Scar Reduction

Posted Tuesday, September 11, 2007 to PROCEDURES > Skin

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Scar management has become an important area of research, reports Andrew Frost.

Although scars can be attractive for some cultures and even purposely inflicted to enhance beauty, most people consider scars cosmetically undesirable.

Many doctors advocate massage and use of special creams and oils. Some patients are asked to wear support garments and underwear to decrease tension on their wound closure.

Hypertrophic scars and keloids affect an estimated 10% of the population and in the past, patients have been told to accept the appearance of their scars.

While a variety of scar reduction methods have been tried, the majority of medical and surgical specialists treating these problems agree they are difficult to treat, and past methods have had little effect in scar reduction.

A recent study conducted on a group of patients with keloid and/or hypertrophic scars using Kelocote Gel and Gel sheeting showed proven effectiveness in the reduction of scar tissue.

Kelocote is available in three forms and is made of 100% medical grade silicone that is a non-reactive, biocompatible material. Kelocote may be used to improve the quality and appearance of any scar, particularly keloids and hypertrophic scars, which are red, raised and sometimes itchy and painful.

Kelocote gel is a topical gel used for treatment of new scars or old scars. It is an odorless, invisible, air permeable and dry gel that is applied twice a day Once it is dry, makeup may be applied over it. It is 100% silicone and contains no steroids.

Kelocote Laser gel is used for treatment after laser resurfacing or chemical peels. It is begun approximately 14 days after the procedure or after the skin has epithelialized or stopped weeping. Lasergel is also made of 100% silicone, a thinner formulation of the scar gel.

Kelocote Gel Sheeting is very thin, self-adherent and reusable. It is recommended for new and older scars, particularly scars over three years. Gel sheets are available in pre-cut designs for breast reduction scars.

Kelocote Sheeting is a 'dry' sheet recommended for older, deeper more persistent scars. A bandage or tape must be used to secure the dry sheet, It is believed the combination of tape and the sheet provides a more effective treatment for older scars by adding pressure to the area.

Moisturisers, sunscreens or powders should not be used with the gel sheeting. It is cleaned by rinsing with water only. When the gel sheeting is wet, it is not sticky and will return to its normal state as it dries. Sunscreens and moisturisers can be used with the gels but should be applied first to allow them to absorb into the skin - then the gel is applied.

If the scar becomes hypertrophic or keloid and the silicone sheeting doesn't appear to be effective, a steroid injection may be required to soften the scar.

Another option is dermabrasion, usually performed early in the development of hypertrophic scars. The scar is abraded until nearly flat and post-operative dressings applied.

If the scar isn't lumpy or thick but is still showing some redness, it will usually fade over a year. If the patient is worried it can be treated with a vascular laser or photoderm.

With all these advances there is no need for patients to suffer ugly scars, detracting from an otherwise enhancing procedure.

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