For individuals with keloid-prone skin, surgical scars may form after operations and prove difficult to remove. Some may even develop hypertrophic scars, which can affect appearance.Why does hypertrophic scarring occur after surgery? 1. Failure to follow the doctor's medication instructions After surgery, wounds typically develop an inflammatory response during healing. Myofibroblasts appear at the wound site, dividing and proliferating to synthesize collagen fibers. This process inevitably leads to collagen deposition, resulting in hypertrophic scarring.Additionally, during recovery, the wound must be protected from bacterial infection. Avoid spicy or irritating foods and use scar-reducing medications as directed. Failure to follow these instructions can trigger hypertrophic scarring. Furthermore, foreign bodies like fibers, dust, or trapped sebum from sweat glands entering the wound can cause tissue reactions and worsen scarring.
2. Repeated Infections
Prolonged exposure of the wound site, recurrent infections, repeated scratching of the scar, or excessive granulation tissue growth can all lead to hypertrophic scars or keloids. These outcomes are generally manageable.Age also plays a significant role. Scar hyperplasia typically occurs in individuals aged 10 to 20, as tissue growth is more vigorous during this period, leading to stronger reactive responses to trauma. Additionally, increased skin tension contributes to this phenomenon.
How to manage post-surgical scar hyperplasia?
1. Appropriate medication use
Patients with scar hyperplasia may apply topical treatments under medical guidance. Commonly prescribed are steroid-based anti-inflammatory agents, emollients, silicone-based moisturizers, and depigmenting agents. These help hydrate and soften connective tissue while reducing pigmentation.Directly injecting steroid medication beneath the scar tissue provides anti-inflammatory effects and dissolves inflamed tissue.
2. Laser Therapy
Laser treatment primarily employs carbon dioxide lasers to resurface the skin without causing bleeding. Hypertrophic scars result from excessive proliferation of fibrous connective tissue following skin trauma. Laser therapy works by unblocking meridians, breaking down subcutaneous elastic fibers, and facilitating tissue repair and regeneration. This process promotes collagen production to restore the scar.
3. Surgical Treatment
For extensive hypertrophic scars, treatment is more challenging. Options typically include excision with skin grafting or simple excision and suturing. Microdermabrasion is another alternative. This procedure stimulates oxygen absorption in the skin, promotes local blood circulation, and aids in the synthesis of elastin and collagen, resulting in smoother, more even, and elastic skin.
Important Reminders
Protect the wound by avoiding contact with water or dust. Refrain from scratching the area directly. Strictly follow your doctor's instructions for applying medications that inhibit scar hyperplasia. During recovery, avoid spicy or irritating foods. Increase intake of high-quality protein, fresh vegetables, and fruits to accelerate metabolism.