO2 laser, and IPL, are available at Dr. Karishma Aesthetics, depending on the underlying causes of scars to reduce their visibility and make them less pronounced. Q-switched lasers work on different wavelengths to treat various skin conditions, including acne scars, spider veins, sun spots, age spots, freckles, pigmentation, and birthmarks. Laser resurfacing can either remove scarred skin surface or work on collagen proliferation without skin removal. Most laser treatments performed for keloid scars are often paired with other treatments, such as steroid injections, the use of special dressings, or bandages.

The key role of Laser therapy is:

·       Prevent the formation of a raised scar that may form after surgery.

·       Reduces pain and itchiness associated with scars

·       Increases the mobility if it is hampered by certain scars formed on the body.

2.    Dermabrasion/ Mechanical Ablation: It removes layers of skin, like a scarp method to sand away the affected skin using a brush or rough pad. Dermabrasion softens the skin surface irregularities and fades away the scars that appear on your face or body.

3.    Microdermabrasion/ Non-Ablative Treatments: These are non-invasive scar correction methods that improve the appearance of a light/ superficial scar and associated discolouration.

4.    Excision Method (Skin graft or skin flap for contracture): The excision method involves the removal of scar tissue along with a small margin of the normal tissue to get normal tissue. The procedure involves an incision to remove the targeted areas of scars, followed by closing the wounds with a suture. Sometimes, skin grafts are used to close the wounds. Skin grafts or skin flap means the healthy skin is harvested from another area of the body (donor site) and attaching or replacing it to an area that is missing skin (recipient site). Skin flap procedure is the same as a skin graft, but the difference in taking out the skin as skin flaps involve the removal of the skin, including the underlying blood vessels, fat, and muscles. Skin flap is used when the recipient site loses the good blood supply due to injuries/ damage to the vessels or because of the location.

Sharing success stories of patients who experienced significant scar improvement at Dr. Karishma Aesthetics, Bangalore:

Surfing online is the right way to find your cosmetologist/ plastic surgeon, and the reputed websites and patients' feedback portals regularly update the information regarding their work concerning specific treatments or surgical procedures. Dr. Karishma Aesthetics happily shares their work and real patients' reviews to guide you best, and in case you need videos of scar revision or skin rejuvenation, clicking the link is a just-second deal.

Role of skin rejuvenation in minimizing scars, pigmentation, and uneven texture:

Our skin will develop wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots as we age, becoming thinner and achieving darker pigmentation. Thus, skin rejuvenation treatments in cosmetic dermatology are recommended to meet the desired youthfulness goals. Concerning minimizing scars, pigmentation, and uneven texture, advanced options are available to rejuvenate your skin appearance and address the associated scars.

Laser resurfacing, mechanical resurfacing, chemical peels, and injectable products address ageing concerns and help minimize scars and pigmentation, giving you a youthful glow.

Cutting-edge skin rejuvenation procedures available at Kaesthetics:

I)               Morpheus8 microneedle: Morpheus8 is an advanced device that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy for fractional resurfacing to stimulate collagen production. It gives an outstanding result by addressing skin ageing and scar concerns and works wonders around your chin, neck, and jowl. Morpheus8 is predominantly recommended to address facial and body scars, blotchy skin texture, acne scars, sun spots, and pigmentation. It plays a pivotal role in body contouring, as this advanced technique helps reduce localized fat deposits.

II)            Injectable products/ fillers: Our dermatologists may recommend different types of medicine directly into scar-affected areas to minimize the raised scars. Injectable products significantly improve keloid scars, as they can flatten them and reduce pain, itching, and irritation. But you may need multiple injections for the best results. Types of injectable products used at our accredited centre include corticosteroid injections, 5-FU, Cryotherapy, and fillers like Restylane®, Juvéderm®, and Radiesse®.

III)         Laser resurfacing/ CO2 Fractional Laser: Laser light helps trigger skin cell turnover. Laser skin resurfacing helps scars to return to a normal skin colour. CO2 laser resurfacing enables your skin to blend into skin's natural colour seamlessly. CO2 laser works great for acne scars and spots, removing wrinkles, and repairing skin damage caused by UV rays and scarring.

IV)         Chemical peels: A chemical solution (usually an acid) is applied to scar affected areas onto your skin to remove damaged outer skin layers to achieve spotless, clear skin. Chemical peels are best for facial skin and are usually applied for mild scars.

Importance of a personalized treatment plan based on scar type and location:

A one-on-one discussion with your plastic surgeon/cosmetologist is mandatory to know the best treatment option based on the type of scar and its location. One must note that various surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available to meet your goals and realistic expectations. Since skin rejuvenation is crucial in scar revision, a custom-tailored treatment plan is made for every patient.

Note: It is important to remember that the scar revision technique does not completely remove the scar but has a significant role in minimizing the appearance of scars and making them less noticeable. Moreover, mild scars can be completely removed based on the scar location.

During the consultation, tell your dermatologist if you:

·       Have any medical condition, i.e., diabetes

·       Medical history

·       Taking any supplements or medications

·       Smoke

Insights into aftercare and recommended skincare for scar management:

·       Attend regular follow-ups as suggested by your cosmetologist.

·       You may require repetitive sessions, especially for non-invasive scar revision, such as laser treatment, Morpheus 8, chemical peels, and injectable fillers; thus, following the same is the best to achieve an optimal result.

·       The timeline of recovery is based on the type of treatment you receive.

·       Recovery after surgery may take several weeks or months based on the patient's healing response, which may vary from patient to patient.

Contact us at +91 8042036382, +91 9108969006, or +91 7624809006 to schedule an initial consultation and begin your journey to a youthful, glowing, blemished-free skin appearance.