There are a number of products on the market that claim to reduce scarring. However, the most successful results are usually from medical procedures that aim to repair the skin in and around the scarring and encourage the dermis to repair itself. These procedures have potential risks, and it is important that they are performed by a trained specialist.
Yours scars or stretch marks will be fully assessed at consultation to determine the most appropriate treatments for you. We offer the following treatments:
Laser-resurfacing treatment with Erbium:YAG lasers
Laser treatments are the primary treatments for acne scars, particularly atrophic, and rolling scars. Through fractionated technology, laser-resurfacing treatments remove the surface cells in the epidermis without causing damage to surrounding healthy skin cells. In addition, the heat generated from lasers also targets the dermis and stimulates collagen to remodel, thereby improving the uneven skin texture with time.
We offer the fractionated ablative Er:YAG (2940nm) laser resurfacing treatment. There is significantly less downtime with this type of laser resurfacing as compared to the traditional CO2 laser resurfacing. Downtime varies among individuals, usually about a week. Results are generally visible after the surface skin cells have shed, but continuous improvement can be seen after a few months. 3-6 treatment sessions may be needed (each treatment 3 months apart) to see significant results. Strict sun protection before and after the procedure is important to reduce the risk of pigmentary changes.
Skin resurfacing treatment with Tixel
Lumiere Clinic is the first in the North West to offer this Tixel treatment. This treatment is an alternative to laser resurfacing, and it uses an advanced thermo-mechanical system which applies heat onto the skin to renew the surface skin cells and collagen synthesis. Without the use of laser irradiation, this treatment is safe for skin around the eyes, as well as other thin skin areas such as neck and back of hands. Compared to traditional laser resurfacing, Tixel causes less downtime, less crusting on the skin and faster skin healing times as compared to laser resurfacing. Results are generally visible after 1-2 months, and 2-5 monthly sessions are recommended.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised and lumpy scars after an injury to the skin. Some individuals are genetically more prone to developing keloid scars than others. These scars are usually treated with steroid injections to flatten them and to improve the symptom of itching in the scars.
At Lumiere Clinic, we offer steroid injections for hypertrophic and keloid scars. These treatments are usually done at monthly intervals until the desired result is achieved.
To book a consultation with our dermatologist, or for more information on scars and stretch mark treatment at our skin and aesthetics clinic in Manchester, call us on: 0161 236 6500, email us on: info@lumiereclinic.co.uk or fill in our online contact form.
Micro-needling
By applying tiny punctures into the skin, the natural healing process is triggered which encourages the growth of new cells. This type of treatment is suitable for mild acne scarring. Usually 4 to 6 treatments are needed (each treatment about 6 weeks apart) to see results.
Subcision
This treatment is usually suitable for deep boxscars (broad, indented scars). Subcision is performed using a special needle inserted in the skin surface. The needle is used to break fibrotic strands under the scars. The release of the fibrotic strands and stimulation of new collagen formation can lead to improvement of scars. This procedure is usually well-tolerated with a numbing cream.
TCA chemical peel
This is a treatment that removes layers of damaged skin, allowing the newer skin to resurface. This treatment is only suitable for very mild acne scars, and the results may vary among individuals. The downtime also varies among individuals, usually from 4 to10 days. Strict sun protection before and after the procedure is important to reduce the risk of pigmentation.
Punch excisions
This is a minor skin procedure that removes ice-pick scars (deep V-shaped tracks in the skin). It is performed under local anaesthetic. This type of procedure is only suitable for isolated deep scars.