How to Reduce the Appearance of Scarring

When seeking how to reduce the appearance of scarring, it is important to keep in mind that scar formation is a natural part of the healing process. Scarring occurs when the skin repairs wounds caused by accident, surgery or disease. The time skin takes to heal will vary depending on the degree of damage, and the longer it takes to heal the greater the chance of a noticeable scar. How to reduce the appearance of scarring depends on a number of factors; in particular, it depends on the type of scarring.

For example, if you are looking at how to reduce atrophic or pitted acne scarring, a topical scar treatment will not likely be effective. If you have pitted acne scars, please see a dermatologist who can discuss with you some of the latest treatments for how to reduce the appearance of scarring for acne scars, including laser therapy, dermabrasion and fillers.

When seeking how to reduce the appearance of scarring for keloids (thick, rounded, irregular clusters of scar tissue that extend beyond the original wound) or the appearance of hypertrophic scars (red, thick and elevated and can be itchy or painful), silicone-based topical treatments can be very effective.

Silicone is the clinical gold standard for scar treatment and abnormal scar prevention. The International Clinical Recommendations on Scar Management recommended silicone as first-line therapy for scar treatment and abnormal scar prevention.1

Kelo-cote® is a patented topical silicone gel for the management and prevention of abnormal scars in the form of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Kelo-cote® rapidly dries to form an ultra thin custom fitted silicone sheet; this transparent layer is gas permeable, flexible and waterproof. Kelo-cote® forms a bond with the stratum corneum (the outer layer of dead skin cells) creating a protective barrier against chemical, physical and microbial invasion of the scar site while assisting with hydration. This creates an environment that allows the scar to mature through more normalized collagen synthesis cycles, and improves the physiological and cosmetic appearance of the scar.

Kelo-cote® should be used to help treat, reduce, prevent or soften abnormal keloids or hypertrophic scars. Regardless of the origin of the scar, e.g., burns, trauma, surgery, Kelo-cote® has proven results, as evidenced by clinical studies and satisfied healthcare professionals and customers from around the world. Kelo-cote® is the most studied topical scar product, with more than 2,000 patients participating in a variety of published clinical studies.

References

1. Mustoe TA et al. Plast Reconstr Surg 2002;110:560-571.