Dermatology

Dermatological scar treatments – making scars invisible

Injuries, burns, accidents: Numerous events can lead to permanent scars on the body. And the people affected often feel uncomfortable with their scars. However, it is not only visual factors that can make scars a disturbing factor. Scars often burn and itch or even restrict freedom of movement.

There are remedies for many forms of scarring. Personalised advice is very important here. Only after a detailed anamnesis can the treating specialist make the right diagnosis and therapy for the scars. At the ETHIANUM, we take an interdisciplinary approach to the treatment and correction of scars. Our experts from the field of plastic and aesthetic surgery are on hand to assist you, as are the specialists from our dermatology department. Depending on the shape and depth of the scar or the cause of the scar, it can be treated surgically or dermatologically. Thanks to the interdisciplinary collaboration between our top doctors, we can guarantee you top-class medicine to ensure that your scar correction is carried out in the best possible way.

Dermatology

Dermatological methods for scar correction

Dermabrasion – scar removal

During dermabrasion, the top layer of skin in the area of the scars is removed under sterile conditions in a controlled manner. The regenerative activity of the skin cells results in a smoother skin surface. Depending on the depth of the scars, the surgical procedure is performed under light or general anaesthesia. The method is suitable for raised and sunken or flat scars. The wound is covered with gauze for one to two days after the treatment. UV light should be avoided for some time and a cream with a high sun protection factor should be applied.

Compression therapy – with pressure against the scars

In compression therapy, specially made bandages and garments are applied in such a way that they exert constant light pressure on the scar tissue. The restricted blood flow slows down the metabolism in the scar tissue. This causes it to regress. Compression therapy is lengthy and can last for months or even years. It is particularly suitable for large scars, such as after burns. Compression therapy can also be used as a preventative measure if people have a genetic tendency to form bulging scars or keloids.

Medication against scars – hormones against proliferating tissue

The use of medication can be particularly successful if the formation of proliferating tissue or hypertrophic scars and keloids is to be avoided. In drug therapy against scarring, the active ingredients can be infiltrated, injected or applied.

Laser procedures – for lighter and softer scars

Laser and light therapies are particularly helpful for hypertrophic or extensive scars. The scars are removed to create a smoother, more even skin texture. The laser beam destroys the first layer of skin. After a few minutes, a scab forms on the treated area, which later peels off. Defective scar tissue is replaced by healthy tissue. Following the laser treatment, the skin must be intensively protected from UV radiation for some time.

Hyaluronic acid and autologous fat filler for sunken scars

Sunken scars can be filled in again. Hyaluronic acid or fatty tissue is particularly suitable for this. This is taken from an inconspicuous area of the body. The sunken scar is raised to skin level by injecting the hyaluronic acid. Once the scar is anchored, it can be released. It can then be relined with the body’s own fatty tissue. The relining creates a flat, less conspicuous scar.

OUR DOCTORS

THE SPECIALIST FOR DERMATOLOGY AND AESTHETIC MEDICINE

Amira Ballout is the head dermatologist at the ETHIANUM. Get to know this dedicated and friendly specialist.