There are many different types of scars that we can get on our bodies e.g. :

• Post Inflammatory Hyper pigmentation (PIH)
• Flat Scars
• Keloids
• Contracture Scars
• Hyperthrophic Scars
• Acne Scars
• Surgical Scars

When you see a scar, it represents the last step of how the body is trying to heal itself after it was damaged. The damage can be caused by many different occasions such as burns, skin conditions, accidents, surgery, trauma and even acne! Some people are much more prone to scarring, specifically Keloids, and therefore will form Keloidal Scarring even after the slightest trauma to the skin e.g. a skin piercing.

Once the body has gone through any of the above mentioned trauma, it will undergo the scarring process. The scarring process is part of the wound healing method of our bodies. First the body needs to control any bleeding and it seals the wound. This will prevent bacteria to enter the wound and cause infection. Once the wound is sealed, collagen will jump into action to do the real repair and closing of the wound.

Even though it does not look like it from the outside, scars can take over a year to heal completely. New or fresh scars can be identified by its red appearance during the first three months. This is just one of the first steps of the healing process. Scars can heal almost 100% or it can go the completely other way and appear extremely thick, we call this a Keloid. Keloids generally grow beyond the edges of the actual scar. A Hypertrophic Scar will also be raised, however it will not grow beyond the scar borders.

At Dermology we treat all scars specific to its symptoms, taking colour, size and texture in mind. Additional treatment will include “taping” the scar (if fresh) to avoid further thickening of the tissue. Another method we like to combine with certain scars is a Cortisone Injection. This can be done the same time as the Laser procedures.

Once a Keloid formed, surgical excision is general the last option. As any cut to the skin is more than likely to end in a Keloid. Therefore Laser Procedures have become the more effective method of treatment for Keloids.