How Does Hypertrophic Scar Treatment Work?

16 July, 2024 | Hair Loss | Author : Shveta Virmani

Scars are the tattoos of life – they carry unforgettable stories with them. However, you may not want them to damage your aesthetics or limit bodily function. Thanks to advanced hypertrophic scar treatment, you don’t need to carry those marks on your body forever. Curious to learn how such treatments work? Keep scrolling and learn everything involved!

Understanding Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are red and rigid scars that form when your body produces too much collagen. It usually occurs during the wound-healing process. Generally, your body doesn’t find it difficult to heal a minor wound to the top layer of your skin. Here, new skin forms as the wound heals.

However, when your wound extends to the dermis layer and lower, your body produces a lot of collagen to heal it. Collagen is way thicker than your skin’s texture. Moreover, it’s less flexible. Due to this reason, when they build up, they form a raised scar. Such scars can be either hypertrophic or keloid.

The keloid scars spread around the original wound. On the other hand, hypertrophic scars don’t cross the boundary of the original wound. These scars typically develop within weeks after skin trauma, such as surgical incisions, injuries, burns, etc. They can cause severe discomfort and itching. When they are around your joints, they can restrict your movement.

Hypertrophic scars usually occur in areas of your body where the skin is taut. This includes your back, upper arms, shoulders, elbows, and chest. However, in some instances, they can grow anywhere on your skin where you have had a wound.

Hypertrophic Scar Treatment: Primary Goals

Generally, hypertrophic scar treatment aims to:

Soften and flatten the scar tissues
Reduce the scar’s redness and signs
Heal pain and reduce itching

Treatment Types

You may come across several categories of this particular type of scar treatment. They include the following.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections or intralesional injections help improve the appearance of your scar. They reduce inflammation and promote collagen degradation. This eventually helps soften and flatten the scar tissue. Besides, they help ease itching and pain. Usually, the injection dose depends on your scar's size, type, and location. However, according to international guidelines, the recommended dose is 2.5-10mg/site.

Your provider will probably ask you to get these injections every 6-8 weeks. However, the frequency greatly depends on how well your body responds to the treatment.

Laser Therapy

Another common type of hypertrophic scar treatment is laser therapy. Usually, providers use long pulsed Nd: YAG laser or pulsed dye lasers to treat hypertrophic scars. They often target the blood vessels in your scar. When they remove those vessels, your scar can’t grow anymore.

Besides, the laser can lighten your scar's pink or red color. They also help reduce pain, hardness, and itching. Sometimes, your provider may use a laser to put microscopic holes in the scar. This speeds up the softening princess. The procedure is specifically effective for scars that tend to limit joint movements.

Cryotherapy

This treatment methodology uses extremely cold liquid nitrogen. It freezes and destroys scar tissues slowly. Consequently, you get rid of the raised tissues. Usually, providers combine this treatment with different injection treatment alternatives to maximize its efficiency.

Surgery

If the scar is too stubborn to go away, you may need quick surgery. Your dermatologist will cut out the scar. Alternatively, they can redirect its lines of tension. However, your provider will recommend surgery only when other treatments fail. Reason? The surgery itself can cause new scarring.

Bleomycin injections

Some studies show that bleomycin injections can effectively treat hypertrophic scars. These injections have little side effects. They include transient hyperpigmentation and superficial ulceration. Your provider can combine it with intralesional steroids. Besides flattening your scar, bleomycin injection can help prevent pain and itching. Moreover, they may help improve scar pliability.

Factors that Influence the Treatment Choice

When choosing your hypertrophic scar treatment plan, your provider will consider several factors:

Age and General Health

Younger skin responds better to treatments. As such, they may heal faster. Therefore, your provider may consider your age before recommending the treatment type. On the other hand, they may also ask you about your chronic health conditions.

A few conditions like diabetes, can slower healing. Moreover, they may make you more susceptible to the complications of invasive treatments. Given this, your provider may ask for a blood test before recommending the procedure.

Scar Size and Location

The size and location of the scar can affect the treatment approach. Generally, hypertrophic scars are small, but there are exceptions. If you have a larger scar, you will probably require more intensive treatments like combined therapies.

Additionally, the location of the scar also matters. Is it on a visible area like the face or hand? Your provider may then consider the aesthetic outcomes. This alters the goal of the treatment. As such, your provider will focus more on preserving your appearance and reducing scar prominence.

Previous Experiences

Do you have any wound healing history? Have you ever undergone any scar removal treatments? Your doctor may ask you about them before moving forward with the procedure. This approach helps avoid the risk of further complications. Moreover, your prior healing responses help them customize a tailored treatment plan.

Needs and Concerns

When making the treatment strategy, your provider will also consider your needs and concerns. They will ask you about your priorities. Is it minimizing pain, reducing scar visibility, or avoiding certain side effects? They will have a thorough discussion with you. This eventually ensures that the chosen treatment fits well with your lifestyle, comfort level, and expectations.

Fight Back Against Scars Today

To sum it up, hypertrophic scar treatment can help you eliminate stubborn scars that occur because of injuries or wounds. You can bid adieu to them by reaching out to a trusted clinic. Generally, such clinics offer diverse services, including hair transplant scars treament.

If you are struggling with scars and baldness, check if your chosen clinic offers related medical services. In such scenarios, finding the best hair transplant clinic in Delhi or wherever you are can be equally effective. Do your homework, find the best provider, and take a step forward to a more confident future.

FAQs

How do you flatten a scar?

There are several treatments available for removing scars. They include steroid injections, laser therapy, surgeries, etc. However, you will first have to consult a skilled dermatologist to figure out which technique will work best for you.

Are hypertrophic scars cancerous?

No, hypertrophic scars are not cancerous; neither are they life-threatening. However, they can affect your aesthetics and sometimes depending on the location, restrict joint movements.

Can you apply silicone gel on a scar?

Indeed, you can. However, the efficiency of this topical treatment depends on the nature of your scar. If it's a hypertrophic or keloid one, you are less likely to get a result.