Expert Interview with Bildplus - Scar Treatment

Bildplus, 24 October 2017

What can be done to prevent scarring? And how can existing visible scars be reduced? Dr. Karl Schuhmann shares the best skincare tips for scar prevention and the various options available for scar aftercare.

Even though Blanco emphasises that she is fully at peace with her new body, she still has her scars treated: "I have no problem with the scars. I am undergoing a lengthy laser treatment for them, but they will never disappear completely."

For some people, it is harder to accept these marks on the skin. But what options are available to make scars less noticeable?

In an interview with BILD, Dr. med. Karl Schuhmann, specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery at the KÖ MEDICALS practice in Düsseldorf, reveals when the right skincare routine can already make a difference and when laser treatment or other procedures are truly necessary.

Factors in Scar Formation

"Patients with a darker skin type have an increased risk of excessive scar growth. In addition, age can also play a role: scar formation in younger years is more pronounced than in older age. Furthermore, the area around the chest and shoulders is particularly susceptible to scar hypertrophy."

Scar Care After Procedures

"In principle, scar treatment should begin as early as possible," advises the expert. "This can be supported by the use of scar creams and gels. Care should be taken to ensure that scars are not exposed to sunlight or UV radiation without protection – therefore the careful use of sun protection creams is strongly recommended."

Surgical Scar Revision

"For large scars, serial excision can be applied. Here, the scar is gradually reduced in stages at intervals of three to six months and re-sutured each time. In the best case, only a small pale line remains after the final treatment."

Scar Tattooing

"The scar must be fully healed, so prior to arranging an appointment with the tattooist, consultation with a dermatologist or the treating Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery specialist is strongly recommended. It is also possible that the scar may be significantly more sensitive to pain than the surrounding skin."

Treatment Methods

• Scar treatment with silicone
• Scar treatment with laser
• Scar treatment with hyaluronic acid
• Scar treatment with microneedling
• Scar treatment with dermabrasion