The majority of skin scars are either flat or indented, but there are also raised scars. Hypertrophic scars occur when the body produces too much collagen, resulting in excessive scar tissue. Hypertrophic scars can be uncomfortable and unattractive, especially when they occur in visible areas. At Eden Plastic Surgery Institute, we offer hypertrophic scar removal at our medical facility in Miami.
When the skin and underlying tissue are damaged, scar tissue is created to repair the injury. In hypertrophic scars, the collagen needed for creating the scar tissue is overproduced, resulting in excess tissue above the skin. The scar tissue remains within the borders of the injury (outside the borders is a keloid scar) to the skin, but rises higher than the surrounding surfaces. Hypertrophic scars can also be darker pigmented, red or brown in color.
Treatment for Hypertrophic Scarring
Most hypertrophic scars occur from a severe injury or surgical incision. The best treatment is prevention; patients are often recommended to use silicone sheets or compression to prevent hypertrophic scars from forming after surgery. Once a raised scar occurs, it does require medical treatment to remove. Some of the treatments that may be used for hypertrophic scar removal include:
- Laser skin treatments
- Dermabrasion/skin resurfacing
- Medications
- Steroid injections
- Revision surgery
In many cases, a combination of treatments may be needed to smooth a hypertrophic scar and improve the appearance of the skin. Whenever possible, minimally or non-invasive treatments are used, with scar revision plastic surgery as a last resort.
If you have a hypertrophic scar you want removed, contact us at Eden Plastic Surgery Institute to schedule a scar removal consultation with Dr. Ali Charafeddine, our board certified plastic surgeon. We offer advanced solutions for reducing the appearance of raised scars at our clinic in Miami.