Everything You Should Know About Scars

What is a Scar?

A scar, also known as scar tissue, is the fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after injury. It is a mark that is left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed. Some scars fade after some time, but they never completely disappear. A burn, injury, scratch, or other kinds of trauma on the skin can leave a scar on the body. 

In some parts of the body, the scar can be concealed easily. But when it forms on body parts like the face, neck, etc., it becomes difficult to hide them. Bothered by the scar’s appearance, many people seek treatment to conceal it or modify it to improve its appearance.

Why does scar form?

Scars form as a result of the biological wound repair process of the skin. It is a natural part of the healing process. When the skin gets injured, collagen is released to heal the skin and replace the damaged tissues. However, the fiber composition of collagen released in this manner is slightly different and inferior to the normal collagen alignment. That is why, as the wound heals and skin repairs, the original composition of the skin is not restored, which leaves a visible mark. 

Besides minor skin lesions, wounds from accidents, disease, or surgery often don’t heal completely and result in some degree of scarring.

Types of Scars

• Atrophic
• Keloid
• Hypertrophic
• Contracture

Causes of Scarring

• Scratches
• Injury
• Accident
• Surgery
• Disease
• Burns
• Skin issues like acne

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Symptoms

• Itchiness
• Tenderness
• Pain
• Dark skin
• Stretch marks
• Reduced range of motion

Scar Diagnosis

Self Diagnosis

The self-diagnosis of a scar is very easy. You will only have to keep an eye on the skin tissues as it heals from the injury. In the beginning, the skin will be dark, light, or pink compared to the surrounding tissues.

You may notice that the texture of the scarred skin is thicker than the rest of the body. In some cases, the scar may also cause pain and itching.

Diagnosis by Doctor

There are multiple criteria to diagnose a scar. At first, the doctor will physically examine the skin tissues. Based on the physical examination, the doctor will pick the most suitable assessment method to determine the severity and appropriate method of treatment.

The different assessment scales that are used for objective and subjective assessment of the scar involve- 

• Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) 
• Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) 
• Patient & Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)
• Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
• Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES)

One or more assessment methods may be utilized to accurately identify the scar and the best method to improve its appearance.

Tests Recommended

The doctor recommends the following tests for a complete assessment of the scar.

• High-resolution Ultrasound- This test is performed to classify the anisotropy (tissue stiffness) and hypertrophy (tissue thickness) of the scar using high-frequency sound waves. 
• Laser Doppler Flowmeter- This test is done to map out the vascularity of the scar, i.e., the presence of arteries and veins in the scar, with the help of ultrasound. 
• Optical Profilometry- It involves creating a 3-D map of the scar contours with the help of an array of the light beam.

Based on the result of the above test, a suitable technique of treatment is chosen.

Severity

The severity of the scar is assessed on the following basis-

• Anatomical location of the scar
• Symptoms like pain and itching
• Functional impairment of the damaged tissues
• Stigma or mental effect of the scar on the patient

The quantitative assessment of the scar is also done using different techniques to determine its severity.

How to prevent scar formation?

It is not always possible to prevent the formation of scars. If you get an injury and the skin tissue is damaged, a scar may start to develop. You can take some measures to make the scar less noticeable. 

Here are the things you should follow to prevent major scarring- 

• See a doctor, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon to get the scar examined and get care tips to reduce scarring as the wounded skin heals. Make sure that you follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. 
• Clean the wound properly and regularly with soap and water to prevent dirt, dust, or dried blood accumulation. 
• Keep the wound covered with a bandage to keep the germs out, and change the bandage frequently. 
• Use petroleum jelly or moist burn pads to keep the wound moist and hydrated, thereby preventing scab formation due to dryness in the skin. 
• Protect the skin from direct sunlight or UV rays. Always use sunscreen while going out and avoid prolonged exposure, as it can darken the damaged skin. 
• Get ample nutrition and eat foods that are rich in vitamins C and D. Also, get an adequate amount of high-quality protein to promote the healing of the scar.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Do you have specialized training in scar removal procedures?
• How many procedures have you performed?
• Why am I a good candidate for scar removal surgery?
• When and how will you perform the surgery?
• What are the potential risks and complications of the suggested treatment method?
• What will be done to reduce the risks during the surgery?
• Can you show before and after photos of the specific procedures so that I know what to expect from the procedure?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the results of the surgery?

Treatment options & Cost

All types of scars are composed of the same collagen, which is different from the normal tissues and also lacks elasticity. Based on the amount of collagen produced, the scars are classified into various types. The common types are- 

• Hypertrophic Scars- This type of scar arises when the body produces collagen in an excess amount. Due to this, the scar rises above the skin and appears as a lump. 
• Keloid Scars- This type of scar is a severe form of scarring and they can grow indefinitely large like benign tumors. They are distinct from hypertrophic scars by the lack of growth outside the original wound area. 
• Atrophic Scars- Also known as depressed scars, they often form as a result of diseases like chicken pox, acne, etc. They appear as small indentations on the skin. 
• Contracture Scars– This type of scar forms when the skin has been burned. After the burn, the tissues tighten, which also impairs the individual’s mobility. Moreover, these burns are deeper than other types of scars and also affect muscles and nerves.  
• Acne Scars– Even the acne that forms on the skin can sometimes leave scars. The scar may have deep pits to an angular or wavelike appearance.
• Stretch Marks- This type of scar appears when the skin (connective) tissues expand and shrink quickly. They often develop mainly due to weight gain or weight loss and occur mostly on the breasts, stomach, thighs, and upper arms.

Scar Removal Cost in India

On average, scar removal may cost you around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1,00,000. The exact cost will vary for each patient depending on the following factors- 

• The type of scar
• The severity of the scar, i.e., its size and location 
• Doctor’s and anesthetist’s fee 
• Method of scar removal 
• Hospitalization expense 
• Diagnostic tests before and after surgery 
• Post-surgery care and follow-ups 

Besides these above-mentioned factors, some other things, such as traveling costs, medications, bandages, etc., may also contribute to increasing the overall expense of scar removal treatment.

Insurance coverage

Treatment of various types of skin problems, including scars, is covered in health insurance policies. It is a common belief that dermatological issues are not covered under the base insurance policy. The exact amount of coverage you can get for a specific treatment might vary depending on your policy. Thus, it is always important to discuss the matter with your insurance provider.

Even at Pristyn Care, we accept all major health insurance for scar removal procedures. Moreover, we also assist our patients with the insurance approval and claim process.

Why Chosse Pristyncare for Scar Removal?

Get Optimal Treatment for Scars at Pristyn Care

At Pristyn Care, we provide treatment for all types of scars, including keloid scars, contracture scars, hypertrophic scars, acne scars, etc. We have the best team of plastic surgeons who have 10+ years of experience in treating scars.

The most appropriate method of treatment is chosen for the patient after a careful and precise evaluation of the scar. Our doctors leverage modern techniques to improve the appearance of the scar. In many cases, we use the skin grafting technique for scar revision or removal. To learn more about the treatment methods, you can give us a call. 

Benefits of Choosing Pristyn Care for Scar Removal

Pristyn Care is a patient-centric healthcare provider. Our services are inclined in such a way that benefits the patients in every aspect. The all-inclusive care ensures that every patient has a seamless experience with us. With us, you will get- 

• Optimal care at the best clinics and partner hospitals. 
• Highly experienced plastic surgeons skilled in skin grafting and other scar revision techniques. 
• Free pick and drop service on the day of surgery. 
• Flexible payment options, including cash, cheques, credit cards, debit cards, and insurance.
• No-Cost EMI service is provided to the patients to pay for the treatment in easy installments.  
• Assistance in the insurance approval and claim process. 
• Free post-surgery care, recovery guide, and follow-up consultations.

At every step of the journey, our representatives will stay in touch with you to provide complete assistance with every treatment-related formalities.