Scar tissue explained

Posted on 14 Feb, 2012

When the skin is damaged, even if the wound is relatively minor, it is likely that a scar will form in the place of the damaged skin. This is the result of the body’s healing process which aims to replace the affected tissues.

Scar tissue looks different and behaves differently to normal, healthy skin tissue. Although it is ‘built’ using the same fibrous protein (collagen) as healthy skin, it forms differently, resulting in a fibrous appearance.

The functions of skin tissue are also affected when replaced with scar tissue; it remains more sensitive to UV rays and does not have sweat glands or hair follicles, which can also highlight its difference with the surrounding healthy skin.

It is the appearance of scar tissue that often makes it difficult to live with, particularly if the injury site is in a visible location. Extensive scarring can also be very hard to live with and concealing it may only offer temporary and partial relief.

Scar treatment can help to improve the appearance of scars. The Laser Treatment Clinic uses microdermabrasion, laser therapy and ultrasound treatment to restructure the surface of the skin without being invasive.

Damaged cells are removed in a safe and even way, with the application of the laser encouraging the regeneration of the new and healthy skin cells that lie beneath the surface.