Wound Healing

After the first ten months following surgery or wound healing, the healing process is complete, although not always in the way one would expect.

Nowadays there are different non-surgical procedures aimed at eliminating or, at least, disguising the scars on the skin, as they can be an emotional problem for those who have them, especially depending on their location, shape or size.

Dr. Carmen Iglesias, from the Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Service of Nuestra Señora del Rosario Hospital, reminds us that scarring is a long process, which lasts 12-18 months, and that rushing into it does not help to achieve the best results. The specialist also points out that it is an active process in which there are several types of scarring:

  • Normal. It is the flattened scarring that starts reddened and later recovers the normal color of the skin.
  • Anomalous or pathological. The origin of which may be either in the way in which the wound originated or its location, or in a natural predisposition of the skin to this type of scarring.

If the scarring is abnormal, hypertrophic, keloid, atrophic, dyschromic, etc. scars may appear.

It can also happen that the scars are painful because they trap a nerve, or they can limit the mobility of a joint because they become retractable.

For the correct healing and scarring of a wound it is very important to avoid sun exposure, especially during the first 6-8 months after skin closure. In addition, it is important to stay hydrated.

If a person decides to treat the scar, after the indicated time, there are several non-surgical procedures recommended by Dr. Churches: intralesional corticosteroid injection, dermabrasion, peelings, laser in its different varieties, photodynamic therapy, botulinum toxin, plasma with growth factors, imiquimod and anti-inflammatory products.