Any time trauma occurs to the skin, a healing response is activated by the body. As it tries to repair damage, the body’s processes work to close skin gaps and reinforce damaged tissues. Scars can be unsightly, but they are not dangerous or life-threatening. This does not mean they are not life altering, and significant scarring from acne, cuts and burns can change the way you look and feel about yourself. Hypertrophic scars can be removed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Azouz of Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Dallas, Texas.

Hypertrophic Scarring Vs. Keloid Scarring

Following trauma affecting the deep layer of our skin, called the dermis, the body begins its repair process. Part of this process is laying down protein fibers called collagen. Collagen is one of the most common proteins in the body, and one of its functions is to connect tissues together. These fibers close the gaps and fill in traumatized areas, but sometimes the body produces too much collagen in response to an injury. This leads to raised scars, which can be extremely difficult to repair.

Early on, hypertrophic and keloid scars may look similar, but keloids vary in color from pink to purple and extend past the original injury site. In contrast, hypertrophic scars are thick, wide and often tight (called contracture). They are typically red, though they may fade to white over time. Although they stay within the boundaries of the original injury, they can be painful or itchy. Hypertrophic scars are frequently seen with burn injuries, and it is believed the extensive and deep damage caused by serious burns changes the way collagen works. Instead of laying fibers down in a neat pattern, it becomes disorganized, resulting in excess fibers and hypertrophic scars.

Hypertrophic Scar Revision

Hypertrophic scar care usually involves attempting non-invasive procedures first, but they do not always work, or they do not work well enough. Hypertrophic scar removal can be a difficult procedure, and double-board certified Dr. Azouz takes great care to recommend the right treatment options. It is common to find blood vessel or nerve involvement, which requires special care. Additionally, the area around the scar must be examined to determine which method will change the scarring for the best cosmetic and functional outcome. If you have a hypertrophic scar that you would like removed, contact Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today.