Things to bear in mind when choosing scar treatment
When a wound occurs, the body forms a scar to protect the wound whilst it heals. Ideally, this scar would blend in and look just like normal skin, but this is not the case. Scar tissue differs from normal skin in many ways. Among other things, it is less elastic and lacks hair follicles and sweat glands. It is also more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Scar tissue usually looks different, which is why we tend to talk more about reducing scars rather than removing them completely.
Reducing scars using silicone technology is something that patients and surgeons around the world have been doing for decades. But what should you actually bear in mind when choosing a scar treatment product?
Firstly, it is important to consider the characteristics of the scar. Its size, depth, location and age are all factors that affect its appearance and the type of scar treatment required. Below, we describe what works best for different types of scars.
OLD SCARS
The products work on all types of scars, both new and old, but results may vary. The best results are achieved when the scar is active and in the process of healing. Active scars are red and raised, whilst fully healed scars are white or brownish-purple. Scars are often at their most active during the first few months, but can be reduced even after that. Treatment can begin as soon as the wound has healed and intact scar tissue has formed.
The best results are achieved with early treatment, but the scar does not need to be brand new for the silicone technology to be effective. The time it takes for a scar to heal varies from person to person and differs between individual scars. The healing process usually takes a few months to a year, but a deeper scar may remain active for several years. The Pro-Sil pen, for example, has produced positive clinical results on scars as old as 15 years.
HYPERTROPHIC SCARS & KELOIDS
ATROPHIC SCARS
DISCOLOURED SCARS
Which product should I choose?
ACNE AND PIMPLE SCARS
SCARS FROM SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Nowadays, many surgical procedures are carried out with a high degree of precision and care. If everything goes well, the scars are nothing more than fine white lines. However, there is a high risk of infection when the skin is subjected to major procedures. Scars may heal incorrectly and feel swollen and hard, or may become sunken. Uneven scars from surgical procedures can be reduced with Epi-derm; a range of silicone gel tapes specifically designed for scars resulting from various types of surgical procedures and operations. Epi-derm is clinically proven to both reduce existing scars and prevent new scar formation. The tape is thin and moulds to the contours of the body. Epi-derm can also be cut to size and adapted as required. As our silicone gel plasters remain on the treatment area for a longer period during the day, they can also deliver results more quickly than other products that need to be reapplied. However, we strongly recommend that treatment with Epi-derm be supplemented with Pro-sil for smoother and more effective results.
Breast surgery
For breast lifts and augmentations, Epi-Derm Mastopexy, Areopexy or Areola Circles are used. Which shape is used depends on the appearance of the scar and the method used during breast reconstruction. It is also possible to combine and adapt the different shapes according to the desired treatment area.
Caesarean sections and operations on the uterus
Specially adapted Epi-Derm C-strips are available for caesarean sections.
Minor scars from surgical procedures
For scars from minor operations, for example on the face (eyelids, ears, nose), it can be difficult to use tape. Pro-sil is therefore recommended for these treatment areas.
BURN INJURY
It is important to treat burn scars as they can affect the nerves, leading to a loss of sensation and restricting mobility. Usually, the skin becomes soft and supple, but sometimes a red, tight, raised and tender scar forms instead – known as a hypertrophic scar.
