Burn Scars

Enerjet is a state-of-the-art high-pressure air jet device that allows the expert surgeon to introduce various medications at the right depth within the skin layers. It precisely controls the volume, depth and nature of the substance injected achieving a painless, precise, even distribution. By varying the medications it can be used to improve sunken, as well as raised scars, as well as itch and pain within the scar, and improve the overall appearance of skin that has needed skin grafting. Enerjet can be used to plump up this kind of result providing increased dermal thickness, and pliability to skin.

Lasers are now well established into the treatment of burn scarring. The ablative fractioned laser can be used to drill tiny holes spaced within unaffected skin/scar which will address itchiness and at times pain. In conjunction with expert physical therapy, this can be used to stretch the burn scar, providing increased movement and flexibility.

The fractioned laser allows treatment over the skin as the beam is split (fractioned) into tiny beams with intervening spaces, which reduces the risk of injury, reduces downtime over multiple treatments. In another ground-breaking first, Lasemar lasers also allows microscopic fiberoptics to go under the skin, (subcutaneously) which can be very useful in dealing with recalcitrant, deep scars, keloids, and other issues. Other lasers like Carbon-dioxide fractioned laser also creates microscopic holes in the skin that may help with skin tightness, pruritus, discomfort, tightness, and at times restricted movement.

Laser-assisted drug delivery can also be used with specific medications to increase the flexibility of the scar. This cutting-edge technique is well published and only practised at leading centres internationally.

Scar tightness discomfort and itch can also be managed with a combination of topical creams, oral medication, and at times laser. Radiofrequency devices (Indiba) may also help to improve the texture of the skin over a course of treatment.

At times the burn process consumes all the structures in the skin, and the scar may be contracted, may develop hypertrophic or keloid scars. These present a complex challenge. At the clinic, a team of experts are at hand to assist with cosmetic complications of such scars and their subsequent management. At times, scars become hypertrophic, red raised and itchy, whilst keloid scars will also extend to involve pristine skin. In these cases, internationally recognised treatment protocols, including medication with steroids, fluorouracil, are required to reduce and mature such scars. Less commonly, the scar becomes sunken and tethered. Colour changes are also common in these injuries. This may be because of exposure to sunlight, because of intrinsic scar discolouration, previous necessary treatments (including with injections) and formation of tiny blood vessels in the skin. Further, in burns that have been previously treated with expanded skin grafts, a troublesome honeycomb appearance may arise.

In addition, or independently, burns scars can also suffer from changes in colour. A suite of preventative and treatment options are available including advice regarding sun protection, skin lightening creams and protection, on to laser and light therapies, which may address darker pigmented vascularised skin.

IPL therapy can be used as a standalone non surgical treatment to treat burns and burns scars, or as a single element of a broader package of treatments.

When treating burns it is vital to make sure treatment follows a certain order and is delivered by experts (or team of experts) to ensure the best results and safety. You may be a better candidate for surgery.

Either way, it is vital to speak to one of our specialist burns and laser consultants to assess what the appropriate treatment is for you.