What is scarring?
Common conditions that leave visible scars include acne  and chicken pox. These kinds of scars may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and usually include indentations in the skin’s surface. This can be very noticeable on the face and neck, leaving those who experience them feeling distressed about their appearance.
Another form of scarring, hypertrophic scarring, is where thick and raised patches of skin form. These can also be very noticeable, causing embarrassment and distress for the sufferer. Hypertrophic scars are more likely to occur on areas of the body where the skin is taut, such as the back, chest, shoulders and upper arms. They may also be tender and itchy.
What causes scarring?
Both atrophic and hypertrophic scars are formed by abnormal collagen production in the skin as the wound heals.Â
In atrophic scarring, not enough collagen is produced to plump up the skin back to the same level as the neighbouring areas. Often caused by acne or chicken pox, even once the spots have healed the sufferer is left with a visible reminder.
In hypertrophic scarring, the skin becomes raised which is a result of overactive collagen production as the wound heals. They are more likely to occur from burn wounds, especially deeper burns, or where there is a large open wound. Raised scarring can also run in families.  Â
In most cases scars are harmless. However, if you have a scar that is swollen, feels warm to the touch or is painful, you should consult with your GP as soon as possible. You should also see your GP if you have a scar with pus coming out of it.
How to get rid of scarring?
Make-up can be used to cover scars temporarily, whereas aesthetic treatments will make a permanent difference. It may not be possible to completely remove scarring, but there are many treatments that gently reduce the appearance of scars and give you back your confidence.Â
Treatments may be used in different combinations to create the most effective results for your skin and your specific condition.
At-home Self Care Treatments
At Hannah London, our practitioners will offer advice on things you can do for yourself, at home, to improve scarring and support in-clinic treatments. For example:
Clinic based treatmentsÂ
Microneedling
Microneedling
Microneedling uses very fine surgical needles to create microscopic injuries to the skin, which promotes collagen restructuring and healing of both atrophic and hypertrophic scars. It may be used in combination with dermal fillers for atrophic scarring.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are used to restore volume in the case of deeper indentations left by scars. They are a gentle, gel like substance that is injected beneath the skin in small doses, to smooth out its contours.
Subcision
Subcision
Subcision involves inserting a small needle into the skin to release indentation scars from the underlying skin tissue, which allows sunken scars to rise and also stimulates healing.
TCA cross
TCA cross
TCA cross uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in a chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) that is used for acne or chicken pox scarring. The acid stimulates the creation of new collagen fibres and reduces the appearance of scars.
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides (also called biofillers or biostimulators) are like a kind of food or medicine for your cells. They are injected and stimulate collagen and elastin production in skin cells.
PRP
PRP
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is delivered by injection and, like polynucleotides, is used with other treatments to simulate the natural healing processes of our skin.Â
Exsomes
Exsomes
Exsomes are derived from stem cells and deliver growth factors and proteins to the skin. They are used in conjunction with other treatments, like microneedling, to support our skin’s natural repair process.Â
Steroids
Steroids
Corticosteroid injections are used to soften and flatten the scar tissue in hypertrophic scarring, they also help to reduce itching and tenderness.
Intra-lesional steroid
Intra-lesional steroid
Intra-lesional steroid injections may also be used for hypertropic scars, following consultation with an experienced practitioner.
Topical chemical treatments
Topical chemical treatments
A number of topical treatments are also available, which involve applying chemicals to the skin to help re-structure the collagen in the scar tissue.Â
-
Further Reading
Information from the NHS about scars
Information from the NHS about acne scarring
Research on facial scarring and mental health, a 2023 research study led by Swansea University.
Meet one of our doctors for a consultation to discuss your treatment options
Welcome to
Hannah London
We’re a team of aesthetic and medical specialists lead by Dr Kaywaan Khan. We provide award-winning facial, body and hair treatments to clients across London.
Our ethos is to offer cutting-edge treatments in a luxurious setting, ensuring that you leave our clinic feeling pampered and looking fabulous.