TL;DR:
- Hypertrophic scars result from excessive collagen production during wound healing and are thick, convex, red/pink/purple, and can continue growing months after injury.
- Causes: Collagen overproduction, fibroblast/epithelial cell overgrowth, disrupted collagen alignment, genetic predisposition.
- Symptoms: Pain, itching, rough texture, excessive hair growth in the scar area, high recurrence rates after surgical removal.
- Treatments:
- Corticosteroid creams/injections to reduce inflammation.
- Laser therapy (fractional, color, or ablative lasers) to improve texture, tone, and elasticity.
- Micropuncture (microneedling): Stimulates collagen production via small skin punctures.
- Scar plasticity with expander: Gradual skin-stretching via implants followed by surgical correction.
- Consult specialists for individualized treatment based on scar type and skin conditions.
Hypertrophic scarring, also known as keloidal scarring, is characterized by excessive growth of scar tissue at the site of a previous wound or skin injury. It is a process in which the body produces too much collagen during wound healing, resulting in a thick and convex structure. Hypertrophic scars occur after various types of skin injuries, such as burns, fractures, or surgical cuts. In this article, we will take a closer look at the mechanisms of hypertrophic scars, their characteristic features, and methods of treatment and prevention.
Mechanisms of hypertrophic scar formation
The formation of a hypertrophic scar is a complex process that can be divided into several stages, which involve different stages of the body's response to skin damage:
- inflammatory phase – an immediate inflammatory response occurs after skin damage. Immune system cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, migrate to the area of damage to fight infection and remove dead cells,
- proliferative phase – fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production, migrate to the wound site. Fibroblasts start producing collagen, which is the main component of scar tissue,
- collagen overproduction – in the case of hypertrophic scar, there is an excessive accumulation of collagen. Fibroblasts produce it in excess, leading to a thick and stiff scar structure,
- uncontrollable cell growth – in hypertrophic scars, uncontrolled growth of fibroblasts and epithelial cells can occur. This excessive cell growth contributes to the convex nature of the scar,
- disrupted collagen alignment patterns – in healthy skin, collagen is organized into regular bundles. In hypertrophic scars, the collagen structure is chaotic, which contributes to the specific texture of the scar,
- Genetic factors – the tendency to form hypertrophic scars can be genetic, meaning that some people are more susceptible.
Understanding these mechanisms is important for effective treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars. This acts as a foundation for developing therapeutic strategies that can control the healing process and minimize the risk of excessive scarring.
Characteristics of hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars can be easily distinguished from other types of scars. First, they are usually convex and rise above the level of the surrounding skin, while they do not spread beyond the border of the original wound. They may be intensely red, pink or purple in color, which is due to the misalignment of blood vessels. They are also characterized by a specific texture, sometimes rough or fibrous. hypertrophic scar Unlike other scars, which stabilize after some time, hypertrophic scars can continue to grow even after many months have passed. They can sometimes be painful or cause an itching sensation. These symptoms are due to excessive tension in the area. Moreover, the hypertrophic scar area may be hairier than the surrounding skin due to excessive growth of hair follicles. **Hypertrophic scars tend to reappear even after surgical removal. While there are various methods of removal, they often require effective management of the healing process to minimize the risk of scar recurrence.
How to get rid of hypertrophic scars?
While removing hypertrophic scars can be a challenge, aesthetic medicine offers various treatments that can help reduce them. Before taking any action, it is necessary to consult with an experienced and qualified specialist to tailor the treatment to individual needs and skin conditions. At the OT.CO Clinic, we offer a variety of treatments to reduce and remove scars of various origins. The least invasive is for the doctor to order ointments or creams containing corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation and stimulate the skin's healing process. They can also be administered directly to the scar area by injection.
Removing scars with a laser.
Laser is used to remove or reduce hypertrophic scars by stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity. Laser skin resurfacing treatment involves an innovative procedure designed to even out skin tone, eliminate bumps and improve overall skin condition. This advanced procedure helps improve blood circulation in the skin and stimulates the production of collagen, an important protein that effectively counteracts skin aging. This results in a more even skin tone and a reduction in visible signs of aging, improving the overall texture and elasticity of the skin.
Laser scar removal is an advanced technique that uses laser light to improve the appearance of scars on the skin. There are several different types of lasers, each of which can be tailored to a specific type of scar. For example, fractional laser works on small areas of skin, leaving intact the areas between the laser action points. It helps regenerate skin tissue. The color laser is focused on reducing the redness of scars, used especially for acne scars. The ablative laser, on the other hand, removes layers of skin, accelerating the healing process and scar reduction.
Micropuncture for scars
Micropuncture of scars, also known as microneedling, is an aesthetic medicine procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the skin by stimulating natural regenerative processes. The procedure can be effective in reducing scars, including hypertrophic scars and acne scars. During the procedure, a specialized device with micro-needles is used to make small punctures on the surface of the skin. These stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, leading to improved skin texture.
Micropuncture can be used to reduce acne scars, surgical scars, hypertrophic scars and other skin irregularities. It can also be used to remove fine lines and wrinkles. To achieve the best results, a series of treatments is usually recommended, which are performed at intervals.
Scar plasticity with expander.
Scar plasticity with expander is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of scars, especially hypertrophic scars or keloids. An expander is an elastic implant, usually filled with saline, that is placed under the skin in the scar area. The procedure is designed to stretch the skin around the scar area, allowing for more healthy skin and minimizing the appearance of the scar.
During the first phase of the procedure, an expander is placed under the skin in the scar area. Then, over the course of several weeks or months, the expander is gradually filled with saline through a special valve. This causes the skin around the scar area to stretch and prepares the area for the actual removal of the scar. Once enough additional skin is reached, the expander is removed and the scar is surgically corrected. A short recovery may be required after expander removal, and the skin may need time to fully heal. Individualized approach Remember that the effectiveness of different methods may vary depending on the type of scar and individual skin characteristics. It is always important to consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to get the right advice and plan the appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Hypertrophic scars result from excess collagen during healing, creating thick, raised marks. These scars can be challenging to treat but are manageable with proper care. Understanding their formation and features is key to choosing the correct solution. Treatments like lasers, microneedling, and surgical techniques can greatly improve scar appearance when tailored to specific needs. Prevention, aided by early intervention and expert guidance, is just as crucial. With advances in aesthetic medicine, minimizing hypertrophic scars is entirely achievable, but seeking professional advice ensures the best results. Take charge of your skin and trust the proven methods available today.
