Posted on Fri, Jun 26, 2009 @ 09:23 AM
Scar Therapy - 3 steps to softer, less noticeable scars.
Just as wounds heal in 3 phases, there are 3 steps to scar therapy. The collagen that forms the scar does not always form in a neat smooth layer and excess collagen may cause the tissues around the scar to adhere. Scar therapy is designed to affect the collagen to relieve adhesions and soften and smooth scars.
Scar Therapy includes 1. Moisturizing the new skin, 2. Mobilizing the scar to keep it from adhering, and 3. Applying gentle, even pressure to align the new collagen and keep the scar flat and smooth.
Though any type of lotion or oil can be used to moisturize the scar and skin around it, a good quality moisturizer that does not have added chemicals or perfumes is recommended to avoid irritation.
Massage should begin once the wound has healed and all stitches and bandages have been removed. Massage is not just about rubbing in the lotion or oil. A firm massage that moves the underlying layers of skin helps relieve adhesions. Massage should be done frequently - 3 to 5 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes. Massaging with a massage brush or tool is recommended for a deep but comfortable massage.
The third part of a scar therapy program is applying a constant, even pressure over the scar. Medical grade silicone gel sheets are proven to flatten scars, reduce redness and itching and may prevent the formation of thickened or hypertrophic scars.
Silicone gel sheets, unlike the gels that come in tubes, keep the skin moist and because the higher quality sheets adhere to the skin without tape, they apply gentle, even pressure. Silicone gel sheets can be worn full time, removing them for massage, exercise and washing. Gel sheets should be applied to clean, dry skin for the best adherence.
A well-healed scar is flat and no longer red. The more diligent the treatment, the better the outcome is in most cases. Scar therapy should continue until there is no further improvement in the feel and appearance of the scar. Depending on skin type and location, scar remodeling can last from 2 weeks to 2 years.
Author: Julie Belkin
Posted on Mon, Jun 22, 2009 @ 04:46 PM
Scars are the body's way of healing wounds. The type and extent of the scar is dependent on how deep the wound is and how a person's system produces scar tissue. Scar tissue is not only present on the outside where you see the scar, but also in the deep layers of the skin. Therefore, the deeper the wound is, the deeper the scar will be also.
The three phases of wound healing are:
1. Immediately after you have sustained a wound or have had surgery, the Inflammatory Phase starts. This phase is marked by swelling, pain and discoloration. While uncomfortable, the inflammatory phase sets the stage for the first phase of healing. The skin cells that let in the swelling also let in "clean-up" cells that help carry the swelling and debris away and make room for new cells and tissue.
2. During the second phase of wound healing, the Proliferative Phase, the base of the scar starts to form. A special type of cell called a fibroblast deposits collagen in the wound to close the gap and provide the base for new skin to grow. The deeper and wider the wound is, the more collagen is needed to fill the gap, resulting in a bigger scar.
3. In the third phase of wound healing and scar formation, called Remodeling Phase, the body continues to produce collagen for up to 2 years. In some cases, too much collagen is produced, resulting in a raised or thickened scar, also called a hypertrophic scar. The fibrous collagen can attach itself to other layers of tissue around it, such as tendons or muscles, and can restrict movement. This is called an adhesion. Adhesions or raised scars can be treated to soften the scar tissue and relieve the adhesions.
Treatments, including massage, moisturization and compression, are most effective during the early stages of the remodeling phase but can be effective even months after the wound has healed. The proper scar treatment method and its components are discussed in the blog "Three Components of Scar Therapy".
Author: Julie Belkin