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August 6, 2018

[By Joanna Liew]

Our skin is a seamless organ much like a piece of silk protecting the valuable assets wrapped within. Just like how a small tear or run in the fabric can make a big difference to how it looks, the same goes for our skin with scars. We all have them. Some give us character and perfect ice-breaking stories we’ll never forget, and then there are those we see as nothing more than pesky imperfections we’d rather do without. Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after an injury sustained and its appearance and treatment depend on multiple factors such as the depth and size of the initial wound, the location of the injury, age, sex, ethnicity and genetics. Although scars may never quite go away, there are certainly methods that can help reduce their size or make them appear less prominent. From home remedy to state of the art medical technology, let us count the ways.

Best home remedy for scars

If you stroll down the aisles of any drugstore, there’s no shortage of lotions, creams, and other products that claim to reduce a scar’s appearance, yet many lack evidence to back up their claims. Of all the home remedies for scars, silicone may have the most evidence that it works.A number of scientific studies over the past 20 years have confirmed that applying silicone sheeting or gel can gradually improve a scar’s appearance, working exceptionally well against hypertrophic and keloid scars, both as a preventive measure and to treat them.

“It is important to apply the silicone adhesive for most part of the day for 6 to 8 weeks in order for them to work.” Explains Dr. Chia Hui Ling, consultant plastic surgeon with the SW1 Clinic. “Having healthy skin and a good immune system contribute immensely to skin healing, hence a good dietary intake of high quality protein, abstinence from cigarette smoking and sun protection all go a long way to heal scars in a favorable fashion.”

Best natural remedy for scars

Throughout history, native healers have recognized that wounds heal faster if a patient is transported from thin mountain air to a richer atmosphere (Eg: a low-lying valley). Notably, the former Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX spent most of his twilight years residing in the summer palace in Hua Hin, in no small part due to her geographical advantage over the capital city. Wound healing consists of a series of physiologic events that occur in response to tissue damage, and many of the vital processes of wound healing are oxygen dependent. Scientific studies done has proven that one of the best things that can be done to speed up recovery time is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). It is a safe way to alter the inflammatory process to help wound healing, cutting down pain, swelling and tissue inflammation with an overall anti-bacterial effect.

Cosmetic surgeons are recommending hyperbaric oxygen particularly for patients who have problems with healing— smokers, those overweight or with suppressed immunity. Likewise, oxygen also works wonders to revive the lackluster complexions of smokers and urban dwellers dealing with environmental pollutants. Harnessing the healing prowess of oxygen, O2 Blush is an oxygen-enriched hybrid facial that saturates the skin with pure, high concentration oxygen, bestowing the recipient with healthy nude skin blushing with confidence for days after. Suffusing skin with vital O2 via three forms of oxygenated therapies which includes an oxygenating detox pre-mask, an oxygen wrap and a full face Oxy Shot therapy leaves skin with a gorgeous, supermodel glow, it’s like a breath of fresh air for your face – literally.

Best skin healing discovery

The latest skin healing, anti-aging treatment that’s taking the medical aesthetics world by storm is Rejuran, a rejuvenating skin treatment made of biological molecules called polynucleotides (PN) and polydeoxyribonucleotides PDRN extracted from salmon germ cells.A study published in March 2010 to investigate the effect of rubbing salmon DNA on human skin showed a significant improvement in skin elasticity, texture and hydration just by this simple action alone. The added salmon PN/PDRN supplements the action of our innate source of PN/PDRN, increasing the metabolic activity of cells in the skin called fibro blasts to behave in a younger manner and start producing collagen again.Initially, PDRN was also one of the key ingredients used for clinical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and other skin injury such as burns. As PDRN evolved, new uses were found for this exceptional skin healing agent. Conditions that required an activation of wound-healing processes such as depressed scars are getting good reviews from its use.

Best healing laser for red scars

During wound healing, there’s neovascularization or an increased in blood vessels to bring nutrients to nourish and repair the site of injury. When new blood vessels are created, you end up with greater than usual blood flow to the healing area and it’ll appear red.This red discoloration usually fade with time as the wound heal but this is not always the case, with some individuals ending up with unsightly looking scars. The same go for red acne marks and red stretch marks.

The FDA approved Vbeam Perfecta is the most advanced Pulsed Dye Laser Technology that has the unique ability to deliver intense but gentle pulsed laser energy to selectively targeted blood vessels without adversely affecting the surrounding tissue, shrinking them to reduce the red skin stain. As part of the Scar Prevention Program paired with Fraxel Laser treatment, Vbeam is the quint essential treatment plan to speed up the healing of post-surgical scars and greatly reduce the formation of hypertrophic and keloid scars in susceptible individuals. Besides, it also accelerates the healing of post-surgical wounds and fading of post-surgical scars.Best results are seen when the first session is instituted at suture removal to 1 week post suture removal, with subsequent treatments carried out judiciously at 2 weeks apart for best results. Keeping to the program time frame or as suggested by your attending physician ensures ideal skin scar recovery and timely intervention.

Best skin resurfacing technique for scars

Laser resurfacing is most effective way to tackle older scars caused by severe acne, trauma or surgery that are not growing or getting thicker when the healing process is complete. Unlike traditional CO2 and other laser resurfacing technology, SmartX micro-resurfacing laser combines advanced fractional CO2 technology with a high-speed computer scanner to deliver a precise matrix of micro laser pulses which erase skin imperfections and activate skin rejuvenation, while facilitating rapid skin healing, achieving good results without the side effects, risks and downtime of traditional ablative skin resurfacing lasers of yore. As part of the Scar Intervention Program, it is the choice treatment for older surgical scars that have already healed completely but may benefit from supplementary supportive therapy.Designed to address textural and colour issues, it’ll give skin regained strength and suppleness, helping existing scars blend into your skin like a clever “photoshop” tool.