FAQ

What is a scar?

A scar is the tissue that replaces normal skin after injury. It results as a natural part of the healing process of wound repair . A scar never attains the appearance of normal skin and only achieves 80% of skin strength at best. However, favourable appearing scars can appear very close to that of normal skin. This is usually only possible with scar management following injury.

How long does a scar take to mature?

The first 3 months is the most reactive in the scars lifespan – maturity tends to follow the first 3 months, but true scar maturity may take a year to achieve (occasionally longer)

What is ScarScience™?

ScarScience™ is a multimodality scar management program that successfully controls the process of scar formation and maturity by combining all known principles of scar healing into one package. This is unique, scientifically based and the only program of its kind published in the world literature.

What do you mean by multimodality treatment?

Multimodality refers to the fact that ScarScience™ has a number of components to its program. Most products on the market aim at treatment, prevention or control of one principle in scar evolution. So some agents, help to support a scar (tapes etc), some (most) are used for their hydrating functions (Vit E; oils; silicone etc), very few control inflammation and even fewer boast collagen modulation. ScarScience™ does all in one preparation, hence the multimodality label.

How does ScarScience™ work?

ScarScience™ has been formulated to positively influence all known factors in exaggerated scar formation – thus support, hydration, inflammation and collagen modulation are all controlled in a uniquely blended gel used with or without tape. The gel has been designed to form a protective barrier that provides an ideal dressing and environment for the healing scar. Scientific trials have also identified the ideal timing for the program.

Why does ScarScience™ form a crust?

This crust is formed as a protective barrier to isolate the healing scar from external influences such as foreign material. It has been painstakingly and deliberately developed for this function. The crust is easily dissolved by rinsing off with water before a new application of gel.

How is ScarScience™ used?

Depending on the circumstance of the scar, it is either used with or without microporous tape. For larger scars following surgery, tape is applied directly over the scar, in line with, not at right angles to it. The application is started as soon as possible following surgery, when there is no risk of infection and often, the day following surgery. The Gel is then applied to the surface of the tape twice a day. This routine is followed for approximately six weeks, after which gel alone is used on the scar.

For smaller areas (small injuries, excisions, facial cuts etc) the gel is used alone immediately following the surgery or injury and continued until a mature scar is achieved - when the scar colour changes from pink to white.

How much gel must I apply?

Depending on the size or severity of the scar, a thick layer should be applied to the microporous tape or directly to the wound, enough to form a crust. When re-applying the gel, wash the old layer off and apply the fresh gel onto a clean surface. The surface may be cleaned with sterile water. Don’t use severe, drying anti-bacterial agents for cleaning unless prescribed by your practitioner as this will be counterproductive to hydrating the wound. (See ScarScience™ moisture and hydration)

When should I start using ScarScience™?

As soon as possible after injury or surgery once there is no risk of infection. Our trials have shown that the sooner management is instituted, the better the outcome of the scar.

When will I start seeing results?

The unique anti-inflammatory properties result in far less reactive scars right from the start – thus scars appear less red than normal very early on. The true end result however, can usually only be judged approximately 6 months following the start of the program.

What types of scars should be treated?

All types of scars resulting from almost any surgery or injury. Keloid scars and old mature scars (scars already turned white) will have minimal beneficial effect.

What are keloid scars?

These are abnormal exaggerated scars that grow uncontrollably usually due to a genetic abnormality. The true reason and gene type has not been identified but it is known to be more common in certain skin types (darker skin, asian skin etc). There is no known satisfactory treatment for this type of scarring – ScarScience™ is not indicated for keloid scars.

What are hypertrophic scars?

These too, are exaggerated but they usually occur in response to non-management of scars after injury, poor surgical technique, or complications such as infections, delayed healing, wound opening etc. Studies have shown that hypertrophic scarring can occur in up to 75% of unmanaged scars following surgery. ScarScience™ is the ideal program to combat hypertrophic scarring.

Are there any side-effects of ScarScience™?

No known allergies or adverse reactions have been reported with the gel preparation. However, the adhesive of the microporous tape has been known to induce allergies in persons with sensitive skins. In these cases patients are advised to use the gel without the tape. In cases of severe reaction to the tape, all application may need to be temporarily halted.

Do clinical studies exist?

ScarScience™ is one of a handful of Scar Management preparations that have undergone vigorous clinical testing and trialing. The results of these trials, the unique theoretic science and new developments related to the program have been published in major peer-reviewed academic journals and presented at international meetings (1).

Is ScarScience™ the same as using silicone sheets?

Although one component of the program does contain silicone (excellent hydrating properties), it only constitutes one component – support, controlled inflammation, collagen modulation, and barrier protection are major beneficial additions over simple single silicone preparations. Silicone may be used as gel or sheets in scar management. The sheets are awkward, uncomfortable and costly to use, and very often indicated more for the management of the already exaggerated scar, rather than for its prevention. Thus ScarScience™ has major advantages over pure silicone programs.

Can ScarsScience™ be used for acne scars?

Yes, on active scars (not mature). However, severe pustular acne should be treated by a Dermatologist

Can you use ScarScience™ on older scars?

Only if the scar is red and still reactive. Mature white scars will have little improvement. The principle for ideal results is use of ScarScience™ as soon as possible after the injury or surgery.

Is it effective on burn scars?

Yes, usually without the use of tape – gel alone

How long should I continue treatment?

Until the scar matures as evidenced by a change in colour from red or purple, to white. This usually takes 3-6 months. In patients prone to poor scarring and sensitive skins, it can take up to a year for a scar to mature.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

Yes – no known problems with pregnancy have been cited or experienced. The Gel can be used on stretch marks while they are still reactive (red or purple).

Can all skin types use ScarScience™?

Yes – some skin types are more prone to poor scarring than others, but all types can use ScarScience

How long do I use the tape with the gel?

In most cases where the combination is used (usually surgical scars), it is wise to continue for approximately six weeks – gel alone is then continued until scar maturity. In certain cases where there is very little tension on the scar, the tape may be abandoned earlier, and in some cases where there is great physical activity etc, the tape may be used for longer periods.

Must I always use tape with the gel?

No, the combination is mainly indicated for long surgical wounds or in areas of great tension (back, chest etc). For small excisions on the face or other areas, gel alone is used.

Can ScarScience™ be used on stretch marks?

Yes, but only on reactive stretchmarks that are still red or purple. Long standing white stretch marks are unlikely to respond.

Can ScarScience™ be used on eyelids?

Yes, but the crusting can be uncomfortable and the eyelid should be gently cleansed with water to remove the previous crust barrier before reapplying. In the case of inadvertent application to the eye itself, wash with copious amounts of water.