More than 90 percent of girls believe that beautiful and healthy skin plays a significant role in their attractiveness. Fresh, elastic, radiant and necessarily smooth dermis is the key to a successful career, personal life and many other achievements that our contemporary woman can be proud of.
What are atrophic scars on human skin, their features
Skin scars are an inevitable consequence of various deep injuries to the dermis, be it an open injury or surgery. If a noticeable cosmetic defect appears on the face, threatening to remain for life, then it is worth using the entire arsenal of modern means to improve the appearance of the affected area. In contrast to the hypertrophic formation protruding above the surface of the skin and the normotrophic scar merging with it, an atrophic scar is a depression with uneven edges, inside which young collagen cells form colorless connective tissue.
Characteristics of scars located below the skin level
Atrophic scars differ from each other in several ways. This is localization; age of the scar (immature - up to three months, moderately mature - from 3-12 months, finally mature, the age of which is more than a year); shape (arched, curly, striped, multiple dotted (post-acne) and others); dimensions; color (from pale to dark, pigmented); the effect of the scar on neighboring, healthy tissue.
Reasons for appearance
Any damage to the skin that destroys its collagen fibers can become a trigger for the occurrence of atrophic scars: marks after severe damage to the dermis from acne (post-acne), burns, injuries associated with violation of the integrity of the skin (cuts, wounds, mechanical damage), certain medical procedures ( including surgical intervention), infectious lesions (chicken pox, acne or furunculosis). In the cheek area, on the cheekbones due to pregnancy, due to hormonal imbalance, dehydration or sudden weight loss and gain, microtraumas - stretch marks - can also appear.
How to get rid of the effects of trauma on the face? Treatment
A timely visit to a cosmetologist or aesthetic surgery clinic will help you choose the most adequate method of scar correction, after which the atrophic scar on the face will become less noticeable. Treatment methods for this skin formation are aimed at restoring the altered texture of the dermis using both surgical and non-surgical methods.
External cosmetics for getting rid of scars: ointments, gels and creams
In modern cosmetology, there are several types of drugs that help effectively combat the consequences of injuries on the facial skin. Such aesthetic defects include an atrophic scar. Treatment may include the use of products that contain petroleum jelly and silicone. These components prevent the deterioration of the affected areas of the dermis. Healing of fresh scars occurs more efficiently with the help of steroid or hormonal creams, which are prescribed by a dermatologist. In addition, the arsenal of care products for the face with traces of damage to the dermal layer includes: scarring gels, silicone plates, moisturizing creams with SPF (protection from ultraviolet rays), which help accelerate the growth of young cells and restore microcirculation in tissues. Such drugs include Contractubex and Mederm, Kelofibraza and Kelo-Kot, Fermenkol and Dermatix, Zeraderm Ultra and Scarquard liquid cream.
An atrophic scar, the treatment of which depends on the maturity of the scar itself and its size, can be made less noticeable in any case only by increasing the duration of treatment. For example, using transparent silicone plates "Spenko". The choice of cream should be carried out only on the recommendations of a doctor, since self-medication of atrophic scars can lead to a worsening of their condition, the occurrence of allergic reactions and a waste of money. The disadvantages of treating post-acne marks, stretch marks and other atrophic scars using external agents are their long-term use and selective effect. The advantages of using ointments and creams are their availability, simplicity, and relatively low cost.
Types of injection scar correction
The most common intradermal methods of treating and restoring scar tissue today are: mesotherapy, biorevitalization, plasma lifting and contour plastic surgery (correction of scars using fillers). Mesotherapy, or the introduction of biologically active substances that improve the quality of the skin and affected tissues, promotes effective therapy and stimulation of acupuncture points. It makes it possible to direct the medicine directly into the atrophic scar.
Fillers
Intradermal implants based on stabilized hyaluronic acid help solve the aesthetic problem of receding scars by lifting the skin and giving the corrected area of the skin the necessary volume. How to smooth out an atrophic scar with their help? To do this, you need to inject a filler with a gel consistency (filler) directly under the surface of the scar and raise it to the level of the outer epidermis. In addition, these drugs increase the ability of tissues to regenerate, which accelerates the processes of their natural renewal. The only disadvantage of this method is the need for regular correction due to the gradual biodegradation (disintegration) of hyaluronic acid as a natural component.
Microdermabrasion - resurfacing of atrophic scars
To carry out this procedure, special equipment is used that allows microcrystals to be transferred under pressure (through a tip) to the surface of the epidermis. Diamond, salt, organic particles or aluminum dioxide, like sand, exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells, evening out its texture.
Laser resurfacing of atrophic scars: modern methods
Laser peeling methods that are popular today can reduce the depth and size of sunken scars on the face or permanently eliminate the aesthetic consequences of injuries. Using an erbium or carbon dioxide laser beam, dead skin cells are removed layer by layer and the process of dermal renewal - neocollagenesis - is stimulated, thanks to the formation of protein fibers.
To get a guaranteed therapeutic effect, when choosing a clinic, you need to pay attention to its reputation and the qualifications of the dermatologist, since working with expensive laser equipment is trusted only to specialists who have been trained and received a certificate.
Atrophic scars don't go away on their ownbut are treatable.
The easiest way is to get rid of them at the initial stage.
But it is possible to adjust even old and deep scarring.
Causes
Atrophic scars on the face - photo:
Atrophic scars are dense formations consisting of connective tissue. Appear due to injuries, burns, acne, chickenpox.
Most common reason – squeezing out pimples. Violation of the procedure technique and hygiene rules leads to scars and scars. Occur during the healing process of the injured surface of the skin.
Is it possible to get rid of it?
Atrophic scars do not go away on their own, but are treatable. The sooner measures are taken, the easier it will be to cope with scars. Treatment lasts from several months to several years.
The duration depends on the severity and regenerative abilities of the skin. It's better not to take risks and do not self-medicate.
Many agents are quite aggressive and can only make the situation worse if used incorrectly.
It is worth contacting a dermatologist to examine the skin and prescribe treatment.
It usually includes cosmetic procedures and the use of ointments.
Important advice from the editors
If you want to improve the condition of your skin, you should pay special attention to the creams you use. A frightening figure - 97% of creams from well-known brands contain substances that poison our body. The main components due to which all the troubles on the labels are designated as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, E214-E219. Parabens have a negative effect on the skin and can also cause hormonal imbalance. But the worst thing is that this nasty stuff gets into the liver, heart, lungs, accumulates in organs and can cause cancer. We advise you not to use products that contain these substances. Recently, experts from our editorial team conducted an analysis of natural creams, where first place was taken by products from Mulsan Сosmetic, a leader in the production of all-natural cosmetics. All products are manufactured under strict quality control and certification systems. We recommend visiting the official online store mulsan.ru. If you doubt the naturalness of your cosmetics, check the expiration date; it should not exceed one year of storage.
Correction methods
How to remove atrophic scars on the face:
Surgical excision of scars – an effective way to reduce pronounced atrophic scars. Performed under local or general anesthesia. The procedure is performed using a scalpel or laser.The effect is noticeable after the first session. Several treatments may be needed to achieve maximum results.
Microdermabrasion – resurfacing the surface of the skin using solid microscopic crystals. One course of correction of atrophic scars includes 10-12 procedures.
In some cases, more sessions are required.
Does not require anesthesia.
Be sure to use sunscreen after the procedure.
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Application of creams and ointments
How to treat atrophic scars on the face? The most popular method of treating scars at home is to use ointments based on silicones and plant extracts. They are applied only to the damaged area of the skin.
In most cases, ointments are prescribed that have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, help liquefy the wound, normalize blood circulation and increase local immunity.
Creams and ointments are also used to increase the effectiveness of hardware procedures.
Folk remedies
Help reduce the visibility of scars and improve overall skin condition. It is worth considering what they give temporary and mild effect.
Read our article about effective remedies for removing facial scars.
Compresses
First you need to prepare a decoction.
For this you will need chamomile, calendula, nettle, St. John's wort, yarrow and other plants that have anti-inflammatory effects.
You can choose one plant or mix several types of herbs.
Apply a bandage soaked in a decoction of medicinal herbs to the affected area. Leave for three hours. Repeat twice a day. The course lasts three months.
Store the finished broth in the refrigerator for no more than three days. Warm to room temperature before use.
Essential oils
Helps significantly reduce scars and scars.
Worth choosing on these types of oils:
- tea tree;
- lavender;
- roses;
- carnations;
- immortelle;
- almonds;
- fennel;
- myrrh;
- geraniums;
- ginseng;
- fennel;
- peppermint;
- orange;
- sequences;
- sage;
- St. John's wort;
- cocoa;
- sesame
It is worth considering that essential oils are used only in diluted form. You can choose any of these oils as a base oil:
- wheat germ;
- jojoba;
- argans;
- rosehip;
- sea buckthorn
Mix a tablespoon of base oil and 3-5 drops of essential oil. Leave for 1-2 hours. Apply to areas with scars and scars. Leave for 20-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Before use, perform a sensitivity test. Apply the oil to your wrist and leave for 15-20 minutes. Do not use if irritation or allergic reaction occurs.
Clay masks
Inexpensive and effective means.
You can use different types of cosmetic clay.
Before first use, carry out sensitivity test.
- Mix two teaspoons white clay with water. Add two teaspoons of lemon juice. To stir thoroughly. Apply to skin and leave for 20-25 minutes.
- Dissolve two teaspoons green clay water. Add three drops of rosemary oil. Apply to areas of skin where there are scars. Leave for 10 minutes. Repeat every other day. One course consists of 4 masks. The break between courses is two weeks.
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:3. Mix with green or blue clay. Apply a thick layer to scars and leave for 25 minutes. Use 2-3 times a week. Store the remaining solution in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. Can be used for rubbing and compresses.
It is not always possible to achieve complete removal of scars. However can significantly improve skin condition and smooth out unevenness as much as possible.
Atrophic scars are a cosmetic defect of the skin of the human body. This phenomenon is not dangerous, but it is aesthetically unsightly. Almost every patient has a desire to get rid of them.
What is it and features
An atrophic scar or scar is a formation that occurs as a result of mechanical or biological damage to tissue. As a rule, this type of scar appears on areas of the body where adipose tissue is absent or present in the smallest quantities - on the back of the feet and palms, on the forehead, in the chest area, on the nose.
A characteristic sign of a cicatricial atrophic scar is retraction. Indentations form on the skin, through which, if you look closely, you can see blood vessels. Unlike hypertrophic scars, which rise above the adjacent tissues and have a dense, hard structure, atrophic scars are soft, almost imperceptible and are located below the skin level.
The most common reasons for the appearance of such formations are:
- mechanical damage;
- chickenpox or other rashes of infectious origin;
- burns;
- post-acne is the most common cause;
- removal of moles, papillomas;
- a sharp decrease in body weight;
- wounds after surgery.
This symptom results from a disruption of collagen synthesis or rupture of elastic fibers, which often occurs when the structure of the epidermis is damaged. The skin around the scar becomes loose and flabby, which is also due to a lack of collagen. Atrophic marks do not require treatment, but at the same time, their presence may be accompanied by psychological discomfort.
Treatment and removal methods
Treatment of atrophic scars on the body is carried out in a variety of ways. It all depends on the size of the formations and the patient’s personal preference.
Surgical intervention is used in cases of pronounced atrophy. The operation is performed with a scalpel or laser. The essence of the operation is to lift the edge of the scar, which reduces the area of atrophy. As a result, the formation becomes less noticeable. This correction is used mainly on areas of the body that are under clothing.
Microdermabrasion is a treatment method that involves “resurfacing” the skin. For processing, microscopic particles of a solid substance are used, most often diamond crystals. Under the influence of vacuum, the components “irritate” the damaged area, removing atrophic scars. The regeneration process is stimulated for rapid healing of injury.
During mesotherapy, a special substance is injected into the scar, which stimulates collagen synthesis and makes the “dents” disappear. The damaged area is being restored. The injection substance contains vitamin complexes. The practice is to introduce hyaluronic acid, which fills the space under the scar and creates an aesthetic appearance of the skin. The disadvantage of hyaluronic therapy is the need to repeat the procedure every six months.
Chemical peeling helps remove the upper atrophic layer of the skin. Under the influence of special components, part of the epidermis in which the scar is located is destroyed. New, fresh skin appears at the treatment site. This technology is mainly used to get rid of scars on the face. Laser cleaning of fabrics works on a similar principle.
Scars can be removed by exposure to liquid nitrogen. Due to the low temperature, the top layer of the affected area is destroyed and then replaced by new tissue.
Treatment with traditional medicine is also widely known. Recipes for drugs that can be prepared at home using medicinal plants and food are very popular. But such treatment requires patience. Shilajit is often included in homemade ointments, as it has beneficial properties.
Review of effective ointments
To choose an effective remedy for eliminating atrophic scars, it is necessary to consider their main characteristics. Some cosmetologists recommend using a mesoscooter - a special roller device with many microscopic needles that inject the upper layer of the epidermis, allowing medications to penetrate deeper.
Popular remedies for getting rid of:
- Aldara is a cream with active immunomodulatory properties. Mainly used to remove papillomas. But due to its ability to stimulate skin regeneration, it is used in the presence of atrophic scars. Accelerates healing and skin renewal. The regimen of use is selected by the attending physician.
- Contractubex is a drug for the treatment of atrophic and keloid scars. The gel has a softening, calming effect. Increases water balance in tissues and prevents the likelihood of inflammation. Allowed for children over 6 months.
- Dermatix is a silicone-based product widely used in the treatment of scars. Available in the form of a gel, silicone plate on a transparent or fabric base. Nourishes, softens and enriches the damaged area. It is popular due to positive reviews from doctors and patients.
- Medgel is a German medicine that helps remove various tumors. Available as gel and plates. The composition of the preparations includes silicone, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the scar, filling it. After use, the skin at the site of the lesion is evened out.
- Kelofibrase is an ointment that has a positive effect on the trophism of the skin. The drug improves blood circulation, regenerates tissues and improves their appearance. It is used for the treatment and prevention of scars.
- To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, cream preparations must strictly follow the instructions or prescription of the attending physician, observing the rules of use and precautions.
How to avoid education
In order to prevent the formation of scars, doctors and cosmetologists recommend maintaining the normal condition of the skin and the body as a whole.
If you have acne, squeezing pimples is contraindicated. It is better to try to treat the affected areas as much as possible, preventing the onset of inflammatory processes.
During pregnancy, experts recommend using special products to prevent the formation of stretch marks.
Getting rid of atrophic scars on the body and face is a labor-intensive process, but not difficult. By following the recommendations of doctors, you can get rid of the problem in a short time. It is advisable to carry out removal procedures in medical institutions. Treatment at home does not guarantee the desired result and increases the risk of complications.