Reducing Scars after Plastic Surgery
Most scars have a history, a story behind them. For some men, sitting around a campfire with their buddies, drinking beer, comparing their “battle wounds” may be way to puff their feathers and compete for the highest honor of manhood. For most women, however, when the conversation switches to “scar talk,” the purpose is usually not to compare the number of scars and their histories, but to compare creams and other scar reducing remedies.
Most women I know would agree that our scars are better off covered up by clothing or masked with layers of concealer and foundation.
But, as we all know, makeup is not the answer. Heavy layers of foundation can often magnify facial scars as the makeup begins to take on a thick texture that draws a lot more attention than a more natural, smooth surface — scar and all. But let’s face it, scars anywhere on the body, especially the face and neck, can cause insecurities.
Because noticeable scars can be damaging to one’s self-esteem, there is a high demand for scar reducing remedies. While there is no way of getting rid of scars completely, there is a vast array of products designed to make them less noticeable
One natural, scar-reducing remedy is combining a mixture of frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carteri), lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) and jojoba oil and applying it to the surface of the scar. Ancient Egyptians used frankincense essential oil to rejuvinate the skin, because it stimulates cell turnover, as does lavender.
Jajoba oil helps the skin absorb the frankinsence and lavender. Research shows that combining 1 ounce of jajoba oil with 10 drops of each essential oil and massaging the mixture into the scar tissue twice a day for at least theree months will minimize the appearane of the scar.
Most scar reducing creams contain vitamin E or cocoa butter cream. Other products that help to reduce scarring include vitamins A or C, zinc, honey, and aloe vera.
There are also over the counter, natural gels such as Mederma that have been proven to soften and smooth the surface of scar tissue. It’s active ingredient is made from onions. Onion extract acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps smooth out the collagen, a tough fiber-like protein that makes up the majority of scar tissue.
Silicone sheets or gel can also be used to lighten scars and smooth out the bumpy surface. Alpha Hydroxy Acids or natural fruit acids are commonly used for acne scars. The natural acid is also used to minimize wrinkles and other signs of aging.
For more severe scars, other treatments can be used such as dermabrasion, which removes the upper layers of the skin. A series of steroid injections are sometimes recommended for scars that are flat or indented into the surface of the skin.
Studies show all scar reducing treatments are only 25-50 percent effective in reducing scars, meaning that they are effective for some, but not for everyone.
