Hi myzztic,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but scar tissue is not able to be
completely eradicated. :-(
I have, however, provided you with a list of several products that
may help you greatly improve the appearance of the scars, as well as 2
forms of surgery.
===================
Topical Treatments:
===================
Short of surgery, which is expensive and will still leave a scar, I
would try ReJuveness as your first line of therapy. ReJuveness has
been used for years in hospitals, where it is purchased on huge rolls,
and is used on burn patients. A few years ago, a sales rep told me it
would even reduce pitting acne scars!
?Q. Will my scar disappear completely?
A. ReJuveness can soften, smooth, and flatten your scar and
dramatically improve the appearance of your skin. Keep in mind,
though, that there will always be some evidence of the scar.?
http://www.rejuveness.com/productinfo.html
?According to numerous studies, silicone sheeting such as ReJuveness
is the only clinically proven preventative measure against problem
scarring. We have concluded from these studies that daily treatments
with ReJuveness can begin as soon as an itchy red streak develops in a
maturing wound. For those with a personal or family history of problem
scarring, daily treatments with ReJuveness should be started one week
after sutures are removed and wound is closed and dry. (see
instructions for use.)?
http://www.rejuveness.com/productinfo.html#4
http://www.rejuveness.com/index.html
You can call a representative and they will answer all your questions,
as well as advise you on the sizes you would need. 1 (800) 588-7455
http://www.rejuveness.com/contact.html
A few reviews:
http://www.epinions.com/well-Supplies-First_Aid-Wound-All-ReJuveness_Scar_Treatment/display_~reviews
Price is around $44 USD - $70 USD, depending on size. ReJuveness is
reusable! You can use the same sheet for several months.
http://www.harvardpilgrim.mimrx.com/harvard/usage.asp?sku=63504504800&dept_id=1103
http://www.medshopexpress.com/physlabs/019022.html
This document , explains a bit how these sheets work. I was unable to
find information for exactly how they work. When I spoke to a rep at
the hospital a few years ago, she told me the sheets generate an ionic
charge that stimulates lower layers of skin to regenerate new skin
tissue.
http://www.molnlycke.net//Files/Tendra/safetac/SOFT%20SILICONE%20REPRINT%20JW.pdf
Biodermis Scar Reduction Standard Silicone Sheet
Biodermis is a similar product to ReJuveness.
http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=13191
?Silicone sheets are an effective solution for both new and old scars.
Clinical studies have shown that the newer the scar, the better the
result. One such study found a success rate of up to 85% on scars
under 1 year old, and the rate of about 65% for scars over 10 years
old. The optimal period of use of silicone sheets is typically a
minimum of 12 hours per day (and ideally 24 hours per day) for 8-12
weeks (see instructions below). Many patients report continued
improvement to the scar beyond the 12-week period.
The main benefit of silicone sheeting compared to scar healing gels
and ointments is that silicone sheets put direct pressure on the scar
that is beneficial to minimizing scar appearance, whereas a scar
ointment or gel does not put pressure on the scar. In contrast to scar
gels, silicone sheets are easier and more convenient to apply and use
day to day because they are not greasy, do not stain, and do not stick
to clothes. It should be noted that some patients will actually use
both silicone gels and silicone sheets on their scars, using the
silicone gel during the day when treating scar areas that are exposed
when they are out in public and then switching to the silicone sheet
when they are in the privacy of their own home. This combination is an
ideal way to maximize the effectiveness of silicone scar solutions
without disrupting one?s lifestyle. You can view a wide array of
silicone gels and ointments in the Make Me Heal Store.?
Mode of action: ?While the exact mechanism of action of silicone
sheeting is not confirmed, various suggestions have been made,
including increased pressure, hydration, oxygen tension, and the
presence of silicone in the local environment due to the application
of silicone sheets. Silicone sheets produce a static electric field
(resulting from friction of the silicone material) that might have an
effect on wound healing.?
http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=13191&procid=42&catid=544
You or your doctor can determine if your scar could be improved with this product.
Cica-care
http://wound.smith-nephew.com/us/Standard.asp?NodeId=3023
Mederma is a topical gel, that can be purchased online, or from most
dermatologists.
http://www.mederma.com/
http://www.skinstore.com/store/category.asp?catID=403
You can read some far ranging reviews of this product here.
http://www.epinions.com/well-Supplies-First_Aid-Wound-All-Mederma_Skin_Care_for_Scars/display_~reviews
Neosporin Scar
$1 per sheet
?Neosporin® Scar Solution? helps restore your raised and discolored
scars to a more natural color and texture, using the same technology
trusted by burn centers and plastic surgeons. Using Neosporin Scar
Solution on newly healed wounds actually helps prevent the formation
of unsightly scars. Even scars that are years old from burns, surgical
procedures and minor skin injuries can show significant improvement
with Neosporin Scar Solution.
The fabric-backed sheets are durable, flexible, and blend with most
skin tones for a more subtle appearance when worn on exposed skin. The
easy-to-apply adhesive sheets are convenient in size and can be cut to
fit the size of the scar, or worn side-by-side for larger scars.
With Neosporin Scar Solution, you can see noticeable improvement in
raised, discolored scars in as little as four weeks. For best results,
product should be used for the full 12 weeks.?
http://www.skinstore.com/store/product.asp?catID=2577&prodID=2576
======================
Scar Revision Surgery
======================
?Surgery to revise scars is done while the patient is awake, sleeping
(sedated), or deep asleep and pain-free (local anesthesia or general
anesthesia).?
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002991.htm
http://www.yestheyrefake.net/scar_revision_faq.htm
http://adam.about.com/surgery/100098.htm
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/public_education/procedures/ScarRevision.cfm
Cost of scar revision surgery depends on the size, location, and
severity. According to the following site, costs can run $500 USD-
$2,500 USD
http://www.epione.com/epione/flash/treatment_detailed.htm?treatment_id=27&question_id=10
Z-plasty
?Z-plasty is an especially useful technique when dealing with a scar
that crosses relaxed skin tension lines. Simple redirection of the
central limb into these lines can provide adequate camouflage. The
redistribution of tension on the wound provided by Z-plasty can be
very helpful when dealing with a contracted scar or with a scar near
aesthetic units, such as the medial canthus or oral commissure.
Z-plasty is an effective method of wound irregularization. Since
straight-line scars draw attention easily, multiple Z-plasties can
break up the scar into smaller units, making the scar less
noticeable.?
http://www.emedicine.com/ent/topic652.htm
?Z-plasty is a plastic surgery technique that is used to improve the
functional and cosmetic appearance of scars. With this technique, it
is possible to redirect a scar into better alignment with a natural
skin fold or the lines of least skin tension. Contracted scars may be
lengthened with this technique. Z-plasty involves the creation of two
triangular flaps of equal dimension that are then transposed. Basic
z-plasty flaps are created using an angle of 60 degrees on each side,
which can lengthen a scar by 50 to 70 percent and reorient the
direction of the central wound by 90 degrees. Keeping the length and
angle of each flap precisely the same is key to avoiding mismatched
flaps that may be difficult to close. Some possible complications of
z-plasty include flap necrosis, hematoma formation under the flaps,
wound infection, trapdoor effect, and sloughing of the flap caused by
high wound tension. (Am Fam Physician 2003;67:2329-32. Copyright© 2003
American Academy of Family Physicians.)?
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030601/2329.html
http://www.fpnotebook.com/SUR134.htm
http://www.facialplasticsurgery.net/scar_revision_faq.htm
This site has several scar treatment possibilities:
http://www.fact-index.com/s/sc/scar.html#Surgery
=======================
Additional Information:
=======================
I can?t vouch for this treatment, but the woman in the illustration
seems to be enjoying the therapy!
http://www.londonaesthetics.co.uk/stretchmarks_scars.html
About scars and scar tissue:
http://www.raft.ac.uk/research/vascular.html
You did not mention how large your scars are, or in which area of your
arms and legs they are located, but have you considered a tattoo?
http://www.lamasbeauty.com/talk/surgery/messages/2031.html
http://tattoo.about.com/library/blglosscar.htm
I wish you luck with the solution you select! If any part of my answer
is unclear, please request an Answer Clarification, before rating.
This will enable me to assist you further, if possible.
Regards,
crabcakes
Search Terms
Burn scars
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Burn scar removal sheets
Familiarity with ReJuveness |
