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What Is Scar Aesthetics?
Scar aesthetics involves medical and cosmetic treatments designed to minimise the appearance of scars. Scars form as a natural part of the healing process after injury or surgery, but their development can be unpredictable. Poor healing can lead to visible or raised scars, and even well-healed wounds may differ in colour or texture from the surrounding skin.
Scar aesthetics may involve a variety of treatment options, depending on the type and severity of the scar. These can include:
With guidance from a plastic surgeon, treatments can reduce discolouration, surface irregularities, or prominent scars. While many scars do not cause pain or impair function, their appearance can be distressing to patients.
Although scarring is a natural aspect of healing, it can be cosmetically upsetting — especially in prominent areas. Small scars often fade with time, but larger or deeper scars may benefit from professional aesthetic treatment.
Who Can Receive Scar Aesthetics?
Scar aesthetics is a highly individualised procedure, and anyone considering it must do so based on their own wishes — not to meet someone else’s expectations or conform to an ideal image.
This procedure can be performed on individuals of any age who are bothered by a scar anywhere on their body, who have a positive mind-set and realistic expectations, and who do not have active acne or other skin conditions in the area to be treated.
How Is Scar Aesthetics Performed on Different Types of Scars?
The type of scar determines the method your plastic surgeon will use.
Hypertrophic scars are thickened scars that form directly over a wound site. They tend to be red and uncomfortable, and may increase in size over time. Their colour may range from dark to light.
Keloids are larger than hypertrophic scars. They can be itchy or painful and have a rough texture. These grow beyond the original wound boundary and are often found on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, or ears.
Contracture scars form during wound healing and can restrict movement, particularly in areas where large amounts of tissue have been lost, such as after burns. If they form on mobile areas such as fingers, elbows, knees or the neck, they can significantly affect function.
How Is Scar Aesthetics Carried Out?
Anaesthesia is administered to ensure the patient feels no discomfort during surgical procedures. This may be local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on the nature of the intervention. Your doctor will determine the most suitable option. The degree of improvement possible depends on the size, type, severity, and location of the scar. In some cases, a single method may be sufficient; in others, a combination of techniques may be required for optimal results.
Topical treatments such as gels or silicone patches can support wound healing and reduce irregular pigmentation. These products are also used to treat existing scarring and improve healing after surgical scar revision. Injectable treatments may also be used. Dermal fillers help improve pitted scars, and their effects can last from several months to a few years, depending on the material used. Repeat sessions are usually necessary. Steroid injections can also be administered to suppress excess collagen production, reducing the scar’s size, texture, and overall appearance.
Risks and Complications of Scar Aesthetic Surgery
Choosing to undergo scar revision is a personal decision, and it should be made based on whether the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks and complications. Your plastic surgeon will explain all associated risks and alternatives in detail. You will be asked to sign consent forms confirming that you understand the procedure, its possible outcomes, and the risks involved.
Scar Aesthetics Recovery Process
After surgery, the treated area may be covered with dressings or bandages to maintain cleanliness. Following your surgeon’s instructions regarding medication, wound care, and restrictions is essential to a successful outcome. The healing area should be protected from excessive pressure, friction, movement, and sun exposure during the recovery period.
