Why Do Some Parts of the Body Scar More Than Others?  |  Biodermis.com Biodermis

Why Do Some Parts of the Body Scar More Than Others? | Biodermis.com

Scarring is a natural and healthy biologic response that occurs when a person sustains a deep wound on the surface of the skin. Injuries from burns, punctures, and scrapes can leave uneven scars that are cosmetically unappealing. Scars also develop in reaction to invasive cosmetic or orthopedic surgical procedures, some of which can become quite large. Some people who have attained multiple scars throughout their life might wonder why some scars became larger and thicker than others. Scar location on the body, among other factors, influences how a scar develops. Luckily, with proper wound care and the use of silicone gel products, you can help minimize how drastically your wound becomes a scar.

Continue reading to learn about the different reasons for abnormal scar types and what you can do to reduce them after surgery or injury.

Skin thickness

The thickness of your skin can determine the thickness and size of your scar after trauma. Thick skin has the tendency to lead to greater scarring than thin skin. Some areas of the body like the soles of your feet and palms of your hands contain thick skin. Skin found in the eyelids and behind the ears (postauricular region) is thin. An eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may produce a small scar that appears as a thin white line. Scars on thicker areas of the skin may develop into hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Scar location and movement

The location of the scar on your body and the amount of movement/friction it endures can influence wound healing and scar development. If you attain a wound on an elbow or knee—areas that are constantly bending and pulling—wound healing may take longer leading to excess scarring. Scars that form underneath clothing, common with breast reductions and tummy tucks, are exposed to constant rubbing from a shirt or dress. Scars that are susceptible to these conditions should be covered by silicone gel sheeting.

Exposed scars

From what has already been said of scars underneath clothing, there are also challenges with exposed scars on the face or hands. UV radiation from the Sun is known to cause hyperpigmentation in scar tissue, which can lead to discolored scars. Scars can also become dried out when exposed to the open air. Because scar tissue is on average 20% weaker than healthy tissue, dry scars can crack and tear more easily. This, in turn, can reopen your wound and lead to even greater scarring down the road.


Doctor-recommended scar therapy

Caring and managing the way your scar heals can be a difficult task, especially when so many factors are working against you. However, with the right wound care regimen and help from clinically-proven products, scars stand little chance.

Proper wound care starts with cleaning and covering your open cut or incision. Antibiotic ointments can help reduce infection and inflammation leading to a more speedy recovery. Once the wound has fully healed, silicone gel in the form of sheeting, sticks, and ointments can be applied to the scar site. Scars continue to develop and mature for years after the initial wound was attained. For this reason, silicone gel technology can flatten and reduce the discoloration of old and new scars.

Topical silicone gel works through two mechanisms of action: dermal hydration and collagen regulation. Wounds and scars don’t do well in a dehydrated environment; they need moisture to heal effectively. Silicone gel helps scar tissue to retain the moisture that would otherwise be lost through transepidermal water loss. The retention of moisture creates an optimal wound healing environment for the scar, otherwise known as homeostasis. Homeostasis, in turn, brings collagen production at the scar site to a normal level—too much can cause raised, discolored scars. Silicone gel sheets and Prosil SPF can also help protect your scar from the harmful effects of sunlight.


Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: REFER OR RESELL?

Biodermis offers custom tailored referral programs designed to simplify and reduce the cost of your patients' post-op care. Additionally, we offer professional pricing if you opt to retail our products. Give us a call at 800.322.3729, and we will be happy to provide additional details on these programs.