SkinPen® Precision and Surgical Scars

Introduction to Surgical Scars

In the developed world, 100 million patients acquire scars each year, caused by 55 million elective operations and 25 million operations after trauma. It is estimated that there are 11 million keloid scars and four million burn scars, with 70% occurring in children.

There are 3 main types of scars:

Hypertrophic Scars:

Excessive collagen deposits create a raised appearance, but the elevation is not as pronounced as that seen in keloids.

Keloid Scars:

It can appear as either a firm, rubbery lesion or shiny, fibrous nodules.

Contracture Scars:

Individuals with this condition have very tight skin that can restrict their ability to move.

Bayat A, McGrouther DA, Ferguson MW. Skin scarring. BMJ. 2003;326(7380):88-92. doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7380.88 https://www.providencefacialplastic.com/scar-revision philadelphia/

Claytor, R. Brannon M.D.; Sheck, Casey Gene D.O.; Chopra, Vinod M.D.. Microneedling Outcomes in Early Postsurgical Scars. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: September 2022 – Volume 150 – Issue 3 – p 557e-561e doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009466

Mechanism of Action:

Mechanically breaks down scar tissue.
Activates cellular enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases, or MMPs.
Remodels scar tissue through the proper deposition of collagen and elastin.

BEFORE

AFTER

Alster, Tina S. M.D.; Li, Monica Ka Yi M.D. Microneedling of Scars: A Large Prospective Study with Long- Term Follow-Up, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: February 2020 – Volume 145 – Issue 2 – p 358-364 doi: 10.1097/PRS.000000000000646