Scarring can be a mark or discolouration or a change in tissue texture due to wound repair in the skin. Scars can result from accidents, diseases, skin conditions (such as acne), or surgery. As a scar matures its appearance changes, typically becoming paler with time.
Scars form when the dermis (deep, thick layer of skin) is damaged. The body forms new collagen fibres (a naturally occurring protein in the body) to mend the damage, resulting in a scar. However, the fibre composition of collagen in scar tissue is different compared to the collagen found in the normal tissue so the scar tissue appears different from surrounding healthy tissue.
Macular scars are flat hyperpigmented or hypopigmented marks (darker or lighter areas compared to surrounding skin).
Hypertrophic scars are scars that are raised above the surrounding issue. Keloid scars are when the scar grows beyond the wound and onto healthy tissue.
Atrophic scars are sunken and pitted in relation to surrounding tissue – i.e. scarring from acne.
Stretch marks occur when the skin is rapidly stretched. They appear as narrow lines on the surface of the skin. Pregnancy, growth during puberty, and rapid weight gain can all cause stretch marks.
Our clinic offers a variety of treatment options to address the appearance of scars. These include: chemical peels, microdermabrasion, steroid injections for hypertrophic and keloid scars and microneedling, Platelet Rich Plasma, dermal fillers and fat injections (for pitted scars). For some clients subcision can be effective. Some of these treatment options can be combined for optimal results.