Scar Therapy

At a glance

Treatment time & anaesthetic:

Dependent on the type of scarring and type of treatment being carried out. Many scar therapies can be done as day procedures during clinic appointments and do not require any anaesthetic or time off work.

A scar is formed when there is damage, injury or inflammation in the skin and is part of the natural healing process.

As the skin tissue remodels to repair the damaged area, cells produce tough connective tissue, namely collagen, which helps to restore skin integrity. In some cases, this remodeling stage of scar production can produce too much or too little collagen. This can result in troublesome scars that can be unsightly, protuberant or dimpled from the level of the surrounding skin, appear darker or lighter than the rest of the skin, or produce symptoms of pain and itch over the scar itself.

Scar therapy aims to reduce any symptoms that are troubling or distressing to the individual, whether this be appearance related concerns or functional symptoms (e.g persistent pain or itch). There are a number of treatment options, which will depend on the type of scarring present, the skin type and general health of the individual as well as specific treatment aims.

Mr Ioannis Goutos is an expert plastic surgeon with a keen interest in treating and helping those with troublesome scarring or burns. He is well known and respected within the plastics community and places particular emphasis on treating his patients holistically; incorporating both physical and psychological factors in his assessment and treatment. He is a skilled surgeon, with experience in recommending and delivering a number of surgical and non-surgical procedures with an adept hand.

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About this treatment

Topical treatments, such as steroid tapes or silicone sheets, are helpful in treating and preventing the occurrence of bulky or hypertrophic scars. They can be used as an adjunct following planned surgical procedures in those who are prone to developing this type of scarring. Tapes can also provide mechanical support to the healing skin, aiming to produce a scar which is softer, flatter and paler in appearance.

In addition to the application of steroid tapes, injections of steroid medications can also be helpful in reducing the appearance of bulky scars. Injections aim to break down excess collagen and also reduce inflammation in the skin, to help improve the overall appearance of the scar. These injections are also effective in reducing troublesome symptoms such as itch and pain.

Laser therapies are targeted, energy-based treatments, which help to remodel irregular texture within the skin and promote healing/regeneration. They are applicable to a wide variety of skin types and can be easily performed within the confines of an outpatient appointment.

Needling techniques can be employed for a number of different skin and scar types, including acne scarring, atrophic scars and bulky scars, as well as used for general skin rejuvenation. The tiny skin perforations produced during the treatment aim to stimulate the skin to produce collagen improving the overall appearance and feel of the scar and skin. Needling can be of great benefit in those with darker skin tones as it does not usually affect the pigmentation of the skin itself.

If the above treatments have proven ineffective, or they are not suitable, there are a number of surgical procedures, which can be undertaken to improve the appearance and symptoms associated with scarring, including scar revision and subcision. These must be carried out by a skilled and experienced specialist to prevent the recurrence of the original scarring.

It is essential to discuss all the appropriate treatment options for you and your skin with a qualified specialist prior to embarking on any procedures. Managing scars can be difficult and inappropriate procedures may make scarring worse, so it is important to ensure that you seek advice from an experienced clinician.

FAQ

We know having medical, surgical or cosmetic treatment can seem daunting and it is natural to have questions. We are here to ensure your comfort and safety at all times. If you are unable to find the answer to your questions below, then please do not hesitate to contact us so we can help.

What are the risks associated with this treatment?

Each procedure will carry a different profile of risks and side effects to consider. Most therapies confer risks of infection and skin irritation, which can usually be minimized by the use of sterile equipment and good post-treatment skin care. Some modalities carry the risks of increasing bulky scarring or causing changes in the pigmentation of darker skin tones. All aspects should be discussed with you in full prior to commencement of any procedures.

What are the alternatives?

In contrast to the more invasive procedures list above or surgery, there are a number of additional measures that can be taken to improve the appearance of scarring. For example, good moisturisation in the early stages of scar formation helps to reduce the activity of the scar-forming cells to produce a more aesthetically pleasing end result. In established scarring, there are a number of foundations and camouflage creams that are available which can help to reduce the appearance of unsightly scars. Some people also opt for having their scars covered by either decorative or medical grade tattoos.

Does my scar need treatment?

Many individuals will find that their scars do not bother them. Treatment and therapies are aimed at those who are affected by their scarring. This may be for cosmetic reasons; some people find that prominent or noticeable scarring has a significant impact on their self-esteem, or the pain/itch and/or tightness in the scarring affects their quality of scarring. It is important to discuss your own treatment goals with your specialist prior to starting any scar therapy.

What kind of results can I expect?

Results for each procedure will vary between individuals. For example, laser and needling procedures sometimes need a few rounds of repeated treatment to achieve good results. Topical tapes and sheets may require use over several months to be effective. Often, a combination of different therapies is recommended to gain optimal results.

Optimal results are gained with good preventative measures and skin care in the early stages of scar formation.

Prices from

Starting from: available on enquiry.

At Goutos London, we aim to deliver a premium service with no compromise on quality in order to deliver the best results possible for your needs.

Related conditions

Whatever your condition, and whatever your health goals are, we will ensure you get a holistic, focused and bespoke service that offers you the safest options for treatment aiming for the best possible outcome.

Atrophic Scars

Acne Scarring

Testimonials

Mr Goutos is delighted to share some of his patient and peer feedback on their experiences of his services.

Louise Steel

2023-08-16

Mr Goutos performed keloidectomy surgery on both my earlobes, and I am so grateful to have been referred to him. From the first consultation, through surgery, and now my 3-month follow-up, I have nothing but good words to say.

Luke Ward

2023-07-10

This man is an extremely intelligent, professional gentleman. He will set realistic expectations from the beginning and will not ‘beat around the bush’ so-to speak. From the initial consultation to post-surgery, it has been a rollercoaster ride. However the high level of expertise & professionalism Mr Goutos maintained has been impeccable. All I can say to any other individual considering treatment with Mr Goutos, is that you are in incredibly safe hands. And on top of this, he has a great sense of humour. I wish nothing but the best for this man, and the best results for his future patients.

Mauricio Lucas

2023-07-06

Outstanding Doctor - Exceptional Expertise I recently had the pleasure of consulting and also going through surgery. Dr. Goutos removed a large class of keloids from my back and chest, and without a doubt, I can confidently say that he is the best doctor I have ever had the privilege of seeing. From the moment I entered his practice, I was immediately struck by his professionalism, knowledge, and exceptional bedside manner. Dr. Goutos possesses an extraordinary level of expertise in his field, and his technical skills are truly remarkable. His ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions is unparalleled, and I have personally witnessed his remarkable success in improving the health and well-being of countless patients. What sets Dr. Goutos apart is his genuine care and concern for his patients. He takes the time to listen attentively, ensuring that he understands every aspect of the medical issue at hand. He communicates clearly and effectively, explaining complex medical concepts in a way that is easy to comprehend, which greatly helps in alleviating any concerns or fears. One aspect that impressed me greatly was Dr. Goutos' commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in his field. He incorporates cutting-edge techniques and treatments into his practice, ensuring that his patients receive the highest standard of care available. This dedication to continuous learning and improvement is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his profession. Additionally, the support staff at Dr.Goutos' practice deserves recognition for their exceptional service. They are friendly, compassionate, and highly efficient, ensuring that appointments run smoothly and patients feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Overall, I cannot emphasize enough how fortunate I feel to have found Dr.Goutos' exceptional skills, genuine care, and unwavering commitment to his patients make him a truly outstanding specialist. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch medical care.

Kashmala Khan

2023-01-26

Mr. Goutos and his team did an amazing job reversing a scar I had on my forehead. This was a very old scar and had bothered for many years. The laser treatment and fat transfer procedure has changed my life and given me so much confidence. I would definitely recommend him, he is a fantastic and very skilled surgeon. Thank you so much!

Javier

2023-01-14

Mr Goutos and his team removed some lipomas from my arms. The initial consultation right through to the aftercare was professional, sensitive and genuine. Mr Goutos put me at ease right from the start, discussing my history and background and then discussing the various options for the incisions and sutures. The incisions were quick, efficient and professional. I felt completely at ease knowing I was in expert hands. The incisions were extremely neat and have closed and scared really well. I had a number of questions after the operation and one of the sutures became infected. Mr Goutos was quick to make an appointment for me, see me and deal with the infection and offered for me to see him again if the infection didn’t calm down. He was genuinely empathetic to my needs and took time to check each scare, explain things and assure me along the way. He didn’t at any point, make me feel I was asking silly questions or too many. I highly recommend Mr Goutos for his exceptional incisions and suturing as well as his professional conduct, caring approach and after care. The whole experience was smooth and easy and I am very grateful for what he has done for me.

Ieva Lihovida-Yarlett

2022-12-07

We came to see Dr Goutos a few month ago to remove invasive spider nevus on my 9 year old sons nose . After a lovely consultation with Dr Goutos , he suggested to do several laser treatment sessions. After a few sessions we already noticed a massive improvement. On the final laser treatment session the spider nevus was completely gone. Thank you to the Dr Goutos for tackling the problem so rapidly and with great results!

Amy Munson

2022-10-27

We took our 4yr old daughter to Mr Goutos following an accident which resulted in a small burn scar on her cheek. Mr Goutos gave us various options and we went for laser treatment. After 4 appointments the scar has gone! The care that Mr Goutos gave us was exceptional and so good with children. He made us feel very comfortable and confident in his ability. I would recommend him to anyone if they were looking for a doctor in that particular field. Can't thank him enough.

Scar Therapy

About this treatment

FAQ

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Related conditions

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