Scar Types and Causes

SCAR CAUSES AND TYPES

Scarring is the body’s response to trauma and is a part of the natural healing process. Scar types vary depending on injury cause and severity.

TREAT SCARS EARLY

Scars produced from minor cuts and scrapes will fade gradually over time, while more serious scars, like ones caused by serious accidents, burns, surgery, acne and body piercing, can lead to reddened skin and dark raised scars.

HOW AND WHY DO SCARS FORM?

When skin is injured, the body produces a protein called collagen for wound repair. Unfortunately, excess collagen leads to raised, discolored scars. Genetics, ethnicity, age, scar location and injury severity may impact scar healing.

ARE SURGICAL SCARS PREVENTABLE?

While all surgical incisions will leave a scar, it is possible to improve the appearance of the scar so that is barely noticeable. Early treatment, as soon as 10-14 days after surgery, when the surgical wound has healed, is recommended to prevent unwanted scar formation and to help your scar become as flat, soft, and light as possible.

We understand that all scars can be emotionally and physically distressing and believe that NewGel+ Advanced Silicone Gel products offer the best, most effective, non-invasive method to manage your scars.

RED, DARK AND/OR RAISED SCARS

Classfied as either hypertrophic or keloid and can be treated with both NewGel+E gels and sheeting products.

HYPERTROPHIC SCARS

Scars that are raised and red. Children and those with fair complexion and/or rosacea are especially prone to hypertrophic scarring.

KELOID SCARS

Scars that are raised and lumpy, and can exceed initial boundaries. Untreated keloid can thicken indefinitely; darker skin tones are more likely to undergo keloid formation

SUNKEN OR "ATROPHIC" SCARS

Sunken scars, seen in acne scars and pox marks, lack effective topical remedies. Early treatment is crucial, as they don't respond well to topical solutions like raised scars do.

FLAT AND PALE SCARS

Scars that start as red and raised but naturally fade over time. NewGel+E and sheeting products can help speed improvement of these types of scars.

STRETCHED SCARS

Scars can stretch when the skin around the scar is stretched during the healing process. Stretch marks created during pregnancy are an example of this type of scar.

BELOW IS SOME COMMON ADVICE GIVEN TO PATIENTS BEFORE SURGERY. BE SURE TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR HIS OR HER SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOU.

PRE AND POST SURGERY TREATMENT

2-4 WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY
DIET

Eat a well-balanced diet including many fruits and vegetables.
SUPPLEMENTS

Some doctors recommend the following supplements for enhanced wound healing: vitamins A, C, D, K, all B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and amino acids (L-arginine and L-glutamine). Please check with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Ask your doctor about BruiseMD with Arnica montana, bromelain, Grapeseed Extract, Vitamin C, Zinc, Rutin, and Citrus Bioflavinoids. This blend rapidly reduces swelling and bruising from surgery, cosmetic procedures, or injuries by enhancing the body's natural recovery processes.
AVOID

Do NOT take vitamin E supplements and aspirin, which may cause excessive bleeding.
DON'T SMOKE

Stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the skin, resulting in poorer skin health.
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

Drink lots of water to ensure your body is fully hydrated before your surgery.

AFTER SURGERY
CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Follow your doctor's post-op instructions exactly.
INCISION CARE

If your incision is covered with steri-strips or paper tape, leave it on as long as directed. These both provide support and reduce tension on the incision. Keep the incision area clean and dry to help prevent infection or inflammation, both of which can have a negative effect on scar appearance.
DON'T SMOKE

Stop smoking for at least two weeks after surgery. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the skin, and has a negative effect on wound healing.
AVOID THE SUN

Avoid exposing your scar to sunlight. The sun can cause hyperpigmentation to form in unprotected scars. Once formed, this brown discoloration may be permanent. Sunscreens that come in a fat lip balm type tube are excellent for applying sunscreen quickly over your scar, and they are convenient to carry for frequent reapplication.
AVOID VITAMIN E

Pure vitamin E has been shown in clinical studies to actually make scar appearance worse by causing irritation and inflammation. Other products with plant-based ingredients are also more prone to cause sensitivity and reactions than bioinert products such as silicone.
USE NEWGEL+ AFTER WOUND IS CLOSED

Once the wound is closed (10-14 days post-op), clinical studies have shown that silicone gel and sheeting are considered the first-line therapy to manage and minimize scarring and are the only topical treatments recommended by the scar experts who create scar treatment guidelines for other doctors. Begin using NewGel+ sheeting products or NewGel+E gel, once your incision has fully healed, with no bleeding, scabbing, or oozing.

CAN I FLATTEN AND IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF MY OLDER SCAR?

NewGel+ sheeting products and NewGel+E gel have been proven to reduce, flatten, smooth and fade existing scars. It is best to begin treatment as soon as possible after surgery or injury, but scars are not at full maturity for a year or more. It is possible to improve the appearance of already formed hypertrophic and keloid scars by using NewGel+ or NewGel+E for at least 90 days.

ARE SOME SCARS TOO OLD TO SEE TREAT OR SEE IMPROVEMENT?

One clinical study demonstrated some improvement in scars up to 4 years old with silicone gel treatment. Results will vary from individual to individual, and newer scars have a better chance of improvement, but it's always worth trying.