Scars are tissues of collagen fibres that disfigure the appearance of the skin. They can have an unflattering appearance for various reasons: poor healing, poor saturation or widening of the scar. However, there are many treatments to minimise and even permanently remove scars. We explain the different treatments we use at the clinic.
What are scars?
A scar is the skin tissue resulting from physiological healing. Scars can form after a cut, a burn, infections such as chicken pox or an acne outbreak. Regardless of the cause, our skin releases collagen into the wound, sturdy, whitish-white fibres that act as bridges to repair the injured tissue.
The function of these fibres is to form a dry, solid tissue called a scab. This scab will give way to healthy, renewed skin, sometimes in the form of a scar. Our dermatology unit always recommends that, if the patient wants to remove the scab, they should first consult an expert dermatologist to determine the most suitable treatment.
Types of scars
Before starting scar treatment, we must differentiate between the different types of scars:
Atrophic scars or acne scars
These are related to acne or chickenpox. They are small holes or depressions that occur in the skin when the wound does not generate enough collagen to form new tissue fibres. Retinoid creams or ablative lasers are recommended to redefine the skin structure and encourage collagen generation.
Hypertrophic or keloid scars
These are caused by excess collagen production during wound closure and when the wound is subjected to high tensile forces. They are thick elevations of tissue that exceed the level of the normal skin surface. Hypertrophic and keloid scars respond very well to treatment with vascular lasers.
Scar treatment in London
Any injury our skin suffers makes our body prioritise scarring. However, at the De Felipe Dermatology Clinic we can treat a scar from the very beginning and achieve a much more favourable result than one that has not been scarred.
CO2 LASER
This laser was the first to be used for this purpose in 1995. The CO2 laser vaporises the skin, flattens wrinkles and is used to treat acne scars and post-surgical scars. Its high thermal effect produces a remodelling of the deeper collagen in the skin and decreases the size of the scar.
ER:YAG LASER (ERBIUM:YAG)
This laser was developed to shorten the healing time after treatment in 1997. It is used to reduce acne scars especially on darker skin, improve the appearance and reduce skin pores. The duration of redness after a session is reduced by several days.
ER:YSCC LASER (ERBIUM SCANDIUM)
Developed in 2003. It shares advantages with the CO2 laser (skin retraction and collagen heating) and the Er:YAG (rapid healing after one session). It is an ideal laser for scar correction treatments with immediate visible results. It also has greater precision, is anti-inflammatory and not very aggressive.
FRACTIONAL LASERS
These refer to lasers that instead of flattening the skin by removing superficial layers, dig microscopic holes that tighten and smooth the skin. All previous technologies (CO2, Er:YAG and Er:YSGG lasers) can be used in this way. The main advantage: short recovery time.
Scar treatment methodology
We explain the different treatments that we use at the De Felipe Dermatology Clinic
BEFORE treatment
If the patient is prone to developing herpes on the face, it is advisable to take medication to prevent a new outbreak. In this regard, it is not clear that an antibiotic is necessary, as there are no further skin infections on the facial skin when deep peeling or laser resurfacing is performed, but it is recommended for safety and precaution.
The regimen would be:
- Famvir 250, one tablet every 8 hours, or Famvir 750, one tablet a day for 7 days, starting two days before the procedure.
- Baycip, one tablet every 12 hours for 7 days, starting two days before the procedure.
- Avoid intense sun exposure during the previous fortnight.
- For people suffering from melasma, apply a corticosteroid – Fluticrem, Elocom, Clovate, Adventan – once a day, and a depigmenting agent, also once a day during the previous fortnight.
AFTER treatment
Apply Silkses or Vaseline several times a day. Plasimine or an antibiotic ointment can also be applied. Apply as many times as necessary to moisten and moisturise the skin and prevent crusting. Before each application, it is recommended to spray the skin with thermal water to clean any crusts or scales that may come off the skin.
In the shower, let the soapy water run over the skin, without scrubbing and using a specific soap for the treated area. It is possible that some spots may bleed a little. After a week, apply plenty of sunscreen and the usual cosmetics.
Price of scar treatment in London
The price of scar removal in London is as follows:
Treatment of acne or atrophic scars:
Treatment of keloid scars:
Scar removal before and after
As you will have been able to see, we have various therapeutic alternatives to improve scars and our medical staff determines those that best adapt to the characteristics of each scar, its location, time of evolution and patient preferences. We always avoid surgical treatment unless the keloid scars are very painful and have a long evolution. Through scar treatment in London we have achieved very satisfactory results.
Frequently asked questions about scars
We answer the most common questions about scar treatment: