Is it possible to remove postoperative scars with laser resurfacing?

• Causes of scars
• How to get rid of scars and scars without surgery
• How to remove scars and scars surgically
• Rehabilitation after scar excision
• Effect of the procedure

Scar formation is a normal reaction of the skin to a violation of its integrity. After minor injuries, only a light strip remains, but larger skin injuries form pronounced, clearly visible defects. Such scars and scars require treatment.

How to get rid of scars and scars.

October 27, 2022
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Content

• How to choose a scar cream?
• The best remedies for scars
• Contractubex
• Fermenkol
• Cicatrix
• Kelofibrase
• Mederma
• Clearvin
• Dexpanthenol
• How to remove scars using traditional methods

Perhaps, each of us has scars on our bodies: for some it’s a “hello” from childhood, for others it’s acne scars, marks from surgery, burns, stretch marks, etc. For others, it’s not pays attention to a scar or scar, and someone is truly complex and wants to get rid of imperfections on the skin. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the most effective, according to buyers, products that lighten scars, smooth them out, help to shrink and become as invisible as possible.

Read also: 10 most effective acne remedies 10 creams and gels to combat acne and acne.

Medical treatment of scars

There are also medical treatments that can make the scar look better and cause less discomfort. Examples of such treatments include:

• steroid injections (shots);
• dermabrasion (surgical scraping of the upper layers of skin);
• laser treatment;
• operation.

These treatments may be used after the scar has healed sufficiently on its own.
Your dermatologist will tell you whether any of them are right for you. to come back to the beginning

How to choose a scar cream?

Let's decide what you need to pay attention to if you are choosing an anti-scar product:

1. Skin type.
   If you have combination or oily skin, choose a cream-based scar treatment. The cream is well absorbed, it has a light texture, it does not clog pores and does not leave a greasy feeling. Scar ointment will not work in this case (especially if the scar is on the face) - it clogs the pores and provokes the formation of acne, and then dealing with post-acne is even more problematic.
2. Tendency to allergies.
   You need to understand that no matter how good the remedy for scars, the body can react to any of its components. Therefore, if you are allergic, be sure to test it on your wrist before using the drug.
3. Scar location.
   Many scar creams contain harsh ingredients that often cause irritation if applied to the face or neck (tender areas of the body). If you have a scar on your face, it is better to choose a product that is as natural as possible, has a gentle effect and rarely causes side effects.

It is not advisable to use several scar treatments at once because they can react with each other and cause unpredictable reactions. During pregnancy, scar treatments should be used with caution, since a woman’s immunity decreases, susceptibility to allergens increases - and even local products can cause allergic reactions.

Read also: Top 5 universal remedies for burns The most effective remedies for burns: thermal and solar.

Lay it out on the shelves

Scars are divided into normotrophic, atrophic and hypertrophic (a type of the latter - keloids).

• 
  Almost everyone has normotrophic scars They are flat, are approximately at the same level with the surrounding skin, differ slightly in texture from it, and their fabric is characterized by a slight loss of elasticity. As for the color of a normotrophic scar, it may be close to the surrounding skin; white (depigmented scar); brown (pigmented scar).

When asked what to do with a normotrophic scar, doctors often answer: come to terms with it, especially since the success of therapy cannot be accurately calculated. In principle, if the scar is pigmented, its color can be brought as close as possible to normal skin color using laser treatment or exposure to intense pulsed light (IPL). In the case of a depigmented scar, you can, on the contrary, add pigment to this place using cosmetic tattooing or stuff a fly.

• Hypotrophic scars
  are located below the general level of the skin - they “sink” (the presence of so-called minus tissue).
  One of their varieties is striae
  , or stretch marks.
  Similar marks on the skin - a consequence of chronic inflammation - are left by acne. ( Post-acne
  are not only sunken, but also raised. They can also look like various spots on the skin.)

A hypotrophic scar is atrophied tissue that has little fibrous proteins - collagen and elastin. With age, the appearance of such scars sometimes worsens, they become more noticeable, which is explained by the progressive weakening of subcutaneous fatty tissue. It is no coincidence that one of the methods for correcting atrophic scars is lipofilling,

injections of your own fat.

Other methods for leveling these imperfections include: laser treatment, which can smooth out the edges of the scar, making the tissue softer and more mobile; filling the “pit” with filler based on hyaluronic acid

or injections
of collagen
(providing both mechanical filling of the scar and synthesis of its own collagen in the area of ​​the defect),
plasma therapy
.

The doctor can also reduce the severity of a receding scar thanks to skillful use of a needle by performing subcision

- cutting the fibrous cords that hold the tissue in a retracted position. This results in “traumatization” of the scar. Laser resurfacing is usually added to this microsurgical technique to achieve the best results.

Effecting any scar is almost always a matter of selecting several techniques

, carrying out combined therapy. The nature of the impact and the preference for specific procedures depends not only on the type of scar tissue, but also on the degree of its formation (the process of scar formation goes through several phases).

It is also important to understand that complete elimination of the scar and a return to completely smooth skin is impossible. It is correct to talk about replacing it with a more acceptable cosmetic defect.

• Hypertrophic scars
  rise above the surface of the skin (this is a “plus-tissue” formation) and have a dense consistency. That is, they represent a proliferation of fibrous tissue. These bumps on the skin are caused by excess collagen production. In the treatment of scars of this type, injections of hormonal drugs are used, which cause atrophy of scar tissue. To soften (de-fiber) the scar defect, they also turn to the properties of ultrasound. With its help - the method is called ultraphonophoresis - special agents are injected into the scar (Lidaza, Fermenkol, Contractubex).

To relax scar tissue and, therefore, to give the skin tenderness and improve its relief, there is also experience in using botulinum toxin injections

(BTA). By the way, according to the results of some studies, BTA is credited with the ability to suppress collagen synthesis (remember that in the case of hypertrophic scars it is excessive).

In general, no method can certainly guarantee a satisfactory effect on scar treatment.

…

• Keloid scars
  are the most severe type of hypertrophic scars. If the size of the latter corresponds to the area of ​​the previous skin damage, then the boundaries of the keloid always extend beyond the damage zone. Another difference: the color of a hypertrophic scar may fade over time (the scar is prone to regression), but a keloid scar does not; a hypertrophic scar does not hurt, but a keloid can cause pain, itching, and a feeling of tightness. Treatment of keloids is a difficult task, not every cosmetology clinic will undertake it - and for good reason. Radiation therapy is even used to target these formations. Another difficulty lies in the fact that in response to treatment, a keloid scar can respond... with growth.

Contractubex

A German cream for scars and scars, which has long been very popular. Active ingredients of the gel: allantoin, sodium heparin, onion bulb extract. You should not expect instant results from Contractubex gel if your scar is old. Old scars need to be treated for a long time - you will notice the first positive changes after six months. If you regularly apply the product to the scar, it will shrink faster. If you systematically treat fresh scars, Contractubex will do the job in about a month. In reviews, patients praise this drug, but say that for tangible results it must be used strictly according to the instructions. "Contractubex" smoothes scars, improves blood circulation, and moisturizes the skin. When treating with Contractubex, you need to avoid massages, avoid hypothermia and direct sunlight.

Contractubex

Merz Pharma, Germany

A combined drug whose effect is determined by the properties of its constituent components.
It turns out to have fibrinolytic anti-inflammatory (due to the presence of onion extract), antithrombic (due to the presence of heparin), and keratolytic effect (due to the presence of allantoin). Stimulates cellular regeneration without hyperplasia. Inhibits the proliferation of colloidal fibroblasts. from 486

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Rehabilitation

On the first day after the procedure, there is still some pain. On the second day, it is recommended to cleanse the skin with the products prescribed by the doctor and gently blot the scar with a towel. Then the area affected by the laser is treated with alcohol-free antiseptics and medicinal ointments. It is also possible to take antibiotics. The rehabilitation period averages about a week.

After laser treatment, you are not allowed to visit the pool or sauna for a month. The treatment area should be protected from exposure to sunlight and a cream with an index of at least 25 (preferably 50+) should be applied.

Fermenkol

A popular gel for scars and scars, which contains collagenases from marine and freshwater organisms. This substance effectively breaks down the amino acids that make up scars. “Fermenkol” has practically no contraindications, perfectly smoothes scars and relieves itching. The gel is suitable for the treatment of both old and fresh scars. When treating acne scars, the skin becomes more elastic, lighter, and defects are practically invisible. The only disadvantage of Fermenkol is its high cost, but the result will definitely please you, so it makes sense to fork out the cash.

Fermenkol

JSC NPK "High Technologies", Russia

Fermenkol gel is a modern anti-scar product, used for the correction and prevention of scars after surgery, wounds, burns and scars, as well as for removing acne scars.
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Surgical treatment of scars –

Surgical treatment of scars involves excision of scar tissue and creation of a cosmetic suture. There are various methods of tissue suturing (for example, intradermal), which make it possible to ensure that the seam will be practically invisible in the future. For cosmetic stitches, very thin suture material is used.

Cicatrix

The use of silicone compounds is considered the gold standard in the treatment of scars and scars. In addition to liquid silicone, Cicatrix contains plant extracts and sphingolipids (cosmetic substances that are also used in pediatrics). "Cicatrix" contains Asian centella, which stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation, and Scots pine extract - improves the protective properties of the skin and tones. Sphingolipids (sphingosine and ceramides) are part of cell membranes - they restore the structure of the epidermis, maintain its lipid balance, and make scars elastic and soft. Literally after a month of constant use, you can notice the positive effect of the cream if these are young scars. The old ones decrease over the course of the year.

Cicatrix

Laboratorios Virens SL (Laboratory Virens), Spain

It is recommended to use for the regeneration of skin, especially damaged after surgery, burns, fresh and old scars, keloids, post-acne, stretch marks on the skin.
from 2055

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Post-acne treatment

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Preparation

Before treatment, the doctor consults the patient. He finds out possible contraindications, palpates the scar, and determines the number of sessions.

Patients do not take antibiotics or photosensitizing drugs for a month before the procedure, and do not go to a solarium or undergo chemical peeling 14 days before treatment.

Kelofibrase

This German anti-scar cream contains sodium heparin, vitamin E, D-camphor, levomenthol, and urea. These components perfectly moisturize the skin, make rough scars softer, more elastic, and stimulate blood circulation. Kelofibrase also relieves inflammation and relieves pain. Those who have used this scar cream have noted that scars dissolve, smooth out, and become lighter. The drug has virtually no side effects; it can be prescribed to children over one year of age.

Kelofibrase

Sandoz, Germany

Kelofibraza cream helps get rid of scars of any origin - hypertrophic, burn, postoperative, keloid.
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Mederma

Another scar gel made in Germany. Moderma contains various active ingredients that heal damage to the skin: cepalin, allantoin, xanthine, sorbic acid. Mederma works comprehensively: it stimulates cell regeneration, prevents fibroblasts from developing, softens dead skin cells and helps produce collagen. Mederma gel perfectly moisturizes the skin, improves blood circulation, relieves inflammation, and destroys bacteria. The only disadvantage of this product is that it only treats recent scars. It takes at least six months for a fresh scar to resolve. Mederma is suitable for pregnant and lactating women.

Mederma

Merz Pharma, Germany

Mederma is a new generation drug with complex effects.
Shows fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory effects, accelerates repair. The components included in the formula of the product increase the hydrophilicity of tissues, help soften and smooth out collagen fibers in the structure of the scar. They have an antiproliferative effect and prevent allergization. from 2980

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Causes of scars

Surgeries, cuts, burns, pustular skin lesions and any other injuries damage the epidermis, forming a wound. The body seeks to close this wound by filling the defect with connective tissue. Moreover, this tissue has quite a few cellular elements; it is a mixture of randomly located molecules of collagen, elastin, other proteins and biological substances.

Of course, such tissue is very different from normal skin, which has a cellular structure. The scar has a much denser and rougher texture, reduced elasticity, whitish or, conversely, a bluish, purple tint. In addition, it lacks nerve endings, sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

Clearvin

This scar cream contains margosa, emblica officinalis, calamus, lodhra, turmeric, madder cordifolia, kafal and aloe vera, processed in sesame oil, beeswax, holy basil, borax. Clearvin is suitable not only for treating scars and stretch marks, but also helps remove age spots, acne, and dark circles under the eyes. "Clearvin" heals, nourishes the skin, removes fresh scars and scars. The product stimulates tissue metabolism well, softens the skin, renews it and improves microcirculation. The cream should be applied to the skin two to three times a day - the first results will be noticeable after five to six weeks.

Clearvin

RealCosmetics, Russia

Clearvin is an effective multifunctional cream for problem skin, containing extracts of rare and unique herbs.
Herbs are of great value and are beneficial in solving skin problems and helping to overcome skin imperfections. An excellent cream smoothes the skin and maintains elasticity. Natural antioxidants, vitamin E and herbal microcomponents improve blood circulation, preventing the formation of dark circles under the eyes. The cream makes your skin soft, smooth and gives a healthy color. from 54

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Dexpanthenol

This ointment for scars, scars and cracks contains the substance dexpanthenol, B vitamins, petroleum jelly, sea buckthorn oil, lanolin, citric acid. "Dexpanthenol" is good for scars after chickenpox; it is prescribed to women who are breastfeeding to treat cracked nipples. "Dexpanthenol" has virtually no contraindications or side effects, but it must be used strictly according to the instructions.

Dexpanthenol

JSC "Tatkhimfarmpreparaty", Russia

Dexpanthenol is a drug for external use that has a regenerating and metabolic effect, as well as some anti-inflammatory effect.
Dexpanthenol is a B vitamin, a derivative of pantothenic acid. In tissues, dexpanthenol is converted into pantothenic acid, which is part of coenzyme A. As part of coenzyme A, pantothenic acid takes part in the processes of acetylation, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, the formation of acetylcholine, porphyrins and corticosteroids. from 74

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Folk remedies help get rid of fresh scars

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Laser scar removal: prices, before and after photos

Laser scar removal is carried out using a procedure called laser skin resurfacing. This method is suitable for mature scars whose size has stabilized and is no longer increasing. Laser resurfacing works well not only with hypertrophic and keloid scars (for example, a cesarean scar can be almost completely removed with a laser), but also with shallow atrophic scars after acne.

Laser scar removal: before and after photos

What lasers can be used:

• Fully ablative lasers – fully ablative “carbon dioxide CO2 laser” and “erbium Er:YAG laser” – can improve the condition of hypertrophic and keloid scars by 50-81% after just 1 procedure.
  However, this type of laser is quite traumatic, and re-epithelialization of the laser-treated skin flap will last 7-10 days (for CO2 laser) and 4-7 days (for Er:YAG). Er:YAG laser is less traumatic for tissue, but requires more procedures to achieve a similar effect - compared to a CO2 laser. We do not recommend the use of these types of lasers - not only because of the long rehabilitation period, as well as a large number of side effects, but also because of the fairly high percentage of relapses of hypertrophic and keloid scars.

• Fractional ablative lasers - when using conventional ablative lasers, which we described above - absolutely the entire surface of the skin flap is subject to thermal damage. But ablative fractional CO2 or Er:YAG lasers act on the skin fractionally (i.e., between micro-areas of thermal damage there will be areas of undamaged skin). This can significantly reduce the rehabilitation period and reduce the risk of side effects. Many patients note that fractional ablative lasers allow them to achieve a more aesthetic appearance of the scar - compared to completely ablative lasers.
• Pulsed dye lasers (PDLs) – they are non-ablative lasers, i.e.
  they leave the surface of the skin intact, and all areas of thermal damage occur in the deep layers. For the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars, ILCs with a wavelength from 585 to 595 nm are used, for example, the VBeam Perfecta laser. These lasers greatly reduce the vascularization of scars (the number of blood capillaries), which determines their bright red/purple color. They also significantly reduce the height and thickness of hypertrophic and keloid scars. For example, in the authoritative scientific journal “Dermatologic Surgery” in 2016, clinical studies were published that showed that the severity of hypertrophic scars after 1-2 sessions of ILC decreased immediately by 57–83%. It should also be noted that the risk of relapse after ILC was the smallest - in comparison with all other types of lasers. In our opinion, ILCs are the optimal choice for the correction of hypertrophic scars and keloids, however, in this case, a larger number of procedures may be required.

Laser scar removal (ICL, fractional ablative) –

Laser scar removal: prices Cost varies depending on the area where the scar is located, as well as its size. Therefore, to remove scars with a laser, the cost per 1 cm2 will average about 1,800 rubles (the upper price limit is up to 3,000 rubles).

Possible side effects after the procedure -

• pain, burning (disappears within 12-72 hours),
• swelling (disappears within 48 hours),
• bleeding (disappears within 12 hours),
• formation of crusts, peeling (within 5-7 days),
• complete healing after laser scar removal – 10-21 days,
• risk of pigmentation,
• risk of infection,
• risk of scar re-formation.

How to remove scars using traditional methods

There are several home remedies that can help in treating scars and scars if they are fresh.

1. Pea flour.
   Flour should be diluted with warm milk, applied to the scar and left for an hour.
2. Compress from thuja leaves.
   Prepare an alcohol tincture from thuja leaves and apply a compress to the scar area twice a day (for 40 minutes).
3. Calendula compress.
   Take 0.5 liters of boiling water, add 2 tbsp. l. calendula flowers and let it brew for two hours. Strain and apply the compress for 15 minutes five to six times a day.
4. Fenugreek seed decoction.
   Take fenugreek seeds and boil them for seven minutes. Apply the prepared decoction to the affected areas of the skin.
5. Lemon.
   Rub lemon juice over areas of skin that have scars.
6. Almond oil.
   Almond oil also works well on small scars if you do a light massage with it.
7. Sandalwood paste.
   This folk remedy for scars is considered one of the most effective. You need to soak sandalwood powder in milk overnight. In the morning, apply the mixture to the affected areas and wait until it dries. Rinse off with cold water.
8. Banana puree.
   Take a ripe banana, puree in a blender and apply to the skin for seven to ten minutes.
9. Cabbage.
   Spread honey on a cabbage leaf, add a few drops of vodka and Vishnevsky ointment. Apply to scars several times a day.