What is Scar Tissue, and how to get relief from its pain?
Scar tissue can be a real problem from a previous surgery, injury, or medical condition.
Let us give you some intel on the symptoms, characteristics of other scar tissue problems, and scar tissue removal in Dubai.
Read on as we dive into the world of scar tissue – what it is, its symptoms, and most importantly, how to find relief from its pain.
What is Scar Tissue?
Scar tissue is a natural part of the body’s healing process. When we experience an injury or have surgery, our bodies produce collagen fibres to repair the damaged tissue. This collagen forms scar tissue, which is different from normal healthy skin.
Unlike regular skin, scar tissue lacks sweat glands and hair follicles. It may appear thicker, tougher, and less flexible than the surrounding skin. Scar tissue can vary in colour and texture relying on factors like genetics and the severity of the injury.
Characteristics of scar tissue:
- Scar tissue lacks sweat glands and hair follicles.
- It may appear thicker, tougher, and less flexible than normal healthy skin.
- The colour and texture of scar tissue can vary depending on aspects like genetics and the severity of the injury.
Important points to consider about scar tissue:
- Scar tissue never fully regains its original strength or elasticity.
- While it aids in closing wounds and healing injuries initially, it can cause discomfort or tightness over time due to its inflexibility.
- Not all scars are problematic; some fade away with time without causing pain or functional issues.
Symptoms of Scar Tissue
- Tightness or Stiffness: Scar tissue can cause the affected area to feel tight or stiff, limiting the range of motion and making movements uncomfortable.
- Itching or Irritation: Some individuals may experience itching or irritation around the scar. This can be bothersome and may lead to scratching, potentially disrupting the healing process.
- Keloid or Hypertrophic Scarring: Sometimes, the scar tissue may become raised above the skin level, thickened, and discoloured, forming either keloid or hypertrophic scars. These types of scars can be more noticeable and tender or painful to the touch.
- Hypersensitivity: Scar tissue can lead to increased sensitivity of the nerves surrounding the area, causing heightened sensitivity to touch or pressure. This heightened sensitivity can be uncomfortable or even painful.
- Adhesions: In certain instances, internal scar tissue can form adhesions, which are bands of tissue that connect organs or tissues that should be separate. Adhesions can cause pain and restrict the normal movement of organs, potentially leading to complications.
- Reduction in Functionality: Depending on the location and extent of the scar tissue, it may impact the functionality of the affected area. For instance, scars near joints or muscles could reduce strength or flexibility.
- Cosmetic Concerns: Some individuals may experience emotional distress or self-consciousness due to the appearance of prominent scars, particularly on visible body parts.
- Pain or Discomfort: Scar tissue can occasionally cause pain or discomfort, especially if it presses on nerves or other sensitive structures.
Pain associated with Scar Tissue
When scar tissue forms, it can lead to pain and discomfort, with the severity varying from person to person based on factors such as scar location and size. Some common scar tissue problems include:
- Adhesions: Scar tissue may bind different structures in the body together, restricting movement and causing aching or sharp pains.
- Nerve Damage: During the healing process, nerves may be affected (compressed), leading to hypersensitivity or shooting pains around the scar area.
- Hypertrophic or Keloid Scarring: In some cases, scars become raised and thickened, leading to tenderness and pain upon touch.
Approaches for relief from scar tissue problems
If you are experiencing pain due to scar tissue, you can try the following approaches for relief:
- Gentle Massage & topical treatments: Massaging the area of the scar and around the scar can help break up adhesions and improve blood circulation, which may reduce discomfort. Scar massage also has a desensibilizing effect. Painkillers and topical creams may help.
- Heat Therapy: Applying warm compresses or hot showers can alleviate pain by relaxing muscles and promoting healing in the affected area.
- Silicone Gel Sheets or Creams: These products can be applied to the scar to help soften or flatten it, potentially reducing pain and improving appearance.
- Physical Therapy: Working with a physical therapist can help improve flexibility and mobility around the scar tissue, reducing pain caused by adhesions.
- Scar Massage Techniques: Specific scar massage techniques performed by a qualified therapist may help break down scar tissue and alleviate pain.
- Steroid Injections: For hypertrophic or keloid scars causing significant discomfort, corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation and pain.
- Dermabrasion: Scar tissue removal can be effectively achieved through dermabrasion, a specialized treatment involving carefully removing the skin’s surface using advanced equipment. Dermabrasion helps to smoothen the skin’s texture, reducing the appearance of scars and restoring a more even complexion.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion offers a suitable alternative for less invasive scar tissue removal. While not as aggressive as dermabrasion, microdermabrasion can still be effective for superficial or minor scars.
Consult Prof Dr. Robert Hierner for expert scar removal in Dubai
With a deep understanding of scar tissue and its impact on the body, Prof Dr Robert Hierner provides comprehensive assessments to determine each patient’s best course of action.
You can trust Dr. Robert to deliver exceptional results, from innovative scar removal in Dubai techniques to advanced therapies.
Book your appointment with Dr. Robert for expert scar removal in Dubai.