What are Hypertrophic Scars?

Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened scars that form due to excessive collagen production during wound healing but remain confined to the boundaries of the original injury, unlike keloids. They are often red or pink, firm, and may cause itching or discomfort, appearing on areas like the face, arms, or joints. At Nairobi Sculpt Aesthetic Centre, Dr. Mukami Gathariki offers advanced hypertrophic scar treatments, combining surgical and non-surgical techniques to flatten, soften, and fade these scars, improving both their appearance and associated symptoms.

Dr. Mukami’s personalized approach ensures treatments are tailored to the scar’s characteristics, skin type, and patient goals, delivering smoother, less noticeable skin with minimal risk of recurrence.

Benefits of Hypertrophic Scar Treatment

• Flatter, Smoother Skin: Reduces the raised, thickened appearance of hypertrophic scars for a more even skin texture.
• Relief from Symptoms: Alleviates itching, tenderness, or discomfort caused by hypertrophic scars.
• Improved Aesthetics: Fades redness and blends the scar with surrounding skin for a less noticeable appearance.
• Customized Care: Combines therapies like injections, laser, or surgery to address specific scar characteristics.
• Enhanced Confidence: Minimizes self-consciousness about visible scars, improving quality of life.

Who is a Candidate for Hypertrophic Scar Treatment?

Ideal candidates for hypertrophic scar treatment include individuals who:

• Are in good overall health with no active skin infections or uncontrolled medical conditions.
• Have hypertrophic scars causing cosmetic concerns, discomfort, or restricted movement (e.g., near joints).
• Seek to improve the appearance or symptoms of scars from surgery, burns, or injuries.
• Have realistic expectations, understanding that while significant improvement is possible, scars may not disappear completely.
• Are committed to following post-treatment care to optimize healing and results.

During your consultation, Dr. Mukami will evaluate the scar’s size, location, and severity, review your medical history, and recommend a tailored treatment plan to achieve the best outcomes.

Types of Hypertrophic Scar Treatments

Dr. Mukami offers a variety of hypertrophic scar treatment options, often combined for optimal results:

• Corticosteroid Injections: Injects steroids into the scar to reduce inflammation, flatten the scar, and relieve itching or discomfort.
• Laser Therapy: Uses targeted laser energy to reduce scar thickness, redness, and improve skin texture.
• Silicone Gel or Sheets: Applies silicone-based products to hydrate and soften the scar, reducing its height and redness.
• Surgical Excision: Removes the hypertrophic scar surgically, followed by meticulous wound closure and adjunctive therapies to prevent recurrence.
• Pressure Therapy: Applies pressure dressings to flatten scars, particularly effective for scars on joints or limbs.
• Cryotherapy: Freezes the scar with liquid nitrogen to reduce its size, often used for smaller hypertrophic scars.
• Microneedling: Stimulates collagen remodeling to improve scar texture and blend it with surrounding skin.

The Hypertrophic Scar Treatment Procedure

The hypertrophic scar treatment process varies depending on the selected method(s). Below is an overview:

1. Consultation: Dr. Mukami assesses the scar’s size, location, and symptoms, discusses your goals, and designs a personalized treatment plan, which may include one or multiple therapies.
2. Anesthesia: Surgical excision or cryotherapy uses local anesthesia, while injections, laser therapy, or microneedling may require topical numbing or none.
3. Procedure Execution:
   • Surgical Excision: The scar is carefully removed, and the wound is closed with fine sutures to minimize tension and new scar formation.
   • Injections: Corticosteroids are injected into the scar, typically in multiple sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
   • Laser/Cryotherapy/Microneedling: Targeted energy or needles are applied to the scar to reduce its size, redness, or texture.
   • Silicone/Pressure Therapy: Non-invasive application of silicone products or pressure dressings, used consistently at home.
4. Completion: Surgical sites are dressed, and non-surgical treatments conclude with immediate aftercare instructions. No sutures are needed for non-surgical options.
5. Duration: Surgical excision takes 30–60 minutes, injections or laser sessions take 10–20 minutes, and cryotherapy or microneedling are similarly brief. Silicone/pressure therapy is ongoing.

Dr. Mukami’s precision ensures effective scar reduction with minimal discomfort, tailored to the scar’s characteristics and patient’s skin type.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from hypertrophic scar treatment depends on the method used:

• Non-Surgical Treatments (Injections, Laser, Cryotherapy, Microneedling): Minimal downtime, with mild redness, swelling, or sensitivity resolving within hours to 2 days. Patients can resume normal activities immediately, avoiding irritation to the treated area.
• Surgical Excision:
  • First Week: Mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort at the surgical site, managed with medications. Sutures are removed within 5–10 days.
  • Two Weeks: Swelling subsides, and light activities can resume. Avoid stretching or trauma to the site.
  • One Month: Initial results are visible as the new scar begins to fade. Adjunctive treatments (e.g., silicone sheets) may continue.
  • Full Recovery: Final results are visible within 3–6 months as the scar matures and blends with surrounding skin.
• Silicone/Pressure Therapy: Ongoing application for weeks to months, with minimal disruption to daily life.

Dr. Mukami provides detailed aftercare instructions, including:

• Keeping surgical sites clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Applying silicone gel or sheets consistently to soften and flatten the scar.
• Avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation of the treated area.
• Avoiding activities that cause tension or irritation to the scar to promote optimal healing.
• Attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress and administer additional treatments as needed.

Combining Hypertrophic Scar Treatment with Other Procedures

Hypertrophic scar treatment can be combined with other scar management or aesthetic procedures for enhanced results, such as:

• Keloid Treatment: Addresses keloids in patients with both scar types for comprehensive scar improvement.
• Scar Revision: Improves the appearance of other non-hypertrophic scars for uniform skin texture.
• Laser Skin Resurfacing: Enhances skin tone and texture around the scar for a cohesive appearance.
• Chemical Peels: Improves overall skin quality, particularly for pigmentation issues near scars.
• Facial Rejuvenation: Combines scar treatment with Botox, fillers, or fat grafting for patients seeking both scar reduction and anti-aging benefits.

Dr. Mukami will recommend complementary procedures based on your skin concerns and aesthetic goals during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do hypertrophic scars differ from keloids? Hypertrophic scars stay within the wound’s boundaries and are less likely to recur, while keloids extend beyond the wound and have a higher recurrence rate.
• Can hypertrophic scars be completely removed? Treatment can significantly flatten and fade hypertrophic scars, but complete removal may not be possible, leaving a faint, less noticeable scar.
• Is hypertrophic scar treatment painful? Most treatments involve minimal discomfort, managed with local anesthesia or numbing agents. Post-treatment soreness is mild and temporary.
• How many treatment sessions are needed? Non-surgical treatments like injections or laser therapy often require 3–6 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Surgical excision may need follow-up therapies to optimize results.
• When will I see results? Non-surgical treatments show gradual improvement over weeks to months, while surgical results are visible within 1–3 months, with full outcomes in 3–6 months.