SKIN DEEP

SKIN DEEP

Our body is a miraculous and intelligent machine. Every day it seamlessly communicates with the complex internal systems within it to protect us from infection, to self-regulate and to self-heal.  When our body naturally fights to repair damage to the dermis (the middle and thickest layer of skin) a scar is often formed during the healing process. Some parts of our body are prone to scarring more than others and the composition of scars varies greatly from Hypertrophic and Keloid, raised scarring caused following trauma to the skin such as surgery or burns, to pitted and recessed scars caused by severe acne or chicken pox to the silvery, purple lines of stretch marks. Although they never entirely disappear, many fade over time until they are barely noticeable, but sometimes we can be left with a permanent mark that can cause distress and affect self-esteem.

Nowadays there are many ways to reduce the appearance scars and make them less noticeable. In order to get the most effective results it is important to realise treatment depends on specific characteristics including scar type, size and location.

RF Microneedling
RF Microneedling is the latest technology that combines the advantages of both radiofrequency and microneedling therapy. Performed under topical anaesthesia, this clever device works by puncturing the surface of the skin with microscopic needles to create hundreds of infinitesimal wounds. A ray of heat is then transmitted to the deep dermis and radiofrequency energy is released inside the skin causing further damage. Our body’s natural healing response to this is to stimulate the production of collagen and regenerate a healthier, smoother surface to the skin. Good for acne scars, burn scars, surgery scars and stretch marks.

Dermal Roller
The Dermal Roller works in a very similar way to microneedling (without the heat), whereby hundred of tiny dermal injuries are created and our body naturally responds to this. This is a particularly effective treatment for stretch marks when combined with prescription product Tretinoin. Tretinoin increases the turnover of skin cells improving natural exfoliation and the removal of dead skin to reveal a renewed, more even layer of skin and therefore more noticeable results from the dermal roller.

Steroid Injections
A hypertrophic or keloid scar is typically elevated, red or dark in colour and of a thickish consistency. They are the consequence of the body’s natural immune response and the over-production of collagen and can often be itchy or cause discomfort.  Scar revision with a steroid injection aim to minimise the scar so that it is more consistent with the surrounding skin. The injection is administered directly into the scar to make it softer, flatter and whiter in colour, it can also improve symptoms such irritation. For optimal results several sessions are often required over a recommended period.

Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are most commonly associated with restoring lost volume and adding definition to the face. Made of Hyaluronic acid, (a substance already present in our body) their job is to smooth fine lines and fill hollow areas such as the tear trough. They are also an effective treatment for improving the appearance of depressed scars particularly those left behind by acne, chicken pox or surgery. When Dermal Filler is injected into a recessed scar it adds volume and lifts the skin ensuring a more even texture in line with the rest of the skin’s surface. Results are instant, with little downtime, and last for 12-18 months dependent on the location of scar.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing
The Fractional CO2 laser is state-of-the-art piece of equipment used for skin resurfacing and to treat different skin conditions from deeper wrinkles to pigmentation and scarring. It can be used on delicate skin such as eyelids and around the mouth and is effective for acne scarring as well as surgical or traumatic scars. It works by transmitting laser beams onto the body which removes tiny fractions of skin to create microscopic channels in the tissue. The skin repairs the tiny shafts by pushing out damaged skin and generating an entirely new layer of epidermal (surface layer of skin) as well as tightening the dermal tissue. It has very successful and long-lasting results.  A course of treatment is recommended particularly for heavy acne scarring, but results are visible after one session.

Some people wear their scars as a badge of honour – they tell a story, but for others they are a source to be covered up.  If you have a scar which causes you concern book a consultation with one of our experienced practitioners and find out how we can help you.