Preparations to accelerate the healing of scars after surgery

Scars are seals of connective tissue that form during the healing process of damaged skin. Most often appear after a mechanical injury. In everyday speech they are called scars.

Postoperative scars are formed regardless of the degree of complexity of the surgical intervention. Not only do they not look beautiful, but they can also cause pain or interfere with normal muscle function. Therefore, during the recovery period after surgery, it is customary to use drugs to accelerate the healing of scars.

Mechanism of education

The whole process of scar formation takes at least 12 months and takes place in 4 stages.

Remedies that help with scars begin to be used 10-14 days after the operation, when the wound has already healed and the formation of an unstable scar has begun. Until this time, it is not recommended to interfere with the natural process of tissue healing, as complications can be provoked.

Classification

Currently, it is customary to distinguish between physiological or normotrophic and pathological scars. Scars of the first type are flat, thin, do not stand out above the skin surface. Over time, they turn pale, turning into an inconspicuous line. They remain after surgical incisions made along the natural folds of the skin. In the process of formation, they may differ in increased sensitivity.

Scars of the second type are divided into:

• Hypertrophic - dense in texture, rise above the skin, painted in bright pink or red. They occur due to malfunctions of the endocrine system, infection of the wound, or a decrease in general or local immunity.
• Keloid - like hypertrophic, rise above the skin, have a red or pink color. They have an uneven nodular structure, can spread far beyond the damaged area. Appears due to excess production of collagen with insufficient production of elastin. This process can be triggered by a genetic predisposition or a weakening of the protective functions of the body.
• Atrophic - located below the level of the skin. They have a light color. In the damaged area, collagen, elastin and the proteins necessary for recovery are poorly produced. This type includes stretch marks, traces of acne. Sometimes such scars appear at the site of removal of warts, papillomas or boils.

The choice of scar removal technique depends on their type. In simple cases, a superficial effect is enough, in complex cases, serious medical and cosmetic procedures may be required, up to surgical correction.

When do ointments help?

At the initial stage, care for damaged skin after surgery is reduced to observing how the stitches heal. After 10-14 days, you can start using ointments that prevent complications and contribute to the proper formation of tissues.

Such remedies are effective if the scars are of a physiological nature. Depending on the components of the composition, they have a bactericidal effect, accelerate cellular regeneration, increase local immunity, and smooth out the relief. However, in the case of pathological scars, this is not enough.

Treatment of keloid, atrophic and hypertrophic scars requires an integrated approach.

Facilities

Means that are used in the postoperative period usually contain three types of components:

• anti-inflammatory - prevent the development of the inflammatory process in tissues;
• keratolytic - due to the ability to exfoliate the keratinized layer of the skin, they accelerate the regeneration process, preventing the formation of scar tissue;
• fibrinolytic - activate the production of elastin and collagen, help the formation of healthy skin.

The choice of ointment depends on the parameters of the scar and how the healing process after the operation goes, so you should not try to choose the remedy yourself. It is better to entrust this to a specialist.

Popular ointments

Currently, manufacturers offer many drugs to combat scarring. Clinical trials to compare their effectiveness have not been conducted. Therefore, when choosing, you have to rely only on the experience of the attending physician and the reviews of people who have tried different means. Most often used:

• Contractubex;
• Dermatix;
• Mederma;
• Fermencol;
• Scarguard;
• Zeraderm;
• Kelo-Cote;
• Stratamed.

The listed ointments differ in their composition, action, price and country of origin.

Contractubex and Mederma

The funds are produced by the German pharmaceutical company Merz Pharma. Produced in the form of a gel intended for external use. Common active ingredients:

• allantoin - helps to restore the injured surface of the skin;
• onion extract - has bactericidal properties.

The composition of Contractubex is additionally enriched with heparin. It prevents the formation of postoperative blood clots. Relieves swelling and pain.

Gels from Merz Pharma are classified as combined preparations, since they simultaneously promote tissue regeneration, give an anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effect.

The effect of active ingredients on children, pregnant and lactating women has not been studied. The only contraindication to use is individual intolerance.

Dermatix

American-made gel on a silicone basis. The active substance is silicon dioxide. Helps to increase the rate of tissue regeneration. Additional tool:

• maintains the level of skin hydration;
• relieves itching and redness;
• eliminates pain;
• softens scarred tissues;
• creates a protective film.

Dermatix is ​​approved for use on children's skin. Among the side effects in the instructions, a possible reddening of the skin is highlighted.

Fermenkol

The cream is positioned as a means of a new generation. Produced by a Russian company. The composition is based on a complex of 9 collagenase enzymes - a substance that is obtained from the gland of slaughtered cattle.

Fermenkol has a complex effect on damaged tissues without affecting healthy ones. He helps:

• reduce the volume of the scar due to the mechanism of destruction of excess collagen;
• remove itching and redness;
• normalize the color of the scar;
• cope with the feeling of tightness;
• improve tissue elasticity.

The drug is safe for children and pregnant women. Not used on atrophic and hypertrophic scars.

scarguard

Cream with a liquid texture from the American pharmaceutical corporation Velius Group. Shaped like nail polish. Apply to the skin with a brush. After drying, it creates a film that:

• forms a pressure bandage to help soften scarred tissue;
• protects the damaged area from external factors;
• delivers drugs to tissues.

The main active ingredients are hydrocortisone and vitamin E. The first one prevents tissue growth and has an anti-inflammatory effect. The second - activates the process of cellular renewal, maintains the level of moisture.

Scarguard is convenient to use on the face as makeup can be applied over it.

Not to be used by children under 12, pregnant and lactating women. Damage to the integrity of the skin and an allergic reaction can also be a contraindication.

Zeraderm

It is considered one of the most effective remedies for scars after surgery. Produced in Holland. Available in two forms: Zeraderm and Zeraderm Ultra. The second option is enriched with a vitamin complex.

The tool is a silicone-based gel. When applied to the skin, it creates a film that prevents injury to the scar and helps soften its structure. The composition includes:

• coenzyme Q10 - normalizes tissue respiration, activates the regeneration process;
• vitamin E - maintains the hydrobalance of the skin;
• vitamin K - relieves redness.

Zeraderm levels the surface of the epidermis, saturates the cells with oxygen, eliminates discomfort. The cream should not be used on damaged skin and infected wounds. Approved for use in pregnant and lactating women.

Kelo Cote

American drug with silicone in the composition. Like Zeraderm, it creates a film on the surface of the skin. It prevents mechanical damage to the scar and protects it from the effects of external negative factors. Available in gel and spray form.

The tool normalizes the production of collagen, moisturizes and softens injured tissues, maintains their elasticity. Cannot be used during pregnancy and lactation. In case of individual intolerance to the drug, it is replaced with an analogue.

Spray Kelo-Cote is dangerous for the mucous membrane. Therefore, in case of contact with the eyes, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Stratamed

Another gel with silicones in the composition. Designed to normalize collagen production. Additionally protects damaged tissues. Produced by the Swiss company Stratfarma.

It differs from similar products in that it dries quickly on the skin due to the absence of silicon dioxide in the composition. Eliminates redness and itching. Protects from infection.

Can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Contraindicated in people with individual intolerance.

Modern remedies for postoperative scars have a complex effect on damaged tissues. They normalize the process of collagen production, enhance regeneration and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Silicone-based gels additionally create a protective film on the surface of the skin. It helps to retain moisture and at the same time protect the scar from the effects of negative factors.

The choice of the drug depends on the individual characteristics of the patient, his financial capabilities and the condition of the scar, so he should be trusted by a professional doctor.