C-Section Scarring
Normally, scarring after a C-section operation will heal quickly and easily. However, some patients can develop abnormal hypertrophic or keloid scarring, which can be painful and itchy. Our clinic offers Morpheus8 and Femilift CO2 laser treatments, which can treat c-section scarring non-invasively in-clinic.
What is a Hypertrophic scar?
A hypertrophic growth can occur due to a number of reasons; however, researchers understand that muscle tension or the skin trauma that creates skin seems to be the main contributor. A decrease in mature collagen levels and an excess of melanocyte stimulating hormones have also been linked to keloid scars.
Hypertrophic scars can continue to grow for several months and will not go away on their own, which is why hypertrophic scarring treatment is necessary. Find more information about hypertrophic scarring here.
How can I treat a Hypertrophic scar?
Non-surgical treatment
Topical silicone gel sheeting can support in flattening and reducing the appearance of scars. The silicone gel sheets work by inducing stabilisation and moisture to the scar, thereby decreasing inflammation. Gel sheets are generally removed and cleaned daily.
Steroid Injection
To assist in minimising the size of a keloid scar, a steroid injection solution can be injected directly into the injury site. The steroids in this solution help break up the bonds between collagen fibres, thereby reducing the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin. Steroids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can also help with reducing swelling, redness, itching or tenderness.
It is recommended that the keloid scar be injected once a month. After your initial consultation, Dr Sharon Li will advise how many injections the scar will require to achieve the best results.
Fractional Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser Stretch Mark Therapy
CO2 laser stretch mark therapy uses a high-energy beam of light to speed up the skin’s renewal and repair process, and to remove scarred or discoloured outer layers of skin. The microscopic beams of light hits only a fraction of the skin surface at a time, leaving the skin surrounding a scar untouched and increasing the healing time. The CO2 laser reorganises the collagen fibres to help smooth and flatten keloid scars.
Prior to the stretch mark treatment, local anaesthetic is applied to the injury site, then Dr Sharon Li utilises the Alma Pixel CO2 laser to treat the keloid scar. We recommend scheduling sessions every six to eight weeks to allow appropriate healing time. During this time, you must ensure the treated skin is moisturised and cleaned during the healing process to avoid infection, as well as wearing SPF 30 when exposed to the sun.
Possible side effects include permanent light or dark spots and burns.
Morpheus8 – Radiofrequency (RF) & Microneedling
Powered by the Empower RF, Morpheus8 is an advanced treatment which combines radio frequency and microneedling to remodel and smooths damaged or uneven skin. The Morpheus8 penetrates the skin and creates subdermal micro-wounds, while simultaneously sending RF energy from the handpiece to enhance the healing process.
Prior to the treatment, local anaesthetic is applied to the injury site, then Dr Sharon Li utilises the Morpehus8 Prime hand piece to treat the keloid scar. We recommend 3-4 treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart. For more information about Morpheus8 Body, read here.
Hypertrophic caesarean scar treatment Brisbane & Gold Coast
To find out more about keloid scar treatment, or to book an appointment, please contact us.