Suture Scar Removal: 10 Ways To Remove Stitch Marks On Your Face
What are the different types of stitch marks. How can you remove stitch marks on your face through clinical treatments and home remedies. How long do stitch marks take to fade and what happens if you leave stitches in.
Understanding Stitch Marks
Stitches are often necessary when you have a serious injury or deep cut. The stitching process holds the separated skin parts together and allows the wound to heal properly. However, even after stitching, the skin may not return to its original state, leaving behind a scar known as a stitch mark.
Types of Stitch Marks
Stitch marks can vary depending on the intensity of the wound and the affected body part. Facial skin, being thinner than the rest of the body, may develop deeper scars from stitches compared to other areas. The appearance of stitch marks can also differ based on the suture method used, such as traditional sutures or modern staples, resulting in either simple brown dots or long criss-crossed lines on the skin.
Clinical Treatments for Stitch Marks
There are several clinical treatments available to remove stitch marks on the face:
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels use caustic agents to create a controlled blister on the skin, which then peels off, revealing fresher, rejuvenated skin without the scar.
- Dermabrasion: This exfoliating process uses a rotating tool to remove the topmost layer of the skin, allowing new skin to appear and reducing the appearance of the scar.
- Laser Treatment: Laser therapy stimulates skin cell regeneration, gradually diminishing the stitch marks.
- Microneedling: This technique uses a derma roller with small needles to prick the skin, boosting collagen production and new skin cell growth to fade the scar.
- Plastic Surgery: In some cases, a plastic surgeon may perform surgery to directly reduce the appearance of the stitch marks.
- Injections: For bumpy stitch marks, injections can help flatten them out.
- Scar Removal Creams: Topical creams containing ingredients like arbutin glycoside and kojic acid can also help minimize the appearance of stitch marks.
Home Remedies for Stitch Marks
In addition to clinical treatments, there are also various home remedies that can help reduce the appearance of stitch marks:
- Vitamin E Oil: Applying vitamin E oil directly on the scar can help improve its appearance over time.
- Aloe Vera: The soothing and regenerative properties of aloe vera make it effective for reducing the visibility of stitch marks.
- Cocoa Butter: Massaging the scar with cocoa butter can help soften and flatten it.
- Onion Extract: Onion extract has been shown to have a positive effect on reducing the appearance of scars.
- Silicone Sheets: Using silicone sheets on the scar can help flatten and fade it.
Tips for Removing Stitch Marks
In addition to the treatments mentioned, there are a few other tips that can help accelerate the fading of stitch marks:
- Avoid picking or scratching the scar, as this can worsen its appearance.
- Protect the scar from sun exposure, as UV rays can darken and worsen its appearance.
- Massage the scar gently with your fingers or a soft brush to improve blood circulation and skin elasticity.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet, as good skin health is essential for scar reduction.
Timeframe for Stitch Mark Fading
The time it takes for stitch marks to fade can vary depending on the severity of the scar and the individual’s skin type and healing process. Generally, stitch marks may take several months to a year or more to significantly diminish in appearance. However, with consistent treatment and care, the fading process can be accelerated.
Consequences of Leaving Stitches In
Leaving stitches in for too long can lead to complications such as infection, inflammation, and additional scarring. It is important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions regarding stitch removal to ensure proper healing and prevent further issues.
10 Ways To Remove Stitch Marks On Your Face! – SkinKraft
Reviewed by Expert Dr. Kaustav Guha ( Director, R&D Division, SkinKraft Labs )
Updated on
| Written By Sofia Bhattacharya
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This blog post is based on scientific evidence, written and fact checked by our doctors.
Our team of dermatologists and formulators strive to be objective, unbiased and honest.
This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses are clickable links to research
papers from reputed academic organizations.
Are the stitch marks making you conscious about your appearance in public? We understand that stitching can sometimes be extremely necessary to treat your wounds. But, often it leaves ugly scars behind.
If these scars are on your face, they may disturb your facial aesthetics. But fortunately, there are ways to remove stitch marks on your face.
So, read on and take note of how you can get rid of the stitch marks through some medical treatments and home remedies.
Highlights:
- What Is A Stitch Mark?
- What Are The Different Types Of Stitch Marks?
- How To Remove Stitch Marks On The Face?
- Home Remedies For Stitch Marks
- Tips To Remove Stitch Marks
- How Long Do Stitch Marks Take To Fade?
- What Happens If You Leave Stitches In?
What Is A Stitch Mark?
Stitches are usually required when you have some serious injury or a deep cut. When your skin gets wounded, the natural structure of your skin gets disturbed. Stitches are done to hold the separated parts together and this gives a chance to heal the wound properly.
But even after stitching, sometimes the skin does not go back to its original state and leaves a scar. Also, not everyone’s skin reacts in the same way to stitches. Some people get scars as a result of the healing process.These are called stitch marks.
What Are The Different Types Of Stitch Marks?
There is no specific difference between stitch marks. They solely depend on the intensity of your wound and the affected body part. For example, your facial skin is thinner than the rest of your body, so stitches on your face would leave a deeper scar compared to other areas.
Also, depending on whether the doctor uses traditional sutures or the more modern method of staples, stitch marks can look like simple brown dots or long criss crossed lines on your skin.
How To Remove Stitch Marks On The Face?
As mentioned earlier, there are ways to treat your stitch marks by both clinical treatment and home remedies. Here are details about these treatments.
Clinical Treatments For Stitch Marks
1. Chemical Peel
Chemoexfoliation is locally known as chemical peel, and is commonly used to remove stubborn spots and scars from your skin. Stitching scars are among the most common marks chemical peels are used for. Chemical peels are made of caustic agents that cause a blister on your skin. Eventually, the blistered skin peels off and you get fresh, rejuvenated, scarless skin.[1]
2. Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is technically an exfoliating process using a rotating tool called a dermabrader. It is a small motorized tool that removes the topmost layer of your skin. To remove scars over a broader area of your face such as cheeks, the dermatologist would use a circular tool. For delicate areas like lips and around the eyes, the dermabrader has a smaller tip. Once the top layer of the targeted area is removed, fresh skin would appear, thereby reducing the scar.[2]
3. Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is a highly professional way to remove scars from your skin. It can definitely reduce the stitch marks on your face. The method is performed under the supervision of expert professionals who use control laser glint on the targeted stitching mark. Slowly, the laser beams work on regenerating the skin by stimulating cell growth.[3]
4. Microneedling
Microneedling is done using a tool named derma roller that has several small needles to prick the upper layer of your skin. This process generates new skin cells and boosts collagen production. Once the new cells are generated, the stitch marks would go away.[4]
5. Plastic Surgery
You can get scar removal surgery to get rid of your scar. The plastic surgeon would perform surgery on the targeted area and reduce the stitch marks as much as possible. This process is slightly expensive and painful as compared to other options. The cost would depend on the size of the stitch marks.[5]
6. Injections
In many cases, if you have got bumpy stitch marks on your face, your doctor will give you injections to improve the condition of the scar. The swollen-up stitches would become flat, post the injections.
7. Scar Removal Creams
After getting stitches, your doctor may give you a scar removal topical cream. Arbutin glycoside and kojic acid, hyaluronate are the ingredients you should look for in your scar removal cream. Long term usage of the creams will reduce the stitch marks.
Home Remedies For Stitch Marks
1. Lemon Juice
It is well known that lemon juice has vitamin C and citric acid which work great in removing scars. In fact, lemon juice is known to be the best natural remedy for scars. Applying lemon juice over a long period, will eventually reduce the scars. But please note that your stitches need to be completely dry before you apply any natural remedies to them.
2. Potato Juice
Potato juice is another miracle natural ingredient that offers the solution for scars. It naturally bleaches away the scar’s appearance. Slowly but eventually, the marks will fade away. The best part of this kind of bleaching is that it is not harmful at all. It is a completely natural way to remove scars from your face.
3. Aloe Vera
Known for its soothing and skin lightening effects, aloe vera is loved by all. You can get aloe vera gel from the market or use the extract from the leaf of an aloe vera plant. Apply it to the scar regularly for best results.
Tips To Remove Stitch Marks
1.Do not scratch the affected area at any cost. It may feel itchy but avoid touching it with your nails.
2. Let the stitches dry completely before you apply any skincare or beauty product.
3. While the stitches are still wet, use only the medicine and creams suggested by the doctor.
4. Get your stitches removed on time.
5. Apply topical creams or use mentioned home remedies on your marks once your skin has healed.
How Long Do Stitch Marks Take To Fade?
There is no exact answer to this. Everyone has their own unique skin type and each one maintains a different skin routine. It completely depends on how much you care for your stitch marks and of course, the size of the scars also matters. If you have a huge scar after surgery, it may take longer to heal as compared to smaller scars that may heal sooner.
What Happens If You Leave Stitches In?
When you get a surgery done, doctors usually suggest a certain period to keep the stitches. After that, once your skin is healed, they remove the stitches. Stitches that are left for too long cause deep scarring. It may leave severe stitch marks on your skin. Also, if the skin starts growing around your stitches, your doctor may face difficulty to remove them. It can also lead to a serious skin infection.
Wrapping Up
Stich marks can make you conscious of your appearance. But you can get rid of it through some clinical treatments and home remedies. It is however advisable to consult a dermatologist so you can choose the right option for treating stitch marks. Meanwhile, do not forget to take care of your skin and follow good skin care practices.
Begin By Knowing Your Skin
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6122508/
2. https://www.plasticsurgery. org/cosmetic-procedures/dermabrasion
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15491021/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976400/
5. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002991.htm
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Stitches Marks On Face: Removal Treatments And Cost
Stitches or sutures become necessary to facilitate healing especially if the skin cannot heal on its own. However, they may disrupt the natural healing process of our skin and leave scars behind. Many people want to remove stitch marks due to aesthetic reasons. Fortunately, there are several advanced treatment procedures, which can help in stitch mark removal. Stitch marks removal is feasible using advanced dermatological treatments that help to restore the flawless and scar-free skin.
What Is A Stitch Mark?
Usually, doctors apply stitches or sutures in case of severe injury or during surgery. These stitches require proper upkeep to ensure that they do not leave scars. However, stitches often leave behind marks along with a scar on the affected area of the skin. This is because the natural arrangement of the skin cells gets disrupted because of the cut or injury and the healing process does not restore the skin to its former state completely. Since everyone’s skin responds differently to the body’s natural healing process, it may lead to scarring.
Must Read: Don’t Hide Your Stitch Marks! Get Effective Solutions For Old Stitch Marks
What Are The Different Types Of Stitch Marks?
Depending on the type of wound, the doctor decides to use either traditional skin closure techniques such as stitches/sutures or the more contemporary ones called staples. These methods leave stitch marks behind in the form of white or brown dots or those that resemble train tracks. Stitches can leave deep linear marks on any area of your body, such as face including forehead, cheek, etc., arms or hands, upper body (like chest, abdomen, and back), lower body (such as the thigh, calf, foot.)
Can You Prevent Stich Marks?
You cannot prevent this condition, but there are ways to fade their appearance in areas where they are prominently visible for aesthetic reasons.
Why Is It Tricky To Evaluate Your Stitch Mark?
It is tricky to evaluate the old stitch marks as your dermatologist will not be aware of the exact method used to perform the sutures. Nevertheless, based on the current skin condition, he can make a satisfactory decision by conducting a physical examination and recording an in-depth medical history of the client.
# Know different types of scars, causes, and management options available at Oliva Skin and Hair Clinic:
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How To Remove Old Stitches Marks?
Here are some of the treatment options your dermatologist may suggest for reducing your stitch marks visibly:
- Stitches Mark Removal Cream: Various topical creams and gels are available to enhance the healing process and to lighten the marks. These formulations contain ingredients like peptides, silicones, and at times, even steroids. Though these creams are popular and are comparatively inexpensive than the other treatment methods, they may not offer long term and desired results. The creams containing steroids may cause long-term side effects. Besides, these creams may slightly reduce the scars caused by stitch marks in the initial stages, but they are hardly effective in treating old scars.
- Laser Treatment: Laser resurfacing is an advanced dermatological treatment that doctors use to improve skin texture and reduce this condition. During the procedure, your dermatologist will direct a controlled beam of laser light at the affected area to stimulate cell regeneration. The thickness and appearance of scars from stitches can reduce drastically with this laser treatment. This method has a marginal downtime and gives effective results without any discomfort or side effects.
- Chemical Peels: Your dermatologist can lighten the darker or pigmented scars left behind by the sutures successfully to an extent by using chemical peels. He may apply a superficial or medium depth chemical peel to the skin to aid the controlled exfoliation of the top layer of dead cells and the revelation of a new healthier layer of skin from beneath.
- Microneedling: This is a modern technique for resurfacing where fine microneedles stimulate collagen fibrils with the use of heat and radiofrequency. It helps to promote the healing of the skin and the gradual lightening of the stitch mark.
- Dermabrasion: It is a cosmetic procedure that helps to fade away stitch marks on the face and body through exfoliation. It is an invasive and abrasive procedure. Your dermatologist will use a specialized instrument to remove the top layers of the skin, and in this process, there will be a change in the alignment of collagen fibers, which will help to lighten the scar to an extent.
- Scar Removal Surgery: A plastic surgeon can perform scar revision surgery to minimize the scar and make them as unnoticeable as possible. This treatment option can be expensive depending on the size of the scar and the technique used during the surgery.
- Injections: If the stitch marks are bumpy and form a raised scar, then your doctor may administer injections to control the bumpiness and make them flat. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons use these injections carefully and in controlled concentrations, as these include certain medications like Triamcinolone.
Must Read: How To Remove Wound And Cut Scars?
What Is The Success Rate Of This Treatment?
OTC medications do not have proven efficacy to remove stitch marks. Chemical peels and dermabrasion help in improving the appearance of new stitch marks to an extent. Laser treatment and micro-needling, by far, have the highest success rate as they can effectively reduce any type of scar or mark.
What Is The Cost Of Stitch Mark Removal?
The cost of laser stitch mark removal treatment in India starts from Rs 7,000 to Rs 20,000 per session. It may vary based on the size of the target area, the depth of stitch marks, the procedure selected, the experience of the doctor and the clinic reputation and location.
Must Read: How Much Does Secret RF Microneedling Cost?
How To Select A Clinic For Stitch Mark Treatment?
- The skin clinic should have the latest equipment with result-oriented technology.
- It is critical to determine whether qualified and experienced dermatologists will be performing the treatments or not.
- The clinic should only use US-FDA approved laser equipment for the procedure.
- The clinic must maintain strict hygiene and follow stringent protocols for effective results.
- You should check for customer reviews of the clinic on various channels to make an informed decision.
Now you know all about the various treatment options for reducing stitch marks. You do not have to live with scars for life. If you have stitch marks and want to remove them for aesthetic reasons, speak to a dermatologist today to know more about a suitable treatment that would work best for you.
How to remove a scar after surgery?
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Get rid of scars after abdominal surgery.
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How to get rid of scars after abdominal surgery?
As a result of various surgical operations on the abdominal cavity, scars and scars almost inevitably appear, which greatly annoy women with their unaesthetic appearance.
In order to get rid of them, doctors have developed several very effective methods.
✔ Laser resurfacing
The essence of laser resurfacing is that with the help of a special device, scar tissue is removed from the abdomen layer by layer. As a rule, a full course consists of several procedures (from 3 to 6), and after it it takes about one and a half months for the final healing.
✔ Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is performed by treating the skin with a special abrasive consisting of tiny particles of aluminum oxide. With the help of a special device, they are streamed onto the scar, and a peeling effect occurs. After about seven to eight sessions of this procedure (and completely painless), the skin is smoothed.
✔ Mesotherapy
The mesotherapy procedure involves painless micro-injections under the surface of the skin. These injections may contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or hyaluronic acid, depending on the problem to be treated. This method evens out the surface of the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. After the procedure, you will notice obvious improvements, the surface of the scar will tighten and even out, the color of the scar will change.
✔ Chemical peeling
In a chemical peel, which consists of several stages, the scars are first treated with fruit acids and then with special preparations. As a result of such exposure, they gradually decrease in size, the skin becomes elastic and even. This treatment method performs slightly worse than previous methods, but is more economical
✔ There are also physiotherapy treatments aimed at softening scars, cryotherapy, hormonal therapy (injection of glucocorticoids into keloid). You can make scars less noticeable with the help of special ointments, silicone pads and other medicines with silicone, which are used simultaneously with preparations for resorption of scars after surgery.
☝ ➨ All of these methods are suitable for small scars with a shallow degree of damage. You can achieve a good result – the scar becomes either almost invisible, or significantly reduced.
✔ However, the best way to deal with postoperative scars is still plastic surgery .
Just like abdominoplasty, abdominal scar removal surgeries are becoming more and more popular every year. Surgeons use various correction methods, from simple excision, accompanied by layer-by-layer suturing, suturing inside the skin, to rather complex W-plastics, which are characterized by the fact that tension forces change along the entire length of the scar, scarring. However, in any case, surgical excision is performed, and then suturing. In this case, the incision itself is always somewhat longer than the scar.