Skin Deep

Growing up, Cape Town-based student Romy Fulson*, 22, was bullied because of the visible scars she was left with after having surgery to correct the cleft lip she was born with.

‘As a child I was told by a young family friend that I was lucky I was clever because no one would ever want to marry me because of the way I looked.’

Only after numerous surgeries did Fulson's scars (physical and emotional) begin to fade.

‘The scars took a drastic toll on my self-esteem, but it has made me a much stronger adult and I like to think that it has made me a much more compassionate and sensitive human being. Any form of defect has a humbling effect on the soul.’

In Fulson's case, surgery was the most extreme (but necessary) option, but there are other ways to treat scars.

VITAMINS AND CREAMS
While many people use Vitamin E oil to help remove scars, research shows there is little evidence to prove it has any effect at all.

‘Dermastine, an elastine cream normally used to prevent stretch marks, increases the elasticity of the skin and is therefore better for scar treatment,’ recommends dermatologist Dr. Dagmar Whitaker.

According to Whitaker, tissue oils don’t really work because they don’t penetrate the skin deep enough. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Des Fernandes, agrees.

‘Numerous researchers have shown that at best, it does nothing at all. If you want to improve a scar with cream, or to prepare skin before it gets scarred, use topical Vitamins A and C.’

With the guidance of a trained skin care therapist, says Fernandes, you can use prescribed low dose creams and eventually, stronger products to allow the skin to adapt before vitamin A and C penetration.

NEEDLING
‘You can also enhance the penetration of Vitamins A and C by using a special needling device that punctures the superficial layer of the skin, which allows the vitamins to literally fall through into the lower levels where they are needed to improve scars.’

In Fernandes’ opinion, needling is the best way to treat already established scars because it regenerates the scar tissue. Using something like a tattoo gun, the needles break down the collagen that is bound to the scar tissue and in the process creates collagen that smoothes and plumps up the skin.

‘In general, needling has set the gold standard for treating a scar,’ says Fernandes. ‘However, I should point out that needling skin has to be accompanied by daily nourishment of the skin with vitamins A and C.’

‘I don’t think you ever truly get rid of scars,’ Fulson concludes. ‘They might not be as noticeable or visible, but it is something that stays with you for the rest of your life. They stay there because they tell a story and they contribute to the person you are today.

‘I wouldn't be the same person if it weren’t for my scar. So many memories, struggles and human qualities sprang from a place that I had so long tried to conceal... and now I don’t hide. Now I’m grateful.’

*Name has been changed

Author: Lindi Brownell