The formation of scars is caused by trauma to the skin. Under the area of trauma, healing cells called fibroblasts migrate to the site of the injury. These fibroblasts cover over the damaged area and form collagen, which is the building block of scar tissue. Normally, collagen fibers line up in a parallel fashion, forming a bridge across the wound. Over time this bridge of collagen tissue will contract and pull the edges of the wound tightly together, resulting in a scar that is flat and thin. In some cases too much scar tissue is produced or the collagen fibers lay down in disarray causing scars which are large, raised, reddish and in many cases even painful. These scars are referred to as keloid or hypertrophic scars.
Another very common type of scar comes after cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. breast reduction scars are a prime example. Breast reduction, a procedure to decrease breast size by removing fat and skin from the breasts is one of the top five reconstructive plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States. No, that’s not a misprint, I did say Breast Reduction. Sorry guys. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were approximately 106,179 breast reduction procedures reported in 2007 alone. Breast reduction scars are perhaps the biggest drawback to having this procedure performed. Degree of scarring may depend upon such factors as breast size, skin quality, and size of surgery performed. In some cases, scars may be wide, raised, reddened and painful (keloid or hypertrophic scars). A good surgeon will make every effort possible to conceal such scars and make them less noticeable, but realistically there is only so much that can be done, even by the best of surgeons.
Treatment for scars may include pressure dressing, cortisone injections, laser treatment and surgical removal. In the late 1980’s a treatment called silicone gel sheeting was developed. This treatment consists of a thick sheet of silicone with a sticky undersurface. It is applied to the scar with the sticky side down and worn for long periods of time. While this treatment is well established and effective, it has proven to be cumbersome. It can be difficult to keep on while sleeping and too visible to wear in public. In 1998 a topical silicone gel treatment called Scarfade was introduced. This product is applied like a cream. It is invisible once applied and can be covered with cosmetics or sunscreen. Scarfade has become one of the leading scar treatment products on the market. It is recommended by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and other medical professionals all over the world. It is extremely safe and easy to use. Simply massage a small amount of the gel onto the scar and wipe away the excess. Please feel free to browse our website for more information including scientific studies, pricing, etc. or