Specific scar treatment
With the advancement of science, the range of possibilities in scar treatment therapy is constantly growing. It is very important to know that it is never too late to start scar treatment!
Functional improvement is possible at any time following the injury. We can effectively treat scars resulting from various injuries, surgeries, and plastic surgeries, whether they are scars formed due to surgery following a traumatic injury, C-section scars, scars from abdominal surgeries, or even scarring after breast augmentation.
What exactly is a scar?
A scar is a collagen-rich replacement tissue formed to replace destroyed tissues. It develops as a result of injuries or surgeries when the original tissue is no longer capable of self-reproduction. The scar tissue formed at the site of injury loses its original functions; it contains no skin pigment, so it will not tan, has no sweat or sebaceous glands, and no hair or nails grow on it. Not only skin scars exist; injuries to muscles, tendons, joint capsules, and organs also heal with scarring.
During wound healing, a significant amount of collagen is produced, whose task is to stabilize the injured area. A scar is an unstable tissue that constantly searches for a fixed point and, once found, pulls itself towards it. This can lead to tissue adhesions, which can cause musculoskeletal problems, and even internal organ issues.
Scars affecting the musculoskeletal system can restrict joint range of motion and disrupt muscle balance. Scarring affecting internal organs can cause numerous complaints; we might not even realize it, but an intestinal scar following the removal of a bowel segment can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and even make hip joint flexion painful.
Statistics show that in 60-70% of cases, symptoms develop within eighteen months of scar formation!
The so-called skin scar on the surface of the skin is merely “the tip of the iceberg.” Thus, even a beautifully healed scar can be lumpy and problematic beneath the surface, while an unsightly, defectively scarred wound can even be problem-free.
For scar treatment, it is important to be aware of the scar’s tensile strength, which is 3% at 1 week, 30% at 3 weeks, and 80% at 12 weeks. Accordingly, different forces can be applied during manual treatments.
The basis of scar treatment is the scarring defect
A scarring defect, i.e., pathological scar formation, occurs when the scarring process is locally or systemically impaired. Local causes include circulatory disorders and infection. Systemic causes include internal medical conditions, individual genetic predisposition to defect formation, and dietary habits. Four scarring defects are known, the recognition of which forms one of the foundations of scar treatment.
1. Hypertrophic scar
Characterized by nodular scar formation, it is red, highly vascularized, itchy, and elevated above the skin level, but does not extend beyond the scar line. It often develops after scalds and burns. The balance between collagen synthesis and breakdown is disrupted. It has a spontaneous regression tendency of 36 months! So, it can spontaneously fade and thin within 3 years.
2. Keloid scar
A thickened, elevated benign tissue proliferation that extends beyond the original injury site, spreading onto the surrounding healthy tissues. It is itchy, painful, and has no tendency for spontaneous regression. It develops in young, dark-haired women: on the chest, back, and shoulder areas.
3. Contracture scar
Characterized by a funnel-shaped depression. It develops after secondary wound healing processes, e.g., when the surgical area had to be reopened due to infection. Most common after abdominal surgeries at drain sites, suture sites, after burns, and at the sites of acne or piercings.
4. Atrophic scar
Too little collagen is produced at the injury site. A depression is visible on the skin. Common manifestations include the site of a BCG vaccination and acne scars.
Forms of Scar Treatment
There are two forms of scar treatment: manual and non-manual therapies. The form of treatment is always determined by the scar treatment specialist after a thorough examination and is tailored to the individual. An individually effective scar treatment can even be developed by combining manual and non-manual treatment forms.
Manual scar treatment forms
An extremely effective treatment method that aims to release tissue adhesions, which are the root cause of symptoms. It is important that the patient must maintain the results achieved during scar treatment with regular self-treatment and perform mobilization training: e.g., fascia training, yoga. Excellent results can be achieved with the FDM technique among soft tissue manual therapies.
Non-manual scar treatment options
The essence of non-manual scar treatment is to achieve the release of adhesions using some kind of auxiliary device. Such scar treatment methods include flossing, cupping, the use of SMR tools, kinesio tape, cross tape, brush massage, the Penczel stick, and the dermaroller. The techniques recommended by the scar treatment specialist are learned and practiced by the patient during treatments, so they can later perform self-treatment.
How is scar treatment performed at BMM?
We welcome our patients for scar treatment consultation and therapy by appointment, without waiting. The first session involves a thorough assessment and examination conducted by our qualified therapist. The first step is to review and discuss medical documents related to the injury or surgery that led to the scar formation. Please bring all relevant medical documents and discharge summaries to the first consultation!
Following the anamnesis, a detailed examination follows: we manually and visually map the scar, its appearance, mobility, and identify any functional impairments. After the examination, our therapist provides information about the findings and establishes a personalized treatment plan.
Scar treatment requires multiple therapy sessions, during which the scar’s healing is achieved individually with specific methods. It is important that the patient regularly applies the self-treatment techniques taught by the scar treatment therapist at home, between guided treatment sessions.
The duration of scar treatment always depends on the scar: its depth, the type of scarring defect, and the severity of deviations and adhesions largely determine it. However, with appropriate scar treatment, problematic issues causing discomfort can be excellently resolved!
Scar treatment methods available at our private outpatient clinic
- Fascia treatment: a therapeutic method for treating changes in the connective tissue enveloping muscles and organs, i.e., the fascia
- FDM therapy: special therapeutic techniques aimed at treating changes in the muscle fascia
- Scar massage: a manual scar treatment method using special massage techniques
- Cupping: with this technique, adhered layers of the muscle fascia can be separated
- Flossing therapy: stimulation of muscles, joints, and subcutaneous tissues by elastic resistance bands. It effectively helps move adhered tissues, thereby capable of releasing adhesions
- SMR therapies: SMR is a special therapeutic tool suitable for self-massage, and for releasing muscle tension and adhesions. By applying exercises taught by the therapist, quickly noticeable results can be achieved
- Soft laser treatment: through biostimulation, the laser beam initiates and stimulates healing and cell regeneration, enhancing blood and lymphatic circulation in the treated area. It is a scar treatment method used to relieve pain and itching, and to reduce inflammation. It does not treat adhesions on its own
- Ultrasound therapeutic scar treatment
- Kinesio or cross tape application
- Scar treatment stick application
Other non-manual scar treatment options
A scarring defect, i.e., pathological scar formation, occurs when the scarring process is locally or systemically impaired. Local causes include circulatory disorders and infection. Systemic causes include internal medical conditions, individual genetic predisposition to defect formation, and dietary habits. Four scarring defects are known, the recognition of which forms one of the foundations of scar treatment.
1. Corticosteroid injection
Local injectable scar treatment that chemically dissolves tissue adhesions. It can achieve a reduction in the height of the treated scar.
2. Cryotherapy
Also known as cold therapy, after which the scar becomes flatter and softer, but it cannot dissolve tissue adhesions.
3. X-ray irradiation
In cases of keloid scarring defects, its application should be considered after corrective surgery. This therapy should only be performed based on a specialist’s recommendation.
4. Scar release surgeries
In many cases, it can provide a solution, but corrective surgery also heals with scarring. Scar treatment is necessary even after corrective surgery.
5. Creams
In many cases, external treatment of the scar with a cream containing allantoin, urea, or heparin is recommended. These can lighten the scar and reduce itching, but they do not affect underlying adhesions.
6. Aromatherapy
High vitamin E-containing, elasticizing oils can be applied externally, e.g., wheat germ oil, shea butter, calendula oil. Regenerating oils: macadamia nut oil, argan oil. Tissue-regenerating oils: evening primrose oil, wild rose oil. It is advisable to apply these to damp skin or spray the affected area with aromatic water.
Our physiotherapists
Tímea Szentpétery
Physiotherapist
Dorottya Sándor
Physiotherapist
Krisztina Tatai
Physiotherapist
Rita Major
Physiotherapist
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