Wound Healing and Scars

Posted on February 2, 2012 by admin

Because healing  processes vary, even a perfect wound closure performed by a skilled physician can result in a scar.  In certain patients, scars can become raised, reddened and firm.  These “hyper” enlarged scars are known as hypertrophic or keloid scars.  People with dark skin or those who tan easily are more likely to develop these types of scars.

Your skin is composed of three layers … The Epidermis (outer layer), Dermis (middle layer) and Sub-Cutaneous (deep layer).  The dermis is the supporting matrix of the skin.  Think of it as the scaffolding supporting the skin.  It provides integrity and structure created by Collagen and Elastin.  When the dermis is traumatized by a deep wound, a scar naturally occurs to bind the edges of the wound together.  All deep incisions or cuts through the dermis will form a scar of some sort.

The normal scar forming process begins with any trauma to the skin which results in bleeding – a sign of injury to the dermis.  As clotting takes place, the bleeding eventually stops.  The blood clot dries and contracts to form an eschar or scab.  Under the eschar, special healing cells called fibroblasts migrate to the site of the injury.

These fibroblasts cover the damaged area and form collagen, which is essentially the building block for scar tissue.  Normally, collagen fibers line up in a parallel fashion like spaghetti noodles in a package, forming a bridge across the wound.  The collagen material continues to remodel for almost two years.  During that time, the bridge of collagen tissue will gradually contract, pulling the edges of the wound tightly together.  This results in a scar that is flat and very thin.

An abnormal scar occurs when too much scar tissue is produced or when the collagen fibers lay down in disarray, much like cooked spaghetti noodles.  These hypertrophic or keloid scars are raised above the rest of the skin and are often reddish in color.  They can itch and cause pain in the worst of cases.

Treatment options for keloid or hypertrophic scars includes occlusive pressure dressing, cortisone injections, surgical removal and laser treatment.  In the late 1980’s the idea of treating scars with Silicone Gel Sheeting was introduced.  Silicone Gel Sheeting is a thick sheet of silicone with a sticky undersurface.  It is applied to the scar with the sticky side down and worn for as long as possible, usually while the patient is at rest.  Since that time, this technology has advanced to include topical silicone gel that can be applied to the skin like a cream.  The gel is much more user friendly and therefore usually more effective, as users are more likely to use as directed.

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What causes thick scars to form on the skin

Posted on January 23, 2012 by admin

Scars are a natural result of the human body’s process of healing itself from trauma to the skin.  When the skin is broken or cut, the body responds by producing Collagen (a naturally occurring protein) to heal the injured area.  Often times the body will overproduce Collagen, creating a buildup.  When this happens, the result is a large, firm, rubbery raised scar.  Scars of this type are often referred to as Keloid or Hypertrophic scars.  While their appearance may be unsightly, they are both non-contagious and benign.

Usually, there is little or no pain or physical discomfort associated with these scars.  There are exceptions to this however, such as when a larger scar is located on a knee or elbow such that it affects mobility.   In most cases there is really no medical need to remove the scar.  That said, for many there is an equally important emotional aspect that warrants attention.  For example, to some the scar may serve as a reminder of an uncomfortable or unpleasant event.  For others, the unsightly appearance of a scar may cause distress, or in extreme cases even depression.

Should an individual want to remove a scar of this type, there are several options, including surgical excision, steroid injection, laser treatment, radiation and cryosurgery.  The best method of treatment for one may not be so for the next.  The age, severity, location and size of the scar are all factors that might determine which method of treatment is most appropriate.  A specialist such as a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon would be a good source for advice on treatment options.

For those wishing to avoid medical procedures, non-surgical topical treatments such as Scarfade Gel have become increasingly popular in recent years.  There have been legitimate, published scientific studies done using some of these products.  It seems that those products which include silicone as a main ingredient have the most convincing data.

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How to Use Scarfade in the After effects of Breast Removal

Posted on December 19, 2011 by admin

While any surgery is difficult to deal with, breast removal can be especially upsetting both before and after the surgery. It leaves a scar over one side of the chest. Often referred to as a mastectomy, breast removal surgery is usually a result of a breast cancer. Although breast cancer is most common in women, it does occur in men, as well. There are several choices in how to physically address the loss of the shape of the breast when it is removed. Some women choose to have reconstructive surgery or breast implants as part of the breast removal surgery. Other options are to wear an exterior prosthesis, to have the surgery at a later time or to make no changes in the appearance after the mastectomy. The shape of the body is not the only thing that changes with surgery; it also leaves a lengthy scar. With the improvements in surgical techniques and the latest in technology, scars are thinner and shorter now than they used to be, but are still visible.

The patient usually has surgical drains in place for one to two weeks after the surgery. The skin begins to heal after the drains, dressings and sutures have been removed. The body begins to generate collagen tissue to fill in the skin areas to heal itself, creating a scar. This new layer of skin is coarser and thicker than normal skin and does not blend in well in appearance. Some women may prefer to minimize or fade scars as much as possible.

Scarfade scar treatment products can be used to minimize the redness and thickness of mastectomy scars once the surgical incisions have healed. For patients wearing any type of clothing on top of the scarred area, the Scarfade silicone sheeting is a great option, as it will not affect clothing, but reduces the appearance of the scar significantly, depending on the skin type and age of the scar. Either the Scarfade  silicone sheets or the scar gel tube is a practical option for those who wear a prosthetic breast directly on top of this area. The Scarfade gel can be massaged into the scarred area at least twice per day. Because the product is thick and sticky, the excess should be wiped off before dressing. Research suggest that pressure directly against the scar may actually be beneficial to faster healing and less noticeable scars.

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Scar Fading and Treatment of C-Section Scars

Posted on November 17, 2011 by admin

When the birth of a baby includes a Cesarean section, often called a C-section, it has the results of most other types of surgery: there is a scar on the outside of the skin. While many surgeons have perfected the art of minimizing the size and width of the scar, it is something that makes many moms self-conscious. The placement of the incision may be covered by a bikini or one-piece bathing suit, but is still noticeable and often disconcerting to the mom.

There are a number of ways to reduce the appearance of C-section scars. When they are long and wide, revision surgery can be done to reduce the width of the scarred abdominal skin. Some patients may be willing to take the step of having a second surgery; however, their insurance companies may not. Even with revision surgery, there will still be a scar, although it will be smaller.

Laser treatment is sometimes used to burn and remove scarred skin in an effort to reduce original scarring. Numbing cream is applied afterwards for some time until a new skin layer forms and the pain goes away.

Silicone sheeting is another way to reduce C-section scars; it usually has positive results over abdominal skin, reducing the change in color. Silicone-based scar treatment creams like Scarfade are also effective at removing scars and making them less noticeable. They cause a shift in skin regeneration and slow down the growth of collagen, which reduces scarring.

In some cases, the C-section can result in a keloid scar. Keloids are thick red scars that develop beyond the original surgical incision, growing over normal skin. They are formed by an overproduction of collagen and fibrous tissue. Their presence after surgery is unpredictable. They do not shrink or go away by themselves. In most cases, keloids will grow back after scar revision surgery, sometimes more aggressively than before, so this method of scar removal is not usually recommended. Silicone scar gel has a positive effect on keloid scars, however, causing them to shrink and fade. This is usually noticeable within the first two weeks of usage.

Whether a C-section scar is thin and pale or thick and red, scar removal creams can be used once the surgical incision has healed. They can also be used after scar reducing surgery and laser treatments to diminish the scar even further.

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Scar Treatment Options After Cleft Lip and Palette Surgery

Posted on October 18, 2011 by admin

One of the more common birth defects in babies is a cleft lip and palette. This is a gap in the natural formation of the upper lip that is treatable with surgery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 2,651 babies are born in theUSeach year with a cleft palate; about 4,437 are born with a cleft lip. This malformation of the lip and/or mouth can cause problems with breathing, nursing, eating, drinking, speech and hearing when it is not corrected. When surgery is an option it is typically done before the child is a few months old, and is recommended before one year for a cleft lip and 18 months for a cleft palette. Some children require repeated surgeries as they grow older. This can affect the lip and mouth. Like all facial surgeries on the skin’s exterior, cleft lip surgery leaves a visible scar. It is typically visible between the upper lip and bottom of the nose.

New scars tend to have a red appearance, since more blood vessels are produced when the body is trying to heal itself. Some scars are more visible than others. You will see the scar fading over time, eventually creating a pale line. Visibility is dependent on the child’s skin type, the cleft size, the body’s ability to heal itself and the placement of the sutures. After the wound has had a chance to heal for at least two to three weeks, a topical agent to treat scars can be applied.

There are a number of treatment options available for cleft lip scars. One option is to perform scar reduction surgery to make the scar thinner and flatter. Although it may become fairly thin, it will still be visible without further scar treatment. Some people apply Vitamin E for faster healing; others use sunscreen to reduce permanent discoloration from ultraviolet rays.

Using Scarfade is also an option to further reduce cleft palette scars. It is safe to use on children of all ages. Best results occur when Scarfade is applied to scars less than a year old, since children’s scars tend to reach full maturity after 12 to 18 months in duration. Scarfade C accelerates scar healing and is another option. Sunscreen can be applied over Scarfade for added protection from skin discoloration without lowering its effectiveness.

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Understanding Scar Revision

Posted on September 9, 2011 by admin

Severe wounds are often caused by an injury or tragic event, such as dog bites, car accidents or medical problems. Once these wounds heal, they may leave prominent, disfiguring scars. It could be a result of poor healing or due to the significance of the injury. There are a number of ways to deal with them. In some cases, topical scar reduction cream like Scar Fade is one option. This can reduce the scar significantly to where it is not very noticeable. In other cases, however, the scars can first be changed with a surgical revision procedure to make them even less prominent. This is done through plastic surgery with a skilled specialist.

Scar Revision

Scar revision surgery is used to change the width of the scar or the direction of the closure of the skin. For example, a dog bite on the face may have a jagged appearance and not blend in with the surrounding skin tone or physical characteristics and contours, making it very noticeable to anyone who sees it. Rather than the uneven lines, raised surface and wide disfigurement, a surgical scar revision can create fewer scar lines or a single scar line that matches the contour of the face more closely and reduces scar width. It does not eliminate the scarring completely, but when successful it changes the skin’s appearance significantly to be less dramatic and less embarrassing.

Plastic Surgery Candidates

Not everyone is a candidate for scar revision surgery. Although there is no real limitation on age, those with the best results are physically healthy non-smokers that have no skin diseases or acne blemishes in the affected area. Aside from physical characteristics, the patient should also have a positive outlook and realistic understanding of what the surgery can do. Another consideration is that plastic surgery may not be a realistic option based on the location of the injury. This should be determined by the plastic surgeon. Like all invasive surgical procedures, there are risks involved. Some of these include slow healing, change in skin feeling and sensitivity or pain.

Follow-Up Treatment

Once the scar revision procedure is complete and the wound heals, it will still be noticeable. This is the time to start using a topical application of scar medicine to further reduce its appearance. Scar Fade can be used twice daily to lessen the prominence of the new scar.

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Understanding and Treating Keloid Scars

Posted on August 8, 2011 by admin

After your skin is injured, it tries to repair itself by creating a new surface; a scar. Under normal circumstances, the scar is flat and connects the edges of the wound together. Sometimes the body creates extra tissue which turns into a raised scar that extends above and beyond your skin’s surface. It’s called a keloid scar. They are usually pink or red, but sometimes stay flesh-colored. Keloids often resemble a cyst or skin lesion.

There are a number of different treatments for them, since sometimes these scars can be stubborn and difficult to reduce or remove permanently. One remedy is keloid scar cream. Scar Fade is effective on keloid scars, but by their nature, keloids may take longer to reduce than flat scar tissue.

What Causes Keloid Scars?

When your body forms scars, it uses collagen to produce the new layer of skin. Keloids form when the body creates too much collagen. According to the National Institutes of Health, keloid scars are common among family members, and more often in those of Hispanic or African-American descent as compared to other ethnic backgrounds. Keloids develop more frequently in children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 20. There are a number of different types of injuries that can cause keloid scarring. These include burns, pierced ears, surgery, vaccines and scratches. Depending on the wound’s location, once scars develop, they can affect how your skin looks and feels. Sometimes they can prevent range of motion if the scar forms on top of the joint.

Treat Scars

When keloid scars form with ridges or a bumpy appearance, ScarFade can be used to reduce them and help them to even out. Once the skin’s surface has healed, apply ScarFade silicone gel to the keloid’s surface. Used regularly, the size and prominence of the scar will slowly lessen.

One way to reduce the redness of the skin while the scar treatment is in process is to stay out of the sun or protect the scar for about 18 months after the injury for children, or about six months after the injury for adults. When using ScarFade products, you can use sunscreen over the silicone gel without lowering its effectiveness.

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Scarfade: Undiluted Silicone Scar Treatment That Works

Posted on June 2, 2011 by admin

For those unfamiliar with our product, you may be wondering what makes ScarFade unique and how well it works. The short answer is ScarFade is an undiluted silicone product that works very well to reduce scars. We developed ScarFade as a way to help people get rid of their scars. Our product is a unique blend of medical grade silicones applied to a scar after the skin has closed and begins the healing process. We have a few different products available which people can use to treat scars by reducing their size and intensity. Our silicone gel and silicone sheeting are applied directly to the skin to create direct contact with the skin’s surface. This creates the best opportunity for fading of the scar and healing of the skin. When using ScarFade, visible healing takes places within the first two weeks of using our product. It should be used twice a day for three to four months, or until the scar’s size and intensity is no longer noticeable. We have carefully developed our product and believe that this is the most effective means to reduce scars.

While there will always be skeptics in every facet of life and industry, we find it disconcerting that there is an inaccurate review of ScarFade which disregards all of the information available about our ingredients and the true process that is used to treat scars with our product. What is possible is that those creating the review have not done their homework, as it states that our product is diluted with unnecessary ingredients. This is simply not true. Scarfade is totally undiluted and has no “unnecessary ingredients.”

Scarfade is just what they claim a good scar treatment should be, completely undiluted silicone. We are pretty sure Scarfade is the best scar treatment product on the market — so sure, in fact, that we do offer a money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied. So, give it a try and let us know what you think.

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Update

Posted on June 2, 2011 by admin

Hello friends. So sorry we haven’t added anything new to the blog in awhile. We promise to be more active here going forward. We have been busy with new product research, etc. If you haven’t visited our facebook page we encourage you to do so. Just log onto facebook and search scarfade. We have been running lots of contests and giving away free scarfade and skincare products. Check back soon. We will be adding more posts soon. Best wishes.
Scarfade

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Burns and Burn Scar Treatment

Posted on June 29, 2010 by scarfader

Burns may result from a variety of different causes such as dry heat (fire, sun, etc.), liquids (steam, hot water, etc.), chemicals, electricity, and extreme cold. Over two million people in the United States are treated for burns each year and over three thousand die of severe burns. Burns differ in severity and are classified into three widely accepted specific levels as follows:

First Degree Burns The most shallow (superficial) of all burns, first degree burns are minor burns which affect only the outer or top layer of skin. They may cause pain, redness and swelling.

Second Degree Burns Also called partial thickness burns, second degree burns are more serious burns which affect both the outer and underlying layers of skin. Along with the pain, redness and swelling associated with less serious burns, second degree burns may also result in blistering.

Third Degree Burns Also referred to as full thickness burns, third degree burns are very serious burns which affect all three layers of skin. Usually the sweat glands, hair follicles and nerve endings are destroyed and the skin may become blackened and perhaps numb.

Burns, even when properly treated often result in scars. There are three main types of scars associated with burns:

Keloid Scars Scars that grow outside the edges of the burn site and may look like tumors or cysts on the skin. They are caused by the body overproducing Collagen at the burn site.

Hypertrophic Scars Similar to Keloid Scars, but not as serious. Hypertrophic Scars remain within the edges of the burn area and may appear as red, raised bumps.

Contractures These scars are associated with a tightening of the skin, ligaments or muscles underneath the burn site. They tend to limit movement.

There are several ways to treat burn scars, ranging from relatively inexpensive home remedies to expensive medical treatments.

Medical Treatments Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists and other physicians may apply one or more of several different treatments for scars resulting from burns. Some examples are: surgical scar revision, skin grafts, demabrasion, laser resurfacing and chemical peels. In some cases two or more techniques may be combined to treat a scar.

Home Remedies There are a number of different creams, lotions, vitamins and other products that are said to help burn scars. From what I can tell, the most effective do it yourself treatments involve the use of some type of Silicone Gel or Silicone Sheet such as Scarfade Gel or Scarfade Silicone Sheeting. There have been studies published in reputable medical trade journals which substantiate the effectiveness of these types of products.

In the end it is up to the patient how to treat their burn scar, if at all. Again, scars differ greatly in their characteristics. Some are large and may actually limit mobility while others are very small and largely unnoticeable. Of course medical treatments are more expensive but in some cases may be necessary.

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