Scars are a common cosmetic problem for many people. Often, in adult life, they are forced to live with the consequences of injuries suffered when they were children. When the scars are on the face, they are a particularly troublesome problem.
Scars can be of several types. There can be depressed scars, also known as hypotrophic scars, which have a pitted appearance. Common examples of depressed scars are acne scars, pox marks and injury marks.
Another type of scars are raised scars, or hypertrophic scars, which are raised above the surface of the skin. Common types of hypertrophic scars include operation scars, and burn injury marks. An uncommon type of hypertrophic scar is a keloid, which usually manifests as an angry looking thickened band of skin along the length of the scar.
Scar tissue is characterized by the different texture of the skin in the affected area. Histologically, it is characterized by the alteration of the collagen structure of the skin in the affected area. For example, an injury to the skin that leads to an uncontrolled and unordered production of skin collagen leads to a hypertrophic scar.
Scars can appear anywhere in the body, though they are most cosmetically troublesome on the face. Facial skin heals quickly, though, and scars on the face are also easier to treat.
Similarly wrinkles are also an important cosmetic problem in ageing skin. Wrinkles around the eyes, around the face, and on the cheeks are a sure sign that one is ageing. In today’s modern society, it is important for people to look young and fit beyond their years. It is important for both their own self-esteem, as well as their peers. |
