Hypertrophic scars are thick, raised scars. They can be red, itchy, and tight. Without treatment, they may persist for years. Silicone therapy effectively reduces thickness, improves texture, relieves discomfort and promotes scar healing.
What is a hypertrophic scar?
A hypertrophic scar sits above the skin’s surface, feels firm, and is red in colour. It often causes discomfort, including itching and pain. Hypertrophic scars can develop anywhere on the body, but most often on the chest, back and joints.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of hypertrophic scars are:
Due to their thickness and redness, these scars are often very noticeable.
What is the difference between a hypertrophic scar vs keloid scar?
If you notice your scar thickening or extending beyond the wound edges, it’s important to take action early to prevent further growth. It is also advised to seek the help of a specialist.
What causes a hypertrophic scar?
A hypertrophic scar is a result from the body’s natural healing process for a deep wound. The cause of the wound and the healing process are determining factors in the development of a hypertrophic scar. Other factors are:
A high chance of hypertrophic scarring after surgery
The risk of developing a hypertrophic scar increases with the severity of the wound. Surgical wounds, such as those from a c-section, give a 50% risk of forming a hypertrophic scar.
Unlike other scars, a hypertrophic scar cannot simply be removed. Scar revision surgery is an option, but it creates a new wound. This new wound caused by surgical incision, can also develop into a hypertrophic scar.
How does a hypertrophic scar form?
Hypertrophic scars develop due to moisture loss through the skin. When a scar loses too much moisture, the body responds by producing excess scar tissue, leading to a raised, thickened scar.
If too much scar tissue forms, the result is an abnormal scar, which often causes symptoms. These scars typically begin to develop six weeks after wound closure and may continue to change for up to 18 months. During this time, the scar remains active, so treatment can still affect its final appearance.
How to prevent a hypertrophic scar
Can you prevent hypertrophic scars? In many cases, yes. The best way to prevent an abnormal scar is to start scar care immediately after the wound has closed.
If scar tissue begins to thicken, early treatment can stop further overgrowth. Silicone therapy is a scientifically backed treatment that helps prevent and reduce hypertrophic scars.
Hypertrophic scar treatment
A hypertrophic scar can be treated to prevent further thickening and discomfort. The most effective non-invasive treatment for hypertrophic scars is silicone therapy. Silicone sheets or gel help retain moisture in the scar, reducing the risk of excessive scar tissue formation. The sooner you start with treatment, the better the results.
Silicone sheets
Silicone therapy is a clinically proven method to effectively reduce abnormal scars. Our BAPSCARCARE and Scarban silicone sheets are designed to flatten and soften scars, making them less noticeable. The Scarban silicone sheets also protect your scar from UV rays.
Silicone gel
Silicone gel is a clinically proven treatment for scars. It is particularly convenient for small scars in visible areas such as the face when compared to silicone sheets. BAPSCARCARE silicone gel is effective and can be worn under makeup. It is also available with SPF.
Scar cream
Not all scar creams are effective. ALHYDRAN is a proven effective scar cream that helps relieve symptoms of abnormal scars. ALHYDRAN is designed to deeply hydrate the skin and lock in moisture, promoting optimal scar healing. It is ideal for use alongside silicone sheets or gel. After the cream is absorbed into the skin, you can apply the silicone product.
