Surgical scar treatment

Surgical scars form when the skin has been penetrated by a surgical instrument such as a scalpel. This can occur irrespective of what part of the body is being operated on.

Scarring can occur irrespective of the type of operation or the skill level of the surgeon.

Some people are more prone to scarring than others for a variety of reasons, some of which are beyond their control. But scars can be distressing to the sufferer who feels self-conscious about their appearance and experiences a drop in their self-esteem as a result.

Can anything be done about this? One answer is dermaroller.

What is a scar?

A scar is the body’s response to a wound, graze or incision in the skin. The skin responds to this by a clever means of repair in which it produces collagen and elastin to bind the wound or incision together. But even though this is a normal process it usually results in some form of scarring.

There are three types of scar:

• Atrophic: pitted, sunken type of scar, e.g. acne
• Hypertrophic: thickened, raised red scar, e.g. surgery
• Stretch marks: scar which occurs when the skin is put under too much tension, e.g. pregnancy.

Hypertrophic scars –also known as ‘keloid scars’are caused by surgery.

We have mentioned that there are people who are more at risk of scarring than others. This is due to a variety of factors which includes age, ethnicity, genetics and the extent of the incision during surgery. Plus there is the fact that certain people have the ability to heal quickly and with little scarring due to their genes. There is not much you can do about that.

But the good news is if you have scars caused by surgery then there is treatment available. This includes dermaroller.

Can dermaroller be used on any type of scar?

The answer is no. Dermaroller is suitable for atrophic scars but is not recommended for hypertrophic ‘keloid’ scars and other types of raised scars.

It is effective at treating stretch marks.

Most scars are fine for this treatment but if you are using a home based dermaroller then check with the supplier/manufacturer before making a purchase.

If you are thinking of having professional treatment at a private clinic then ask the dermaroller practitioner for advice. He or she will decide if your scars are suitable or not for dermaroller.

Treating surgical scars with dermaroller

The advantage of dermaroller is that it does not cause any skin damage which is reassuring if you are concerned that this treatment may worsen your scarring.

Its aim is to naturally stimulate your skin into growing collagen as a repair mechanism which will also reduce your scar/s.

The treatment involves the use of a plastic (or wood) roller which looks similar to a barrel with attached micro-needles. There are 192 of these needles which puncture the skin but do not cause any pain or bleeding.

The roller is moved up and down the scar tissue in a series of rhythmical strokes which has the effect of opening the pores of the skin. These pores remain open for up to an hour which means that they are at their most receptive to the application of moisturising creams or lotions.

Maximum absorption is guaranteed during this hour which boosts the healing process. This is particularly useful if you have been prescribed any anti-scar cream as it will enhance their effectiveness.

Your skin will start the repair and rejuvenation process. But the one difference between this and normal skin healing is that this cosmetic procedure will extend this process until otherwise directed.

Results from treating surgical scars with dermaroller

If this treatment is used on a sustained basis then the results will appear quite quickly. You may notice a reduction in your scar/s within a couple of weeks or so but it all depends upon the extent of your scarring.

Generally, the deeper and/or thicker the scar the longer it will take to heal.

You need to have realistic expectations regarding this treatment: It is unlikely that it will completely remove your scar/s but it will make a noticeable difference. Any scars you have will be reduced in size to the extent that they can hardly be seen.

The one exception is with minor scars which often disappear when treated with dermaroller.

Regular treatment can mean improved skin which maintains this state for several months.