Skin Scar &
Stretch Mark Repair

The pre-treatment information is provided in each separate treatment information pages.

What is a skin scar?

A skin scar is a mark on the skin that forms after an injury or wound has healed. It’s the body’s natural way of repairing damaged tissue.

When your skin is injured, your body initiates a healing process. This involves an inflammatory response, where the body sends white blood cells to the injured area to fight infection and clean the wound. Then new skin tissue, primarily collagen and elastin fibers are produced to fill the gap left by the injury. As the wound heals, the new tissue forms a scar. The new scar tissue is usually composed of fibrous tissue and will have a different texture and quality than the surrounding tissue which may barely be noticeable or can be prominently visible depending on the depth and size of the wound.

Scars can appear anywhere on the body, and the composition of a scar may vary from person to person, the skin type, location on the body, the direction of the wound, the type of injury and age. A scar may appear flat, uneven, lumpy, sunken, or can present itself with discolouration. It may even be painful or itchy.

Younger individuals often heal faster, thus less scarring. Good nutrition, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle can promote faster healing and reduce potential scarring.

Individuals with darker skin tones may be more prone to scarring.

There are various types of scars to include:

Normal scars tend to be flat and pale, which generally fade over time.

Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that stay within the boundaries of the original wound.

Atrophic scars and open pores are sunken scars, often caused by congested skin and acne.

Contracture scars are tight, rigid scars that can limit movement.

Stretch mark scars are caused by the skin being overstretched, which damages the fibrous structures.

Keloid scars are raised scars that extend beyond the original wound. If an individual is prone to keloid scarring, we do not treat.

The specific type of scar will determine the results achieved in reducing or eliminating scars.

Scars can be formed for many different reasons to include:

• Result of infections
• Post-surgery
• Injuries
• Inflammation of skin’s tissues

Stretch Marks (striae)

A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when the skin stretches and shrinks over a rapid period of time.

This change causes the collagen and elastin, which support the skin, to rupture and as the skin heals, stretch marks can appear. Stretch marks are identified as streaks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or other places on the body and are extremely common.

In some cases, weight gain and loss may not be the cause, other known contributing causes can be fluctuating hormone levels or simply being at higher risk if to be hereditary.

If you develop stretch marks, you’re most likely to do so during these times:

• Growth spurts that happen in puberty
• Pregnancy
• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Weight training when you have rapid muscle growth
• Applying a corticosteroid to your skin for a long time
• If you have Cushing’s disease or Marfan syndrome

When stretch marks first visibly appear they typically show up as bands of lines running across your skin. They tend to be deep red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin colour. At this stage the stretch marks may feel slightly raised and can be itchy.

Over time, the colour fades and the narrow bands sink beneath your skin. If you run your finger over a mature stretch mark, you often feel a slight depression and the colour changes to a silver or white hue.

How can a Stretch Mark/Scar be reduced?

Specific dermatological procedures can aid the reduction of certain scars which will be determined by your practitioner based on:

• Age of the scar
• The type of scar (we do not treat keloid scar types)
• Severity and symptoms of the stretch marks/scar
• Location
• Your tolerance to medications & procedures
• Age, overall health & medical history
• Expectations of the outcome
• Your preferred procedure (if any)

Some scars / stretch marks can fade over time. However, there are treatment procedure options available if you want to reduce and improve the appearance, it is important to recognise that it cannot completely be erased.

What will it involve?

Your skin care practitioner will complete a detailed consultation to establish the type and severity of the scar / stretch mark, along with your improvement goals. All of which will determine the most suitable treatment planning for you.

The area to be treated is cleansed and sterilised, followed by the application of a local anesthetic if required.

The treatment takes approximately 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of treatment and areas to be treated. Your practitioner will advise you during consultation.

The treatments selectively target the individual scars / stretch marks to reduce the depth of the dents, level out the scar ridges, and promote an even skin tone.

Please advise your practitioner if you have an allergy to, or have ever had a reaction to, any such anesthetic.

What are the types of treatment?

Each system is designed to stimulate the production of natural collagen and elastin within the skin; some treatments will smooth the skin surface, all of which will promote skin repair, improving skin damage such as scars and stretch marks.

Here are some of the following scar-reducing procedures:

• Dermal Filler
• Polynucleotide Injections
• Mpen Micro-needling
• Mesotherapy
• Green Peel Classic
• Chemical Peel
• Micro-dermabrasion
• Nlite Laser
• Plasma Skin Corrector
• 3D Radio Frequency

Click on each link to read full detailed of these treatments.

Why have the procedure?

• Enlarged pores
• Acne scars
• Post surgery scar
• Injury scar
• wound scar

Does it hurt?

The actual procedure can be reasonably quick depending on the type of treatment applied and the area treated.

A local anesthetic is applied to the treated area, prior to the administration of the injectable needling and plasma treatments to reduce any risk of pain.

A mild discomfort can be experienced during the treatment procedure, although each individual has a varied pain threshold.

Care is taken to make the chosen treatment as comfortable as possible.

As with all skin reoair treatments there may be some mild temporary discomfort and redness in the direct treatment site, which subsides over time.

How many treatments do I need?

A single treatment will visually improve the appearance of the scar. However, depending on the severity and your improvement goals, you may need further treatments to achieve desired results.

How quickly will I see the results?

Depending on the particular treatment required, results may be noticed immediately after a single treatment.

Several treatments may be required to achieve desired results.

Some skin repair treatments provide further results over a few weeks, as they form a scaffold to support and stimulate the production of the body’s own collagen, increasing further volume from within the skin.

Commencing the more intense treatments, the area treated will appear red and inflamed for up to several days, even weeks, until the true results become visible.

How long will the results last?

Depending on the procedure chosen, the results can last until natural signs of the ageing process and progressive deterioration of collagen and elastin skin structures become visible.

What are the possible risks & side effects?

Every procedure involves a certain amount of risk and side effects, which will resolve over a short time. However, you should be made aware of them.

The risk of side effects following treatment is reduced by consultation with an experienced practitioner.

Commonly Experienced Adverse Events

• Redness at the treated site
• Pain at treated site
• Bleeding at treated site
• Tingling at treated site
• Bruising at the treated site
• Headache
• Facial Pain
• Skin Tightness

Less Common Risks

• Infection
• Numbness
• Dizziness
• Swelling
• Nausea
• Fever/Flu manifestations
• Anxiety

The After care can vary depending on the chosen Skin Scar Repair treatment. Your practitioner will explain exactly what is required during consultation.

As a guide:

Treat the skin as sensitive until the skin completely appears calm.

Avoid touching the area unless with clean hands.

Do not apply make-up or spray tan for at least 48 if possible, and up to several weeks post intense needling or plasma treatment modality.

Avoid any further overstimulation treatments for at least 48 hours if possible, and up to several weeks post intense needling or plasma treatment.

Avoid highly perfumed products.

Wash with luke-warm water only.

Avoid soap.

Avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 if possible, and up to several weeks post intense needling or plasma treatment modality.

Avoid swimming in public pools for at least 48 hours if possible, and up to several weeks post intense needling or plasma treatment.

Avoid any exposure to a sauna, or heat treatments for at least 48 if possible, and up to several weeks post intense needling or plasma treatment.

Avoid hot tub or tanning for at least 48 if possible, and up to several weeks post intense needling or plasma treatment.

Avoid a facial, rub or massage the treated areas for at least 48 if possible, and up to several weeks post intense needling or plasma treatment.

Avoid consuming any alcohol for up to 24 to 48 hours

Avoid air travel for 2 weeks.

Wear sun protector SPF 30 minimum

Drink plenty of water.

The application of an SPF when exposing your skin to UV can prevent long term skin damage.

For a healthier skin your practitioner will guide you with a personlised homecare skin regime.

Emporium Practitioner:
Angela Taffinder – Senior Aesthetician

Angela is simply the best.
She has completely turned around my skin – I really couldn’t be happier with the results. Angela has so much experience, and so much advice – there are always different options and avenues to explore.
I really couldn’t recommend more

Alexandra

Angela is simply the best. I’ve been one of her clients for nearly 7 years and I can’t recommend her more highly. She has tailor made me a bespoke milia removal/ face rejuvenation treatment and I wouldn’t be without it! She has so much experience and knowledge and never fails to work her magic. Her treatments are so much more than your bog standard facial, she knows exactly what your skin needs and explains everything along the way. I promise you won’t find any one better.

Imogen

Angela has been caring for my skin for the last 25 years. Her treatments are bespoke, addressing whatever is currently going on with my skin. I have a monthly triple treatment which seems to be exactly what my skin needs at the moment. During lockdown, my skin missed her amazing treatments & careful attention.

Leila

I went in having let my milia run riot during lockdown and I was super impressed to leave the treatment not only without a mark but with totally revived skin after the facial. I also love that there is no “paint by numbers” approach to the treatment, you feel that you’re getting an experience tailored to your skin’s needs. I have and would continue to recommend.

Jade

I have been going to Angela for years and she really knows my skin and what treatments to give … I totally trust her and have recommended her to many of my friends who also love her . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED XXX

Hannah

Transformed my acne!
I have been coming to Emporium Treatments for almost a year and each time I leave, I’m even more in love with my skin. When I had my initial treatment with Angela, my skin was suffering from active acne and scarring. Angela provided a tailored treatment plan for myself, explaining every step clearly and since then my skin has improved dramatically. She has really helped with my overall confidence. I would highly recommend.

Chantelle

Angela always provides the best service, no matter which of the many treatments you choose. Booking is a breeze, and punctuality is proven. My chosen treatment was conducted quickly, professionally, and thoroughly. The results consistently exceed my expectations! I always look forward to my next appointment.

Lauren

Angela at Emporium is amazing!
I have recurring milia so I’m constantly coming to see her for extractions. Before my first visit she answered all of my questions and made me feel like she really cared before I’d even met her.
I have hundreds of milia and every session she has the patience of a saint, removing each one by hand.
It’s a bit of a painful procedure but she’s so lovely and friendly that I feel at ease the second I step through the door and she always works her magic quickly and carefully, using lots of cooling and soothing aftercare to help calm down my skin.
Over the years, she’s put so much time in to helping me work out what’s causing them and how to prevent future flare ups.
I have been to other places for milia removal in the past but Angela is by far the best (and more reasonably priced than some of the bigger companies). I wouldn’t even dream of going anywhere else now.

Sian

Emporium is my go to for facial treatments – Angela is one of London’s best kept secrets. Her technique is superb, far beyond what any branded beauty salon can do.

Anna Marie

I have been going to Angela (Emporium) around 6 years now and she always manages to clear my skin and keep me looking youthful with her up to date advance treatments,My personal favourite is the Green peel and Microneedling facial as well as various body treatments I have had here to .I always leave with a glow and get compliments highly reccomend x

Carmel

Five-star experience!
Couldn’t recommend Angela (Emporium) more highly! I’ve be going for bespoke facials for a number of years and have always felt a truly pampered. The facials are tailored to your skin type and she is *the best* at milia removal. Angela has always been able to accommodate appointments around my work schedule, and at short notice, and I’ve been more than happy to recommend to friends.

James

I’ve been going to Angela for the last 25/30 years. In between I’ve tried other places and practitioners but always end up going back to Emporium. Angela understands my skin, right from the beginning when I had acne and pigmentation to now where my skin needs are different. I appreciate her experience and knowledge, my skin looks and feels great. Highly recommend.

Kalyan

Angela’s facials have literally transformed my skin. I met Angela back in October last year, and my only regret is not going to see her sooner. My skin was ruined by a couple of badly chosen laser treatments earlier in the year and after my first facial with Angela I felt so much better about myself, she cleared my skin completely and made me love it again! I think I’m a little addicted to her treatments now, she knows a lot about skin care and tailors the facial to exactly what your skin needs. I’m so happy to have found her. 5/5 review from me!

Aneke

Excellent Milia Removal
Attended Emporium Treatment Clinic for milia removal. Great experience – friendly, well-priced and effective. Will definitely be recommending to friends.

Jamie

Angela is a fantastic practitioner and a lovely person. I’ve had many successful facials and treatments with her over the past few years. I trust her advice completely. She’s never pushed any treatments or products, but is always open to suggesting new solutions.

Colleen