hypertrophic scar removal

[faffadoodledo]

I've posted this in Health as well. But it occurred to me it might be better here in Style and Beauty.

Does anyone have experience of removal or improvement of a hypertrophic scar? Laser or surgery or something else? Looking for opinions and options! Thank you

I have a hypertrophic/ nudging over into keloid scar on my inner elbow from surgery - around 6" long and 3/4 " wide. I had it treated with kelocote gel, haelen tape, steroid injections into it and compression with silicone pads and pressure garments. This took all the height and colour out of it, so although I have a very wide scar still, it largely doesn't itch/bleed/catch on things.
Surgical excision has a 70-80% failure rate, so not a great idea

That's what I thought re surgery. it's also on the face. But it is definitely hypertrophic rather than keloid because it is within the range of the original wound site. Also about 6 years old (the scar) and we've tried steroid injections which made no difference.
Glad you've seen some improvement. Improvement would be fine for us. I'm not really expecting miracles

I have some , the doctor at the breast clinic told me they’re hypertrophic rather than keloid ( within the last 3 years) although doctors many years ago described them as keloid. anyhow, I had the steroid injections ( years - maybe 40 ) years ago, but made no difference. They have flattened and faded , considerably in a couple of places the ones I’ve had since I developed the first one at 19. The first one I ever had was excised which just produced a larger scar ( although that scar is now flat and white which it wasn’t for years) I am fortunate that my clothes can hide them. I think time helps them but sadly it takes a very long time. Sorry not to have better information.

Thank you @Countmeout
I do fear the scar worsening if it's excised.
Urgh. Oh dear. It's on DD's face. She is beautiful but this thing does affect her confidence

I've had steroid injections (20 years ago) and laser combined with steroid injections (4 ish years ago) on a keloid scar.

Both made a considerable difference but not disappeared or flat. Although I think keloids are generally bigger etc so not a direct comparison.

Painful but bearable and I think I have a relatively low pain threshold.

I went to a brilliant doctor based in Oxfordshire who treats lots of scarring and I'd highly recommend if you happen to be nearby.

@Hereforthedramaz DD is in London. Is the doctor private or NHS? Could I PM you?

Of course, very happy to pass on a recommendation.

Not NHS, she is an NHS GP part time too but the clinic is private.

PM me and I'll give you an overly detailed review, including what I paid.

My scar is the middle of my chest so different to your daughters but I completely understand the effect they can have.

Hi, has your daughter heard of the charity changing faces? I believe they offer a skin camouflage service.

www.changingfaces.org.uk/services-support/skin-camouflage-service/

I have facial scarring, I have had them for years and sometimes forget about them until someone asked what happened (pretty rude to ask tbh!) so I can understand how your daughter feels, I hope she feels better about herself soon, sounds like she has a fantastic mum behind her

The thing is the scar isnt that big @Wootothewho . But it's big enough that she has to camouflage every day. And she is a whizz with make up so does an excellent job. She'd just like not have to have to do it I think. But I will take a looks, thanks xx

Purely anecdotal but I've been having Nano and micro needling facial treatments and the lady mentioned that she had seen it have some really good effects on scarring too.

Pleasant compared to uncomfortable laser/ injections with the added benefit of beautiful skin all over!

No experience of it on scarring myself though.

I had this treatment on my hypertrophic scars. My physio happens to be trained in it. I went to see her about something else and she asked if she could do some work on my scars. I was sceptical but trust her as a physio.. my goodness it worked!!

scarwork.com/about/about-scarwork/

Does she have Ehler’s Danlos?

Interesting question about Eheler's Danlos @Fraaahnces . She has scoliosis but has never been diagnosed with ED. Why do you ask?

@Snowdropbulbs so what? The physio just palpated the scars? It seems scarcely credible! No wonder you were sceptical. But so glad it worked for you

Wow!

It does sound surprising but given your recommendation I'm happy to give this a go.

Im always ready to try something new so I've found a local therapist and booked in for next week!

@faffadoodledo Yes!
she’s an excellent physio, I trusted her but had zero expectations, was skeptical.

She worked on a hypertrophic hernia scar which was really bothering me and large hypertrophic breast reduction scars which I had given up on ever healing properly.

She manipulated, stroked, pressed and held her fingers on the scars. I saw results quickly, the main thing being that the angry pink colour faded.

She explained how most of the scar tissue was inside, not outside

@faffadoodledo - Hypertrophic scars are one of the symptoms. (There are many different “kinds” of EDS, but it is unusual for kids to heal with a hypertrophic scar.) May be worth checking into.

@Fraaahnces They’re also a lot more common if you’re black or south Asian, though. I have four, just from regular childhood injuries.

@HorseGallopingOnATomato - that is true, and so are keloid scars. Either way, the poor kid has one on her face and if she happens to have EDS, she may not heal properly if she gets it fixed.

I would be very cautious in case some of these suggestions made it worse. I don’t think the result on that keloid scar on the scar works site is worth it as they fade naturally in time. Some of the other pictures of scars aren’t very bad scars in the first place.
I certainly wouldn’t stick needles in scars either as it could make them worse, certainly I know it would mine. If I break the skin in certain areas it can produces one of this type ( mainly chest and shoulders )
I appreciate you may want to try anything to improve a facial scar but I would proceed with caution. A plastic surgeon should surely advise on this.

@Snowdropbulbs your experience seems to be the least invasive of all options. Were any risks talked about? Or is this a risk free method?