Hypertrophic scars are contained within the site of injury and may regress over time, while keloids spread beyond the borders of the initial injury and do not regress.
These scars may also appear red, and are usually thick and elevated. Hypertrophic scars usually start to develop within weeks after the injury to the skin. Hypertrophic scars may improve naturally, although this process may take up to a year or more.
Cryotherapy and laser therapy, including long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser or pulsed dye laser, have proven benefit in treating hypertrophic scars. These lasers target blood vessels and therefore are very helpful in reducing the color changes seen in hypertrophic scars.
Larger keloids can be flattened by pulsed-dye laser sessions. This method has also been useful in easing itchiness and causing keloids to fade. Pulsed-dye laser therapy is delivered over several sessions with 4 to 8 weeks between sessions. Your doctor might recommend combining laser therapy with cortisone injections.
Does Bio-Oil Skincare Oil work on keloid scars? Bio-Oil Skincare Oil has been clinically proven to improve the appearance of many types of scars1, but its impact on keloid scars can be limited due to their nature.
Corticosteroid injections: This is a main treatment for hypertrophic scars. Injections are made into the scar tissue. They flatten and soften scar tissue and ease pain and itch. Several shots may be needed, each given a few weeks apart.
The resulting hypertrophic scar can be raised, red, uncomfortable, and potentially limit movement. Though they generally flatten out and resolve within weeks to months, hypertrophic scars that cause pain or limit movement can benefit from treatment.
Research has shown that gently massaging a scar may break down scar tissue as it forms. It may also prevent hypertrophic scars or keloids from developing after an injury.
Massaging your scars is important. It keeps the tissue around the incision loose so it doesn't “stick” to the tissue underneath. Wait until after your skin has healed before you start massaging your scar.
Keloids and hypertrophic scars are caused by cutaneous injury and irritation, including trauma, insect bite, burn, surgery, vaccination, skin piercing, acne, folliculitis, chicken pox, and herpes zoster infection.
However, there are three distinct stages to healing and your scar will have a different appearance during each stage. The three phases to healing are the inflammatory stage, the proliferative stage and the remodelling stage. The inflammatory stage begins immediately and lasts a few days.
It is important to be aware that hypergranulation tissue / hypertrophic scars are NOT something to be popped, and that motion (playing, poking, twisting and turning) is the major cause.
Hypertrophic scars can increase in size for the first 3 to 6 months and then begin to regress. For this reason, surgery is not usually necessary.
In the majority of cases, hypertrophic scarring develops in wounds at anatomic locations with high tension, such as shoulders, neck, presternum, knees and ankles (9,12,13), whereas anterior chest, shoulders, earlobes, upper arms and cheeks have a higher predilection for keloid formation.
A surgeon may also remove a large hypertrophic scar rather than revise it. Removing a scar enables a surgeon to reclose the incision using specialized cosmetic techniques, resulting in a thinner, less noticeable scar.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
Unlike keloid scars, hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the boundary of the original wound. They may continue to thicken for up to 6 months before gradually improving over a few years.
Use Vaseline® Jelly for Scars
By sealing in moisture it also helps to reduce dryness of scarred skin, once your skin has healed. This may help to improve the appearance of scars, making the skin look smoother and softer, as well as help to reduce itchiness caused by dryness.
2.1. Apple Cider Vinegar As a natural astringent and exfoliator, apple cider vinegar prevents scar-promoting cells from entering the keloid site, reducing both the pigmentation and the size of the scar. Besides, the irritated skin will be calmer and reduce swelling when applied apple cider vinegar.
It is never too late to receive a scar tissue release massage. You may just need a couple of sessions to feel confident and comfortable to do this on yourself at home.
Cryosurgery may reduce the size of a keloid, which can make the injections more effective. Dermatologists have found that patients who have three or more cryosurgery treatments tend to get the best results. Laser treatment: This can reduce the height and fade the color of a keloid.
Silicone sheets and gels
Dr. Turegano says silicone sheets and gels, which you can buy at your pharmacy and certain retail outlets, can reduce the size, color, and texture of keloids. These treatments work by rehydrating the keloid scar tissue and regulating collagen production, prompting skin to soften and flatten.