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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2022, 25(4): 195-202pl  Scars - mechanism of formation and selected apparatus treatments in their reductionKlaudia Mazurek 1/, Martyna Wesołowska 2/, Ewa Pierzchała 1/ 1/ Zakład Medycyny Estetycznej Katedry Kosmetologii, Wydział Nauk Farmaceutycznych w Sosnowcu, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach 2/ absolwentka kierunku kosmetologia I stopnia, Wydział Nauk Farmaceutycznych w Sosnowcu, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach Summary A scar is a connective tissue structure that complements the resulting skin loss. It is characterized by a deficit of melanocytes, pilosebaceous units and sweat glands and impaired synthesis and disorganization of collagen fibers and elastin. Significant importance in the process of scarring is, among others, attributed to transforming growth of factor β (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and also altered activity of selected matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors. Taking into account the clinical picture and histological differences, hypertrophic, atrophic and keloid scars can be distinguished. Scars are a big challenge for modern cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, and selected apparatus treatments are an important component of their therapy. The CO2 ablative laser and the erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser are currently considered the gold standard in the treatment of atrophic scars. It has been shown that fractional heating of the skin to 65-70°C in the course of microneedle radiofrequency significantly increases neocollagenesis and induces scar remodelling. Reducing the volume of scars and flattening their structure was recorded in the situation of intrafocal supply of carbon dioxide. A method that is becoming more and more popular, both in monotherapy and in complex protocols, is apparatus vacuum massage. Mechanotherapy affects the level of TGF-β and collagen remodelling, and also changes the activity of myofibroblasts. Scars can cause stigmatization and significantly reduce the patients´ quality of life. Therefore, it seems reasonable to thoroughly understand their etiopathogenesis, which translates into the selection of the most effective techniques for their reduction. Key words: scars, carboxytherapy, keloids, laser therapy, vacuum massage, radiofrequency microneedling |