Nobody wants to have scars, especially if it is openly visible and exposed. It’s more than just a superficial blemish on the skin; it’s a trigger that causes a person to lose confidence and self-esteem. In some cases, scar tissues can even cause pain even years after surgery. Scars should not be taken for granted at any cost. It should be treated whenever you get a chance. Luckily, you can get a cosmetic treatment by clicking on the link provided.
Scar Tissue Overview
Scar tissue formation is our body’s natural response when healing from wounds. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the same as skin tissue. Instead, scar tissue is more likely to be elastic, leading to skin tightness, restricted movement, and pain for some individuals. In medical terms, scar tissue accumulates cells and collagen that covers the actual injury site. Compared with an external scar where collagen formation is multidirectional, the scar tissue’s building has a single pattern. For some people, it compromises their natural movements. A perfect example of this condition is surgery near the joints. Scar tissue may develop, and it can affect the joint’s natural mobility range.
Scar Tissue Pain
Before we talk about the treatment, it would be better to talk about the possible complications first. That way, we can increase the efficiency of the treatment plans. By understanding the physical and psychological impact of scar tissues on a person, you will also raise the level of the efficacy of the treatment. Here are the most common complications of scar tissues:
- Keloid: Keloid often develops after an invasive procedure like surgery. Your skin tissues form into a reddish lump around the shape of the wound. It turns into a scar of raised skin that can look physically unappealing.
- Pain: Depending on the surgery’s depth, some people may experience pain, even after years of surgery. This condition is because of fibrosis. Fibrosis is the accumulation of excessive scar tissue development that causes chronic pain, numbness, swelling, and movement restriction around the wound area. Healing from surgery usually takes six months to one year. It is common for people to experience pain after surgery for prolonged periods.
Medical Treatment for Scar Tissue
- Scar Revision: Scar revision is a surgical process used to treat scar tissue, especially if it causes pain, swelling, and movement restriction. The procedure is typically applicable to mature or old scars. The entire process of scar revision may include the skin graft technique. Skin grafting is a method where healthy skin is transplanted to the affected skin because of scar tissue.
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatment is used to stimulate the right amount of collagen production to increase scar healing’s natural efficacy. A specialised laser is used to penetrate the skin. The technique doesn’t remove the scar, albeit, it reduces the pain and swelling and improves the range of motion. This method is one of the most advanced forms of scar tissue treatment.
- Dermabrasion: This approach removes scar tissue and promotes new tissue regeneration and growth. It has a high-efficiency percentage, and the difference is noticeable within five to eight days of the procedure.
- Fat Grafting: The fat is extracted and processed, then injected to the scar’s affected area below. This process is effective in promoting natural healing with the help of stem cells. It’s also efficient against itchiness, swelling, and pain.
At-Home Treatment for Scar Tissue
The medical approach is always the best for scar tissue treatment after surgery. Your home doctors are the best individuals that can provide professional diagnosis and treatment. They can also detect signs of other complications a provide early treatment. However, finding an alternative is also an ideal option. We don’t suggest that alternative methods should be prioritised. Instead, we recommend that it can offer immediate relief. These techniques are beneficial when you haven’t set up a doctor’s appointment yet.
- Therapeutic Massage: This technique can be performed alone or with the help of a massage therapist. By massaging the scar on its direction for approximately ten minutes twice a day, you can reduce the sensitivity and general discomfort.
- Physical Activities: Exercise programs are useful if the scar tissue has affected the person’s range of movement. That’s the reason why physical therapy is required before and after knee or other surgeries involving the joints. Regular sessions gradually increase the individual’s mobility range.
- Moisturisers: Be careful when applying topical solutions like moisturisers. Use only the non-scented types. Shea butter and cocoa helps the skin stay soft and reduces the level of discomfort. The advantage of the non-scented types over the perfumed versions is that they do not irritate the skin.
- Silicone Gels: Silicone gels are effective when used regularly for twelve to twenty-four hours within three to six months. They promote healing efficiently and sticks to the scars even when moving. They come in stick-on types or paint-on types.
- Taping: Taping is the easiest method to try. You can tape or wrap the scar to reduce swelling and discomfort. You can also use medical binders as an alternative.
- Vibrations: Massage guns or electric massage belts are ideal for decreasing pain ad discomfort. The only downside is that efficiency may take months to show the results.
Takeaway
Your doctor’s recommendation is still the best among all the techniques for scar tissue treatment after surgery. Like we mentioned earlier, at-home treatment can provide immediate pain, but the results may only be temporary. We highly suggest trying these techniques only if you don’t have time to visit a doctor. The complications are usually not critical, so it’s safe to try at-home treatment techniques.
The treatment’s effectivity heals the physical pain and aesthetic imperfection and its mental effects, especially with facial scars, which can significantly affect a person’s confidence. Your doctor will discuss the realistic goals that you can reach with the treatment.