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Fading Scars and Restoring Confidence How aesthetic energy-based devices can help those suffering with the appearance of their scars There is a very high probability that you, or at least someone you know, has a scar. Whether it’s a small mark from where you fell over as a child, a divot from when you had chickenpox, a rough orange peel effect from acne, or even after an accident or surgery, scarring affects more than 20 million people in the UK. This is according to The Scar Free Foundation, which also states that there is a lack of awareness around the physical and emotional impact of those living with a scar. So, if you have a scar that’s bothering you, what can you do? We spoke to aesthetic practitioner Dr Benji Dhillon about what causes scars, and his top treatment approach.
How are scars caused?
Dr Benji Dhillon, aesthetic practitioner, Define Clinic, Beaconsfield IG: @drbenjidhillon
“Scarring is almost always the result of a past wound,” says Dr Dhillon, and it can happen when the healing does not occur in the way it should do, causing the skin to look and act slightly differently to the surrounding skin. “There are many different types of scars, such as those that are raised from the skin (called hypertrophic or keloid scarring), or they can be indented, which are called atrophic scars,” he explains.
How can scars be treated?
There are many treatments that can help the physical, emotional, and psychological marks that are often caused by scars, according to Dr Dhillon. He says, “A scar will rarely get completely back to normal, but there are ways we can improve its appearance. Treatments that can help include energy-based devices like lasers and radiofrequency, as well as collagen induction therapy or microneedling, chemical peels, steroid injections and even dermal fillers – the list goes on! Scars can also be concealed through methods such as medical tattooing.”
Dr Dhillon’s approach with energy-based devices Although many people don’t mind their scars, for some the marks can have a huge impact on self-esteem. “To treat scarring, I like to use energy-based devices such as laser skin resurfacing Before After or radiofrequency microneedling technology. Both aim to help raised scars lie flatter against the skin, diminish the appearance of the sunken scarrish mark, and help promote skin repair,” Dr Dhillon says, advising that you will usually need Before and after one Potenza radiofrequency microneedling treatment. Patient treated by Dr T. Takahashi a course of treatments, 49
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depending on the type of scar and how severe it is. “The treatment approach really depends on the type of scar, but for general scar improvements, I really like using the Potenza device, which is suitable for all skin colours and tones as well as for the face and the body,” says Dr Dhillon, “The device combines ultrafine needles and radiofrequency energy to penetrate the top layer of the skin and trigger the body’s natural healing process to regenerate new collagen and elastin – the building blocks of the skin. It also has a variety of needle tips for treating a variety of scar sizes. Unlike many other treatments, this technology can also be used on those who have active acne spots, giving you an overall clearer complexion and helping to prevent scarring.”
The company behind the results The Potenza treatment, as well as PicoSure laser skin resurfacing, which helps the skin boost elasticity and collagen, gradually improving the scar, are created by a company called Cynosure. This is a brand which recently partnered with the Katie Piper Foundation, a charity that helps the rehabilitation journey of burns and scars survivors. "I think this new partnership is a real testament to the company’s commitment to restoring people’s confidence through improving their scars,” Dr Dhillon says.
Patients can expect to pay from £500 for one Potenza treatment and from £300 for one PicoSure treatment. To find your nearest Cynosure provider scan the QR code.
This advertorial was reviewed and funded by Cynosure
WORDS: SHANNON KILGARIFF
