For some people a scar is a cosmetic problem they would sooner be without, while for others, it provides a constant reminder of something they would sooner forget.  It must be remembered that scars can never be removed completely.  Scar formation is the normal way for the body to repair itself.  The way it is treated from day one, however, will dictate what type of scar is left; either a flat, white, mature scar or a lumpy, hypertrophic, unsightly scar. The objective of the Scar Treatment Programme is to mature a scar as quickly as possible and thus achieve an optimal final result.

In order to conceal the effects of skin problems or a treatment, use products that do not clog the pores and will not hinder the healing process.

NEW SCARS Once the sutures are removed from a new scar it is ready to commence treatment. We have options as follows:-

Centella Scar Treatment Programme: This is the recommended first line treatment, post-suture removal. Apply microporous tape to the scar and the powerful Centella Scar Treatment Cream is applied over twice daily, penetrating and working like a slow-release medicine. The procedure continues until the scar begins to flatten and go paler in colour. However, there are certain exceptions to using the Centella treatment. If for a face lift or for extensive facial scars the microporous tape would not be practical, then adopt the second option of using the Scar Repair Complex. Also, if for extensive scars which are either impractical or impossible to tape, use the Scar Repair Complex.

The initial stages of scar healing are crucial and the way they are treated dictates whether or not the end result will be acceptable. It is essential therefore, to use a product such as RégimA with its wound and scar healing, anti-inflammatory and repairing ingredients, as soon as possible.

OLD SCARS has been achieving results as never before with old scars, whether they are operative, traumatic or burn scars. For more improvement to scars read all about the Peel and Heal’ treatments

TREATMENT & PREVENTION
The management of a scar after an operation is as important as the operation itself in achieving an optimal final result.  To this extent the individual has a certain control over the final result, as the technique used following surgery (or trauma) involves setting the ideal environment for healing and trying to influence the aggressiveness with which healing occurs.  The method laid out below will revolutionize future wound healing.

The first line of treatment for any scar requiring sutures e.g. an incisional scar following surgery, or a trauma scar following an accident, is the complete RégimA CENTELLA SCAR TREATMENT PROGRAMME.  To follow this programme correctly, the scar must be taped continuously with the Centella applied over it  If, however, the scar is in an area where one is unable to tape, for example following a face-lift, then one should go directly onto the next line of treatment, the SCAR REPAIR COMPLEX which is also indicated for any superficial scars or abrasions where there may be the possibility of scarring or pigmentation.
 

CENTELLA SCAR TREATMENT PROGRAMME

Achieve a more aesthetically pleasing scar by helping to prevent exaggerated scarring

RégimA Centella Scar Treatment addresses the four most important factors in scar tissue formation

Contracted, thickened, unsightly scars have until now been something that many people have just had to learn to live with.  Many methods of scar maturing and flattening have been tried with limited success.  These have included pressure dressings, silicone sheeting, splints, steroid injections and radiotherapy.

A glass cut at 8 days. The day the stitches removed.

These have not always been without the possible side effects of irritation and pain and in some cases have been time consuming, very costly procedures.

Taped for one week

Through many years of researching products and techniques for decreasing scar formation it has been found that when certain factors are combined, one may reduce the maturation time of a scar, achieving a more acceptable cosmetic appearance.

Cream applied daily for 8 weeks without tape.

1. Inflammation
Swelling of the immediate scar area is inevitable as a result of the activity of various cell hormones released in and around the fresh scar.  Too much swelling and resulting increased permeability of the immediate scar area can result in the accumulation of a highly concentrated fibrogen gel, which can mature into a thick, dense, binding scar. In some cases the inflammatory phase may go on for months and even years leaving the patient with a swollen, red, warm and painful scar.  It is essential therefore, that excessive inflammation be prevented during scar treatment. Bulbinella Frutescens, a plant indigenous to Southern Africa and known for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties, has been incorporated into the RégimA Centella Scar Treatment.  The fatty vesicles of glyco-protein obtained from the plant extract remain on the skin surface and when applied over micro porous tape, hydration and occlusion of the wound is achieved, which is essential in this crucial inflammatory phase.

2. Healthy Enhanced Wound Healing
It is the primary function of the clinician to first apply basic techniques to ensure wound healing.  This involves the usual support of the wound (taping, stitching, immobilisation, antibiotics etc).  It has been found, however, that even mild to sub-clinical shortages of pantothenic acid in tissue, resulted in poor wound healing.  Adding Pro-Vitamin B5 to the formula ensures sufficient amounts of pantothenic acid in the immediate wound area to enhance wound healing.  This, combined with the healing properties of arnica and St John’s Wort, helps promote more rapid and healthy wound healing.

3. Increased Collagen I Synthesis with Anti-Keloid Effect
The Centella Asiatica plant, indigenous to Southern Africa, is renowned for its wound healing properties and as a prevention of keloid (ugly scar) formation. RégimA Scar Treatment has been formulated with the triterpenic fraction from Centella Asiatica carried in phospholipid liposomes.   Liposomes consist of micro “hollow” fatty droplets, containing the active ingredients.   These liposomes are known to penetrate deep into the skin, carrying with them the active Centella components, along with other powerful ingredients.   Once into the skin, the liposomes “fall apart”; thereby releasing their valuable load into the cell.   Centella exhibits wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities with a group of triterpenes called asiaticosides which possess strong antioxidant properties and which stimulate the formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin. RégimA Centella combines hydration with the promotion of enhanced wound healing.   Centella has the ability to influence the inflammatory process in wound healing.   It promotes Type I and Type III collagen homeostasis.   An immature, thickened scar is characterised by a prolonged inflammatory phase and an abundance of Type III collagen. Centella helps promote balanced collagen production, achieving improved wound healing and scar formation.   Scientific literature indicates Centella may stop the conversion of the mature fibrocytes to myofibroblasts, which is the cell type known to be associated with thickened, keloid type scars.

4. Control of Stretching Forces
Scars undergoing constant tension, movement and stretching may result in broader scars or scars that remain immature and become hypertrophic. A scar needs to mature as quickly as possible without thickening and contraction (when too much collagen is formed).   For this to be possible, one should apply a contact medium, applying pressure and allowing the powerful Centella to penetrate and heal the wound. A perfect contact medium (paper tape) is one which allows hydration and healing.

In clinical practice, a reduction in scar width has been shown with continuous taping as opposed to having the scar untaped.    The application of a paper tape applies sufficient pressure to support the wound and thus help prevent stretching.   The tape should be micro-porous, applying pressure while allowing penetration of the wound healing ingredients in the Centella Scar Cream.   The tape is then impregnated with the potent Centella Scar preparation and so works as a slow release medicine to the scar.

The combination of RégimA Centella Scar Treatment applied over the tape ensures that the essential steps required for enhanced wound healing have been taken.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR US
It is advised that to achieve ultimate benefit from this system the micro-porous tape should be firmly fixed to the surface of the scar.  The width of the tape must be sufficient so as to cover and support the scar completely.  The tape should overlap the scar by at least 0.5 cm. (To apply immediately following suture removal or at the discretion of the doctor if there is oozing of the wound).  Prior to tape application, the scar and surrounding area must be cleaned and degreased (one may use an alcohol wipe).  In the case of an older scar (up to 6 to 12 months old, if still inflamed and immature) one may follow the same procedure or commence the SCAR REPAIR.

The tape must be left on until it comes off naturally (usually after approximately 7 days) The patient should bath or shower with the tape in place. When the tape comes off the area should be degreased as before and a new piece of tape applied to the scar immediately. Note: ensure the skin to be taped is cleansed and free from any grease before application.

The RégimA Centella should be applied sparingly to the surface of the tape once it is in place.  It should be applied over the top of the tape down the centre, avoiding the edges and ends so as not to cause stickiness and lack of tape adhesion. The cream must be allowed to absorb over the next 2 to 3 minutes.  Do not rub the cream vigorously into the tape.  Apply the cream twice daily with approximately 12-hour intervals.

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