Surgical Scars

Surgical scars are a common occurrence in patients who have undergone surgical procedures. While scars may be an expected outcome of surgery, they may sometimes cause discomfort and affect the patient’s self-esteem.

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Introduction

Surgical scars are a common occurrence in patients who have undergone surgical procedures. While scars may be an expected outcome of surgery, they may sometimes cause discomfort and affect the patient’s self-esteem. Fortunately, several treatment options are available to help reduce the appearance of post-surgical scars. In this article, we will discuss the various treatment options for post-surgical scars, including Erbium: YAG laser, CO2 laser, Fraxel laser, pulsed dye laser, and surgical revision.

Erbium: YAG Laser

The Erbium: YAG laser is a type of ablative laser treatment used to reduce the appearance of scars. This laser emits short pulses of light that are absorbed by the water molecules in the skin, causing the scar tissue to break down, and blend with the surrounding skin. The laser is also able to stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that helps to heal and regenerate the skin.

The Erbium: YAG laser is effective for treating a variety of scars, including atrophic scars as well as hypertrophic and keloid scars. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few days, depending on the area treated.

CO2 Laser

The CO2 laser is another type of laser treatment used to reduce the appearance of scars. This laser emits a focused beam of light that vaporizes the scar tissue, causing it to break down. The CO2 laser also stimulates the production of collagen, which helps to regenerate the skin.

The CO2 laser is effective for treating a variety of scars, including acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few days.

Fraxel Laser

The Fraxel fractionated laser is a non-ablative laser that uses fractional photothermolysis to reduce the appearance of scars. This laser emits a series of tiny beams of light that penetrate the skin, creating microscopic wounds. The body’s natural healing process then kicks in, producing new collagen to help heal the wounds and regenerate the skin.

The Fraxel fractionated laser is effective for treating a variety of scars, including acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks. The procedure is performed under topical or local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few days.

Pulsed Dye Laser

The pulsed dye laser is a type of laser treatment used to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with scars. This laser emits a series of short pulses of light that are absorbed by the blood vessels in the skin, causing them to shrink and fade.

The pulsed dye laser is effective for treating a variety of scars, including hypertrophic scars and keloids, as well as any scar with inflammation or redness. The procedure is well tolerated without anaesthetic, and takes 5-10 minutes only. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities on the same day.

Surgical Revision

Surgical revision is a type of scar treatment that involves removing the scar tissue and repositioning the skin to create a more natural appearance. This procedure is typically used for larger scars or scars that are in highly visible areas.

The surgical revision procedure involves making an incision around the scar tissue and removing it. The skin is then repositioned and sutured in place. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Recovery time is generally about a week, but most activities can continue the following day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several treatment options available to reduce the appearance of surgical scars. These include Erbium: YAG laser, CO2 laser, Fraxel laser, pulsed dye laser, and surgical revision. Each of these treatments has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the best option for a patient will depend on factors such as the type and location of the scar, the patient’s skin type, and their overall health. Dr Manoharan will often recommend a combination approach, tailored for the individual patients scars, skin-type and needs.