Your doctor has referred you to a skin therapist for scar therapy. This brochure explains the development and treatment options for improving scars.HOW DO SCARS FORM?Scars can develop after a skin injury caused by surgery, an accident, or a skin disease. Wound healing occurs after the injury. A wound heals in three phases.
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The inflammatory phase lasts one to four days from the time the wound first appears. During this phase, the body cleanses the wound and the actual wound healing process begins, producing scar tissue and collagen fibers. |
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The regeneration phase lasts from the fourth to the twenty-first day. Blood vessels, collagen fibers, lymphatic vessels, and nerves begin to repair themselves during this phase. |
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The maturation phase begins on the twenty-first day and can last a year (or longer). During this phase, a balance is established between the production and breakdown of collagen fibers. The scar becomes less red, more shallow, and more supple. |
Usually, a skin injury heals well. A "normal" scar will develop, forming a thin, white line. When wound healing is disrupted, problems can arise, and the scar may not heal properly. Wound healing disruptions can have various causes, such as infection, poor overall skin condition, or poor blood flow to the wound area. Furthermore, wounds in some areas of the body are difficult to heal.WHAT TYPES OF SCARS ARE THERE?We distinguish several different types of scars:
Atrophic scars
: With atrophic scars, the skin beneath the scar has decreased. The scar is often very thin and retracted.
Hypertrophic scars:
Hypertrophic scars are wide, pink, or darkly pigmented scars. With a hypertrophic scar, too much collagen tissue has formed. A hypertrophic scar lies above the skin.
Keloidal scars:
Keloidal scars are similar to hypertrophic scars, but they grow beyond the boundaries of the wound area. Keloidal scars often develop after trauma and are more common in people with darker skin.
Adherent scars:
These scars are difficult or impossible to move or lift because they are adhered to the underlying layer, muscles, or bone. There are several reasons why a scar becomes adhered. An adhered scar can develop due to inflammation during wound healing or because the wound could not close properly due to stretching of the skin. Limited movement is a common complaint with an adhered scar.
Acne scars:
When acne heals, it can leave scars. These scars can be atrophic (a dip in the skin) or pigmented (dark spots).TREATMENTThe skin therapist can treat problems that can arise with a scar, such as edema (fluid retention), thickening, adhesions, hardening, hypertrophy (collagen buildup), redness, pain, itching, discoloration, poor circulation, and restricted movement. In addition, the scars can be perceived as cosmetically unsightly. Depending on your needs and the skin therapy examination of the scar, we will discuss the options during your first visit and develop a treatment plan in consultation with you.
The following treatments are possible:
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scar massage |
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movement exercises |
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camouflage therapy |
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application of peels |
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skin care |
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silicone therapy |
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medical tattoo |
COSTS AND REIMBURSEMENTS OF SCAR THERAPYFor treatment prices, please see the quote. You must pay the treatment costs after each treatment. The skin therapist's fees may be (partially) covered by your supplementary health insurance package. Reimbursements for treatments by a skin therapist vary, depending on the treatment and your insurance policy. Please check with your insurer for more information. |
