Scar treatment

The skin is an organ that constantly and rapidly renews itself. The epidermis from its basal base and the dermis thanks to fibroblasts. After trauma (surgery or injury), the skin sets up healing processes to re-establish the cutaneous barrier. But this skin repair is sometimes of poor quality, resulting in scars that are more or less visible and unsightly. The choice of techniques to attenuate scars will depend on their location, age and depth, in order to restore flawless, remodeled skin if possible. The same approach applies to stretch marks, as their formation mechanism is very similar. Stretch marks are in fact dermal breaks, and will develop in the same way as scars.

• In the case of scars, the synthesis of coarser collagen fibers results in a fibrous trace: the risk of scarring is therefore all the greater the greater the loss to be repaired (deep or wide wound), the shorter the time required or the poor quality of the skin (more aging fibrocytes than young fibroblasts). A dysfunctional metabolism (deficiencies, chronic illnesses such as diabetes, autoimmune disease, etc.), repeated trauma or infection will also alter this repair process.
• In the case of stretch marks, excessively distended elastic fibers break down mechanically. This often happens during pregnancy or obesity, on the stomach as well as the chest, or sometimes the face.

Scars can be classified according to their morphological appearance.

Flat scars

This is the most classic form. A scar, like a stretch mark, continues to shape itself over months: first it's red, then pink, before turning pearly white after 6/12 months.

Retractile scars

Traction on the scar zone produces rigid, often raised, fibrous cords. In addition to its disharmonious appearance, this type of scarring can cause functional discomfort.

Hypertrophic or keloid scars

These are proliferative, often inflammatory scars. Their protruding relief means they are easily ulcerated, increasing the risk of superinfection. They are often itchy.

Hollow atrophic scars

They correspond to depressed lesions. These hollow scars are common on acne lesions, greatly altering the sensuality of the face.

Aesthetic scar treatment involves working on a stabilized, non-infected scar.

In general, surgical treatment can be applied to any embarrassing or unsightly scar, provided the skin is healthy and in good condition.

This procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic.

The medical treatment of a scar can be considered if the lesions are neither too deep nor too pronounced. Different techniques are possible, depending on the strategy chosen: eliminating the abnormal tissue or helping it to regenerate naturally.

Dr Santini's non-surgical treatment of scars and stretch marks is usually based on a simple concept: induce dermal remodeling by stimulating the activity of young fibroblasts, capable of regenerating young, smooth, supple and toned skin.

Preventive solutions to reduce scarring

One of the special features of cosmetic surgery is to choose a set of solutions aimed at making a scar as imperceptible as possible, even if there is always an element of uncertainty linked to individual reactions. This is particularly important for cosmetic breast surgeryto enhance the beauty of the breasts.

To prevent the appearance of scars, Dr Santini acts on three levels

• in the choice of technique, favouring access routes with hidden scars (via the axilla or incision in the mammary fold, for example, for fitting breast implants);
• in suturing, using a fine, elastic surgical suture that leaves as few marks as possible;
• by offering a preventive Urgotouch laser treatment at the end of the operation, to stimulate the activity of young fibroblasts. This is a painless, one-off treatment performed at the end of the suture at the end of the surgical procedure.

Curative solutions for scars and stretch marks

Depending on the age, location and depth of the scar, different solutions are possible.

How to remove a scar or stretch marks without laser surgery?

Depending on the type of laser used, it is possible to perform superficial abrasion or deeper dermabrasion . An ablative laser enables epidermal resurfacing for the most superficial scars, while a laser targeting depth (ablative or non-ablative) promotes dermal remodeling. Dr. Santini's practice offers a range of solutions, including the Hollywood Spectra laser.

How can I remove a stretch mark or scar without surgery using LED phototherapy?

LED phototherapy uses cold light to act on photoactivation or photomodulation processes. Orange light, for example, reduces the redness of a recent stretch mark or fresh scar.

How do I remove a scar or stretch marks using a peel?

The peeling aims to remove a more or less deep part of the skin so that it can regenerate perfectly:

• superficial peeling targets the epidermis
• the medium peel targets the epidermis and superficial dermis;
• deep peeling targets the entire skin and can be performed on a very small area if required.

How can I fade stretch marks or scars with the Morpheus 8 treatment?

The treatment Morpheus 8 treatment combines the principle of bipolar radiofrequency with the microneedling technique to heat the dermis up to 7 mm deep. This hyperthermia activates stem cells, resulting in scar remodeling over about 3 weeks.

It takes 3 to 4 weeks to see skin remodeling and regeneration. Several sessions may be necessary to smooth the scar and restore rejuvenated tissue. All recent scars must be well protected from the sun, to avoid hyperpigmentation. Aesthetic medicine techniques can achieve results after several sessions.

The cost depends on both the technique chosen and the duration of the protocol.

During the initial consultation, Dr Santini systematically draws up an estimate showing the cost of reducing scars or stretch marks without surgery.