Topical Scarring & Burns

Scars (or fibrosis) result from dysregulated tissue repair, where excessive collagen and fibronectin deposition impairs the normal function of skin and affected organs. Excessive scarring can follow injury to the deep dermis, including burns, lacerations, abrasions, surgery, piercings, and vaccinations. Beyond physical effects like pain, itching, and contractures, excessive scarring can dramatically affect a patient’s quality of life and psychological well-being.

Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are raised, fibrous scars that can develop unpredictably after skin trauma or inflammation. They can affect both appearance and function.

Both types of scars stem from ongoing local inflammation and overproduction of extracellular matrix components, primarily collagen and fibronectin, that build up in the skin’s deeper layers. Keloid scars extend beyond the wound and carry a high recurrence rate (70–90%) after excision. Keloids are far less common among burn patients but present distinct treatment challenges.

Burns

More than 30,000 people worldwide suffer medically significant burns every day, equating to an estimated 11 million new cases annually. Beyond the initial injury, burn survivors face lasting challenges from scarring. Hypertrophic scars, the most common outcome, affect up to 70% of burn patients, often causing pain, itching, contractures, and reduced mobility. These effects can persist for years, impacting quality of life, self-image, and reintegration into daily life and society.

Post-Operative Scars

Scarring is an almost universal consequence of the estimated 234 million major surgical procedures performed worldwide each year, yet its outcomes vary widely. Results can range from barely visible fine lines to painful, disfiguring hypertrophic or keloid scars.

Because scar formation is influenced by numerous patient-specific factors, it remains inherently unpredictable, underscoring the importance of efforts to minimize abnormal scarring. Poor scar outcomes can lead to significant patient dissatisfaction, even following elective procedures, making scar management a key consideration for plastic surgeons and a critical factor in overall patient satisfaction.

Atrophic Acne Scars

Acne affects up to 80% of adolescents to varying degrees, driven by a combination of factors including bacterial activity, increased sebum production, hormonal stimulation, and inflammatory response. Left untreated or unmanaged, inflammatory acne lesions can result in permanent scars in some 95% of patients with this disease, depending on severity and delay before treatment.

Acne scars are classified as atrophic, hypertrophic, or keloidal, with atrophic scars being the most common. These form as inflammation triggers the breakdown of collagen fibers and subcutaneous fat, typically presenting as ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars. Despite the range of available treatments, no single therapy consistently delivers complete, predictable scar resolution, leaving patients with a persistent unmet need for more effective, reliable solutions.