Scarring
Scarring is the inevitable consequence of damage to the skin. Unfortunately scarless healing does not exist.
The extent of scarring and quality of wound healing is dependent upon a number of factors. Skin type often affects the quality of healing. Darker skin types have a tendency to form darker scars and suffer from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They also have an increased tendency to develop hypertrophic scarring (raised scars). In Afro-Caribbean and Asian skin types keloid scars (raised scars that extend beyond the site of injury) are a problem.
Wounds that are subject to infection or chronic inflammation can also result in the formation of displeasing scarring especially in conditions such as acne. Certain regions of the body tend to scar less and heal faster than others. The face tends to heal quickly but is the most visible part of the body. Hypertrophic and keloid scars tend to develop over the back, chest and torso more so than the face. Scars need to be stable with no evidence of inflammation or infection before any treatment can be effective in the improvement of their appearance.
What sort of scars are associated with acne?
Acne is an extremely common condition affecting almost 80% of adults below the age of 25 years. Once resolved many are left with unsightly scarring. Acne scars can be classified into ice pick scars, rolling scars or boxcars. The deeper the sky the more difficult it can be to treat. Multiple treatment options are available and the best results are achieved with a combination of these.
What treatment options are available for acne scars?
Micro needling in combination with platelet rich plasma has been shown to have positive effects on acne scarring. A series of 3 to 4 sessions are needed and the risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in susceptible individuals is very low. Skin texture can be affected by rolling scars and boxcars and often a levelling procedure is required. The three-step peel, and in more severe cases, a controlled depth blue can help with this. However it is important to remember that for chemical peels, particularly deep chemical peels, it is very important that the skin is prepared well through the use of a ZO skincare regime lasting at least 6 to 18 weeks. Dermal fillers can be used to fill up individual scars of relatively substantial depth. Good results can be achieved but further sessions are required in 8 to 12 months due to reabsorption of hyaluronic acid filler.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SCARRING
PRICE
Chemical Peels:
Obagi Blue Peel Radiance
ZO Three Step Peel
£100.00
£350.00
J Plasma Face
From £2000.00
Platelet Rich Plasma
(includes microneedling)
£295.00
Nano Fat Facial
From £1250.00
ZO Skin Care
POA
Rejuvence Philosophy
At Rejuvence we understand the psychological distress that scars, particularly those on the face, can have on self esteem and confidence. We have experience and a thorough understanding of different types of scarring and what treatments work best. Using an evidence based approach we always strive to develop bespoke treatment plans to provide realistic improvements in appearance.
This is the result of increased pigmentation at the site of a previous injury to the skin following healing. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be treated with a combination of bleaching and blending with hydroquinone and tretinoin. Depending upon the depth of the hyperpigmentation chemical peels including the 3-step peel and controlled depth blue peel can be used to improve hyperpigmentation following a period of stabilisation of skin health with a good skin care regime. Chemical peels can also help to improve skin texture and tightening of the skin.
Stable scars over regions of lacerations or following surgery are amenable to improvement with a number of treatment options. Any element of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be treated with bleaching products containing hydroquinone and, if need be, blending with a combination of hydroquinone and tretinoin. Scars can be improved by reactivating the healing process using micro needling. Injection of platelet rich plasma into scars have demonstrated improvements in scar appearance following 3 to 4 sessions over a period of 3 to 4 months. Stem cell treatments can provide even better results. In some cases however, excision of the scar with closure is necessary. This is normally limited to large substantial scars. A combination approach will yield the best results.
J Plasma, also known as Renuvion, is a revolutionary new treatment only available at Rejuvence Clinic. We are the first clinic in the UK to provide J Plasma. J Plasma uses cold helium and can provide incredible facial resurfacing results. This technology was first introduced in the US and many prominent cosmetic doctors have found it can give great results, especially for acne scarring. However, it is a big undertaking and the skin needs to be prepared well and needs a number of sessions of Dermalux LED therapy as well as PRP and Stem Cell treatments afterwards. But great results are possible and it compares very favourably with more expensive Fraxel CO2 Laser treatments. For further details please contact us for a consultation.
