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People with scarring after burn frequently seek help
in improving the aesthetic appearance of their residual scar deformity in the hope of eradicating the physical evidence of
the scar and to re-establish a normal appearance and texture to the injury site.
Sadly, and for many, the skin
will never regain it's natural 'peachy' appearance.
Of course, it is possible to camouflage the scar(s)
with the use of specialist make-up or cosmetics, and many people do just that, however, these only serve to disguise the disfigurement
but do not 'improve' the appearance of the scar(s).
There are treatments such as laser re-surfacing, dermabrasion
and deep chemical peels available, however, these tend to be abrasive or erosive often with limited success.
An ideal treatment would do just the opposite! That is, rather than being abrasive or erosive, it would
break down scar contractures and start a natural healing process, thereby improving the appearance and smoothness.
Many burns survivors may need to undergo years of counselling / psychtherapy to help them come to terms with what has happened.
Many suffer from depression because of their 'body image'. To help restore a more positive 'body image', and
subsequently self-esteem and quality of life, a 'positive and active therapy', in conjunction with counselling will
go a tremendous way to minimising depression and promote a speedier return to a more normal way of life.
Such a
'positive and active therapy' for burn and hypertrophic scarring is called Percutaneous Collagen Induction
Therapy (PCI / Skin Needling). Now, if that sounds rather daunting or gruesome, don't worry, it is not! In fact,
it is a very similar procedure to an anti-ageing treatment that is offered at The Sherborne Clinic called Collagen Induction
Therapy (CIT), about which you can read on the appropriate pages on this website. Since introducing the anti-ageing treatment
to the clinic, it is the most sought-after procedure available (the oldest client being a lady in her 90's!).
PCI underwent clinical trials at the Hannover Medical School in Germany, led by eminent Consultant
Plastic Surgeon Matthias Aust. At the end of a year long series of trials, the particpating burns survivors rated the improvement
to the appearance of their scars, as an average, of 80%!! The trials were carried out in 2008 / 9,
and as a result of the success of this treatment, a number of private health insurance providers in Germany regard this as
a 'recognised procedure'!
Now, that surely has to be a 'positive and active therapy!
To find out what is involved in the treatment, please read the next page.
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