The Melanoma Scan doctor and nurse will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your wound to reduce scarring.
Any procedure to remove a skin cancer will cause a scar and some people will scar more than others depending on their tendency towards keloid scarring and their skin type. Scars tend to settle to a pale mark, either an oval area after curettage and cautery or as a line from excisional skin surgery. If there is a lot of background sun damage, this pale area can become more prominent and noticeable. Background sun damage can include solar keratosis, freckles, pigmentation, age spots and telangiectasias (dilated small vessels on the skin surface). All of these lesions can be treated, either as individual lesions or as part of a field treatment such as edit, PDT, lazer, IPL or skin peels.
All these treatments can help to improve the outcome after surgery by making the scars less noticeable.
Alternatively, there may be an abnormal scar that forms after surgery, such as hypertrophic scarring or keloid scar. Hypertrophic scarring is an abnormally thickened scar that does not extend beyond the initial injury, and keloid scarring is an abnormally thickened scar that extends beyond the original injury. In some people, keloid scars can occur after even minor injuries, such as a piercing or even a pimple that has been squeezed or traumatised (scratched), so it's hardly surprising that keloid scars can form after skin cancer surgery. Treatments include massage of the wound, taping with micropore or fixomul tape, silicone gels such as strataderm, and silicone taping.
If non-surgical treatments fail to improve the scar then surgical treatments may be used such as steroid injections, shave excision and steroid injection, and re excision with or without steroid injection into the wound.
SHAVE EXCISIONS
With Shave excisions, the best results can be achieved using moist wound healing, using antibiotic ointments such as chloromycetin ointment or otocomb on high-risk areas for infection, or using strataderm or stratamed silicone-containing gels for areas at risk of keloid scarring. For some areas, simple moist wound dressings using Vaseline, antiseptic creams or pawpaw ointment may be a low-cost and suitable alternative. Your doctor will recommend the treatment that he believes is most suitable for your particular wound and situation.
ELLIPSE EXCISIONS
With ellipse excisions, taping is an important aspect of wound care to prevent a stretched-up scar despite the support of the deep sutures. Equally important is abstaining where possible from exercise for up to 6 weeks following surgery. That may not always be possible with people engaged in manual work, but often with care and assistance with lifting and carrying, stretching of the scar can be minimised.
Keloid scarring is a feared outcome for all excisions, however, is very uncommon outside of a small group of people who appear to be prone to them. In this group, silicone gels are utilised and the wound is reviewed 3-4 weeks after surgery to see if there is any sign of keloid formation, which can often appear after apparently normal early healing as a raised red itchy and uncomfortable scar. Occasionally steroid injections may be used to halt keloid formation or reduce an established keloid scar, but the results are not always satisfactory in this keloid-prone group of patients.
7 Ways to Minimize Scarring from Skin Cancer Removal
One of the primary concerns for individuals undergoing skin cancer removal is how to reduce the appearance of scars post-surgery. Scarring after skin cancer removal is a common issue that many patients face, but there are several effective methods to help reduce the appearance of scars and improve skin health.
How to Reduce Scarring After Skin Cancer Removal
After skin cancer surgery, it is essential to explore effective scar treatment options to minimize scarring. Working with a skilled surgeon can significantly impact the appearance of the scar and aid in scar tissue management. Using silicone gel for scar reduction is another beneficial approach that can help soften the scar tissue and improve its cosmesis.
Minimizing Mohs Surgery Scars
Understanding Mohs surgery scarring is crucial for patients who have undergone this procedure. Scar revision techniques for Mohs scars can help improve the appearance of the scar and reduce redness. Applying silicone gel specifically designed for Mohs scarring can aid in softening the scar tissue and enhancing wound healing.
Ways to Improve the Appearance of Surgical Scars
The healing process plays a significant role in managing scar tissue post-surgery. Using sunscreen on surgical scars is essential to prevent further damage and reduce redness. Various treatments can help soften existing scars and improve the overall appearance of the scarred skin.
Cosmetic Approaches to Minimize Scarring
Plastic surgeons play a crucial role in scar revision, offering cosmetic approaches to reduce scarring. Utilizing skin grafts for scar reduction can provide a natural-looking outcome and improve the appearance of the scar. Enhancing appearance with scar-reduction techniques can boost self-confidence and overall skin health.
Reducing the Appearance of Scars from Cancer Surgery
There are effective ways to minimize redness in scars resulting from cancer surgery. Improving the cosmesis of surgical scars involves incision care and proper wound healing. By following a comprehensive skincare routine, patients can help reduce the appearance of scars and promote optimal skin health.
Methods to Soften Scar Tissue from Mohs Surgery
Softening techniques for Mohs surgery scars can involve utilizing silicone products designed for scar softening. By improving the texture of scarred skin with proper care and treatment, patients can achieve a smoother skin surface and minimize the visibility of scars. Regular spot checks and follow-ups are essential to monitor the progress and ensure optimal results.
MELANOMA SCAN - SKIN CANCER CLINIC
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