Scars occur on our skin as a result of the natural process that takes place for wound repair. Not all types of wounds will cause scars; it will depend on whether it affects more superficial or deeper layers of the skin and how the wound was caused.
The size and appearance of a scar will be determined by different factors related to the intrinsic characteristics of each person, together with the properties of the wound.
Factors involved in the size and appearance of a scar
Some of the factors that will be involved are:
- Size and depth of the wound. The involvement of large surfaces and / or deep areas of the skin and subcutaneous tissue is one of the most important factors in its future appearance.
- Area of the body where the scar occurs. There are areas where healing will be more complicated, for example areas where there is more movement or more tension on the skin.
- The shape of the scar and its orientation. Scars that follow straight lines, especially if they follow the "natural" lines of the skin, will have a better aesthetic result than scars caused by tortuous wounds, where there has been loss of skin tissue or that are horizontal.
- The cause of the injury. Since a clean cut is very different to a tear or burn wound.
- The age of the person. Young people tend to have longer healing processes, although it is also true that young tissue, is usually more vital and with a greater capacity for regeneration.
- The presence of complications for example, if wound becomes infected. The healing process will be altered and delayed. Secondary damage can increase the size and worsen the appearance of the scar.
- Individual tendency, including genetic characteristics or race, influence healing and cosmetic results.
- How well we take care of a wound. This is a very important factor and with this one, we can influence the outcome unlike some of the previous factors. That’s why its important to look after a wound from the very beginning, to make sure we get the best possible outcome.
