The skin is a sensory organ; the body’s largest organ. When the skin is opened, either by accident or through surgical incisions, the injury typically results in a scar. Understanding how and why scars form can make it easier to understand how they heal and how to care for your skin. Scar Formation When the… Read more »
When the skin forms a scar, it doesn’t always appear flat and even with the rest of the surface. Some are more prominent in their appearance, like the hypertrophic scar. They are typically red and rise above the surrounding skin’s surface. There is no set reason why some people develop hypertrophic scars and others don’t,… Read more »
Most people who undergo facelifts are hoping for an improved appearance after their plastic surgery procedures. They may have wrinkles, jaw line fullness or lines caused by aging that they want to go away. A facelift requires incisions to allow the surgeon to lift and tighten the skin for a fresher, younger appearance. As with… Read more »
When most people get their ears pierced, they plan on having a small hole with flat surrounding tissue that is comfortable and easy to decorate with jewelry. In some cases, a bump develops instead. It’s a scar. These can be caused from placement problems, when jewelry doesn’t fit right and from impact injuries. The earlobe… Read more »
Keloid scars have long been studied by doctors. They are more noticeable than regular scars because they have a bright, puffy and reddish appearance. They also develop beyond the natural borders of the original wound. These scars can cause particular concern for the patient, making them feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. Who’s At Risk for Keloids?… Read more »
Sometimes people do things on a whim only to regret them later. A good example is getting a tattoo. You might commemorate someone special with a tattoo on your arm or back, only to decide a few years later that they are out of your life and you wish the tattoo was as well. On… Read more »
The primary reason people have Gastric Bypass Surgery is to reduce clinical obesity and to improve their medical condition. Often times surgeons are more concerned with the placement of the incisions and the drain than with how the skin will heal after the procedure. As a result, some people end up with thicker, wider and… Read more »
Now that it’s summertime, you might be interested in spending more time out in the sunshine and fresh air. Care should be taken to avoid direct sunlight on active scars. The most noticeable effect is hyperpigmentation. This means that the scarred area develops a red or even purple appearance. The coloration doesn’t dissipate easily. The… Read more »
If you’re wondering how to get rid of scars, one method of scar treatment that helps with short-term and long-term effects is the use of massage. Gently massage the tissue around your wound using lotion and a circular motion. Apply a greaseless formula so that your fingers glide across the scarred skin and don’t open… Read more »
Athletes can sustain a variety of injuries when playing sports. From surgery for torn tendons and broken bones to abrasions and lacerations, the formation of scars from sports injuries can affect even the most confident player’s self esteem. They can also affect flexibility and range of motion once the healing process has begun. Fractures There… Read more »
On March 21, 2016 I slipped & fell at our local post office and slammed my arm against the metal box fronts. OUCH!!!!! Even though I was wearing a long sleeved shirt and a lined jacket, I sustained a nasty abrasion. Funny that it didn’t tear my clothing….just my poor arm!!! I have previously used Scarfade on cuts and scrapes, but this time I wanted to start using it BEFORE the scab was off. I had read on the internet that using silicone on an open wound would help it heal faster. BUT you HAVE to make sure your hands are CLEAN to avoid infection. I’m sure this is one reason why the manufacturer’s instructions are to start using it AFTER the scab is off. The day of my accident, I applied just Neosporin three times. Then three times a day for the next week, I applied Neosporin, let it dry, then applied a layer of Scarfade and gently massaged it in to the wound before bandaging it. After the first week, I gently massaged Scarfade onto my wound three times a day. I think my results are amazing!
- Nancy B.
