Can scars soften and flatten?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Scars are related to the size and depth of one’s own trauma, and some patients have a scar constitution, where even a small wound can leave a relatively large scar. Once a scar forms, it cannot be completely eradicated, but topical medications or local injections can be used to gradually soften and flatten or shrink the scar. However, this condition also has a certain recurrence rate, such as often consuming spicy and stimulating food, drinking alcohol, or when the body is inflamed, which can lead to the scar proliferating again. Therefore, this condition cannot be completely cured. After treatment, it is essential to avoid spicy and stimulating food for a long time, not to irritate or scratch the area, and to strengthen exercise according to one's immunity, and take some medications to enhance the immune system.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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What should I do if I have pain from hypertrophic scars?

Once an injury occurs, it is very likely to develop hypertrophic scars, and the appearance of such scars is related to the individual's constitution, often accompanied by symptoms such as pain. When this condition occurs, specific treatments are definitely needed for improvement, typically using laser surgery as the main treatment, or it can be removed at once through surgical operation, which helps improve the condition. Of course, hypertrophic scars can also be improved through some physical therapy methods, such as by adjusting in different degrees, like acupuncture, which can fade the scars by improving local blood circulation. However, physical therapy is just one aspect; consistent improvement in lifestyle habits to avoid recurrent stimulation of hypertrophic scars is also crucial for recovery.

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What are hypertrophic scars like?

Hypertrophic scars are actually directly related to a scar-prone constitution, and generally, when such scars occur, they are divided into several types. The first type is caused by regressive changes, and the outcomes in this situation are generally quite ideal. However, improvement in these cases usually needs to be tailored to the specific circumstances. If the issue with hypertrophic scars is more pronounced, it can be addressed with laser surgery to achieve effective treatment. Of course, it requires specific analysis; not every issue in this regard necessitates intervention, but it should be addressed promptly. Moreover, if a scar-prone constitution persists, it might have some direct impacts. Decisions on improvement can be made based on the specific size of the scar area.

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Can hypertrophic scars be effectively treated?

Hypertrophic scars are related to constitutional issues, generally directly associated with congenital genetic factors. Thus, while it is possible to improve the condition of hypertrophic scars, it is impossible to completely remove them, as altering such constitutional issues entirely is very challenging. When dealing with hypertrophic scars, one can choose various methods to alleviate the condition, such as improving local tissue vitality through massage, which can promote skin regeneration and thus mitigate the effects of hypertrophic scars. Additionally, treatments for hypertrophic scars can include laser surgery or the use of medications that invigorate blood circulation and disperse blood stasis. Importantly, preventing wounds and thus avoiding scar formation is crucial for optimal prevention. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor, and do not self-medicate).

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What should I do about hypertrophic scars?

Hypertrophic scar keloids are actually quite common in everyday life. Generally, this type of scarring can be divided into three stages: the proliferative phase, the stable phase, and the recovery phase. If care is not taken, the likelihood of developing such keloids increases. Moreover, the occurrence of hypertrophic scar keloids also relates to an individual's constitution. For instance, those with a scar-prone constitution are more likely to encounter this issue. When such issues arise, it is advisable to use some reparative ointments appropriately to help improve the condition. Additionally, combining massage techniques or localized stimulation methods can also assist in improvement, enabling better recovery. Over time, the scars should gradually fade. Of course, in such cases, methods like laser surgery or dermabrasion can also be used to help eliminate these scar-like keloids, potentially speeding up the recovery. (Please follow a doctor’s guidance for specific medication usage and avoid self-medicating.)

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How to eliminate hypertrophic scars?

For the elimination of hypertrophic scars, one can apply anti-scarring ointment to the surface early after surgery. If the patient indeed has a scarring constitution, at the end of the surgery, it is advisable to inject medications into the subcutaneous area or within the wound tissue to prevent excessive or abnormal scar proliferation. If necessary, radiotherapy can be applied; under the effect of X-rays, it can effectively prevent the abnormal proliferation of scar tissue and the abnormal and excessive growth of fibroblasts. If there is already hypertrophic scarring, one might consider excising the hypertrophied scar tissue and re-suturing the wound.