Healing and color changes
We first check that the wound has healed, then distinguish redness, brown pigmentation and pale areas. Recent increases in redness, stinging or discomfort also need to be reviewed.
TRAUMATIC SCARS
Traumatic scars
After an injury, the current redness, thickness, depression and tightness of a scar help define treatment priorities. We consider the skin at the site, whether the wound was stitched, and how it healed. ELION distinguishes color and surface treatment from deeper tethering and structural concerns when building a plan.
01 / ASSESSMENT
What we assess
Thickness, width and stitch marks
Raised firm areas, widened lines, stitch marks and depressions are assessed separately. The transition to surrounding skin and the shadows at the edge help define the treatment area.
Tightness and movement
We check for pulling with facial expressions or joint movement, and whether the skin seems fixed to tissue underneath. Pain, altered sensation and limited movement are assessed alongside appearance.
02 / TREATMENT PLAN
A plan matched to the scar
Treating redness and color contrast
Vascular treatment such as Vbeam is considered for redness; brown pigmentation is assessed separately before considering options such as PicoWay. Color treatment is planned separately from correction of depressions or raised areas.
View detailsAddressing surface texture and edges
Fractional treatment such as Lotus III is an option for rough surfaces, shallow depressions and uneven edges around stitch marks. The area is planned around skin condition and recovery needs.
View detailsCombined care for thickness and tethering
Raised scars may be assessed for scar injections. Depressed scars with pulling are checked for tethering before considering structural treatment such as subcision; wider scars or movement restriction may also warrant a discussion of surgical revision.
View detailsBEFORE YOUR VISIT
Prepare for your consultation
- Tell us the injury date, whether you had stitches or surgery, and whether there was infection, wound separation or delayed healing.
- Describe current pain, itching, altered sensation or tightness, including movements that feel uncomfortable.
- Bring details of previous lasers, injections, topical treatment, medicines and any history of thick scars. Earlier photographs or medical records can also help.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Questions, answered
When should I seek a scar consultation after an injury?
Timing depends on healing and changes in redness or thickness. If the wound is still open or has discharge, warmth or pain, wound care comes first; scar care is then planned around recovery.
Can an old injury scar still be assessed for treatment?
Yes. We assess remaining color differences, uneven surfaces, depressions and tightness separately. Your main concern and the skin at the site guide the goals and order of treatment.
Is laser alone enough for a depressed scar that pulls?
Surface depression needs to be distinguished from tethering below the skin. Pulling or limited movement calls for structural assessment first, followed by a plan combining any necessary tethering treatment with surface or color care.
ELION MEDICAL CLINIC