I received a deep graze to my shin after slipping from a box. The incident occurred 4 months ago however a large scar persists and highly visible. Is there anything I can do to help the reddish/purple scar lighten in colour so it's not so obvious?
September 12, 2021
Answer: Treatment of Red Scar on Shin Dear Patient, Some patients experience very red scars which can persist for months after an injury. This is because of the wound healing process. After an injury/wound, an increased number of small blood vessels form at the site of the wound/injury. This aids in bringing in healing factors and cells involved with wound repair. The increased redness in the scar is therefore due to this increased number of small blood vessels. Overtime, these small blood vessels will resolve on their own, but it can take up 12 months to occur. To help speed this process along, vascular lasers, which target hemoglobin in the blood, can be used. These lasers heat the small blood vessels which helps them to close and resolve slowly over a few treatments. As a result, patients will gradually see the redness in their scar(s) fade out. Types of vascular lasers most commonly used for red scars include Intense Pulsed Light and Pulsed Dye Laser. Warm regards, Dr. Peterson
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
September 12, 2021
Answer: Treatment of Red Scar on Shin Dear Patient, Some patients experience very red scars which can persist for months after an injury. This is because of the wound healing process. After an injury/wound, an increased number of small blood vessels form at the site of the wound/injury. This aids in bringing in healing factors and cells involved with wound repair. The increased redness in the scar is therefore due to this increased number of small blood vessels. Overtime, these small blood vessels will resolve on their own, but it can take up 12 months to occur. To help speed this process along, vascular lasers, which target hemoglobin in the blood, can be used. These lasers heat the small blood vessels which helps them to close and resolve slowly over a few treatments. As a result, patients will gradually see the redness in their scar(s) fade out. Types of vascular lasers most commonly used for red scars include Intense Pulsed Light and Pulsed Dye Laser. Warm regards, Dr. Peterson
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
