Are there any effective treatments for burn scars?

Doctor's Answers 4

this will depend on the type of scars sustained after the burn as mentioned by Dr Shane and Dr Winston.

Hyperpigmented (dark) scars can be lightened with Q-Switch lasers. Raised scars can be reduced with steroid injection. To further blend in and reduce the appearance of the scar, ablative lasers can be used. Other types of scars may need surgical revision.

It's best to let your doctor have a look at the scars so that he/she can formulate a treatment plan that suits your condition.

Hope that helps!

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Dr Samuel Ho

Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question and I'm sorry to hear about your recent burn on your left hand.

Burn wounds run a whole gamut in terms of complexity - entire books have been written on the management of burn injuries. Therefore, management of burn wounds should be undertaken by someone with the relevant experience and training in this subject matter in order to have the best cosmetic and functional outcome.

Management starts from the acute phase of the burn injury, in order to minimise the extent and morbidity. However, that is no longer relevant to you as it is probably now beyond the first 1-3 weeks of injury.

In terms of long term management of burn injuries, it boils down to optimising the cosmetic outcome and reducing any functional deficits. For the cosmetic aspect, it usually involves the colour and the texture of the scar.

The treatments already mentioned by the other doctors are reasonable options for matured burn scars. In terms of functional deficits, surgical options such as scar revisions, scar releases with Z-, W-plasties or skin grafts may be required. This is medical in nature and can be covered by Medisave and Insurance.

Thank you and best regards,

Dr Samuel Ho

to answer that question, one would first need to determine the type of scars you've attained from the burn.

These can include mild forms including change in pigmentation of the skin (hyper or hypo-pigmentation); actual scars like hypertrophic/atrophic scars or keloids; and even resultant contractures from burns.

Depending on the type of scar, treatments range from non ablative to ablative lasers, steroid injections into scars, and even scar revision surgery.

It would be best to be seen by your doctor to first determine the nature of your scars so that a thorough treatment plan can be formulated.

Cheers!

Shane

The kind of scars, as Dr Shane has mentioned will really affect the kind of treatment. Raised scars or flattened scars might need surgical intervention or fillers while pigmentary changes will need lasers and topical treatments.

So nothing really beats visiting your doctor and checking it out!

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