Scars occur naturally as part of your body's healing process following skin damage. When your skin experiences cuts or injuries, it regenerates tissue to close the wound, forming scar tissue primarily composed of collagen.
Scars vary in size and shape and result from accidents, burns, surgeries, acne, or illnesses. While scars often fade with time, their visibility can differ, impacting appearance and even movement, especially with larger scars.
When we assess scars, we generally look at two categories in Singapore: discolouration and texture.
In terms of discolouration, scars can take on the following appearance:
In terms of texture, a scar can be:
When the skin experiences an injury, it produces collagen to form new tissue, pulling together the wound and closing the gap. However, when too much collagen is produced, hypertrophic scars are formed. An atrophic scar is formed if fat or structural tissue is lost during the injury and insufficient collagen is produced during healing.
Scar formation can occur following accidents, burns, surgical procedures, acne, and illnesses. The size and appearance of scars vary, ranging from large and painful to barely noticeable. Factors such as skin type and genetic predisposition can influence the type of scar that develops.
It is important to note that not all wounds result in noticeable scars, and many scars fade over time. Not all scars require intervention, but if a scar is causing discomfort or is cosmetically concerning, seek appropriate treatment to make scars less obvious.
Symptoms of scars include:
Generally, scars are not inherently painful, but some individuals may experience discomfort, itching, or tenderness in the scarred area, especially during healing. Pain associated with scars often varies based on factors such as the size, type, and location of the scar. While some scars may cause minimal or no pain, others can lead to sensations of tightness or itching.
Monitoring any unusual or persistent pain or itch in scars is important as it could indicate complications or the formation of keloid scars. Seek medical advice to help address discomfort and ensure proper care for the affected area.
Scars form due to skin injury; however, it is important to remember that not all injuries result in scar formation. Several factors increase an individual’s risk of developing scars; these are :
You can self-diagnose most scars by observing the healed skin area after an injury. Scars often exhibit variations in pigmentation, appearing darker, lighter, or pinker than the surrounding skin. If a scar poses any concerns, your dermatologist will conduct a thorough physical examination to assess its size, texture, and colour, determine its type, and recommend a tailored treatment plan.
The approach to scars is multi-fold. At Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic, we will properly assess the scar before deciding on the best approach. We have an array of options available to you, which include:
Can scars be treated permanently?
In most cases, you cannot get rid of a scar. However, with the right treatment or proper care during the healing process, your scar may fade with time.
Why is my scar still red after six months?
While most scars fade, some do not. Scars may take up to 18 months to fade; however, if you notice that your scar has become significantly discoloured and raised or dipped instead of flat, make an appointment for a consultation with us to help speed up your recovery process.
Can lasers remove scars?
Laser treatment may not eliminate scars completely, but it can significantly reduce their appearance. These procedures stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin and break up existing abnormal scar tissue, helping you blend the scar better with the surrounding skin. This therapy is suitable for various scars, including surgical, acne, and injury scars. However, look for an experienced practitioner with an array of tools to help you target the proper treatment for the right scar.
