One of my favorite poet's words resonated with me when I was preparing to write this post:
"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."
-Khalil Gibran
In this sense, of life and human growth and evolution, the scarring seems inherent in the human experience. I will not argue that.
However, in the physical sense, after wounding, scars may be a reminder of trauma or unnecessary pain. While a scar is permanently declared at the time of wounding, the residual may be changed, modified, and improved. Particularly when the scar has become excessively thick (hypertrophic) or deformed outside its original boundaries (keloid), treatment may be beneficial and may help to heal some aspects of the wounding.
Below is a list of innovative therapies in the management of some of the most troublesome scars, keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Medications:
There are a number of medications that have been shown to have positive effect on improving the healing of scars. These include growth factors and immune-modulating drugs. Two such medications that are commonly used for other purposes may be helpful for improving scars:
Retinoids: This vitamin A derivative is often used in the management of facial wrinkles, but has been also shown to decrease scar size.
Botox (and similar neuromodulators): in reducing muscle pull (as it does for dynamic facial wrinkles), Botox may decrease the chance that a keloid may form. If you know that you have a tendency to form keloid scars, Botox may be a preventive option for you.
Homeopathy: these natural medicines will work with your body to reduce excess inflammation and improve the appearance of scars.
Other well known methods of managing scars include, but are not limited to:
Laser
Chemical peels
Dermabrasion
Injections: steroids or vitamins
Ointments
If you have bothersome scars, contact me to discuss your options or speak with your physician.
Stay Beautiful-- inside and out!