Scar contractures occur when the skin becomes too tight during healing, typically after burns, trauma, or surgery. This contraction makes the skin tight, making it less flexible, and, in some cases, it can result in movement of the adjacent joints or facial features. Over time, a contracture may limit day-to-day activities, alter appearance, and affect confidence. When seeking scar contracture correction in Hyderabad, it is essential to understand the causes, treatment options, expectations, and long-term consequences to make an informed decision.
At Apollo Hospitals, Financial District, Hyderabad, skilled plastic and reconstructive surgeons who specialise in improving overall look, restoring skin mobility, and providing comfort undertake scar contracture repair. They use cutting-edge methods and evidence-based treatment to improve the skin's texture, form, and long-term functioning in addition to treating the contracture.
What Is a Scar Contracture?
Scar contracture occurs when the skin tissue tightens during healing. This is a natural process that seals a wound, and in a few instances, especially when a person is burned, excessive collagen can form in a disorganised form. This causes the stiffness, elevation of tissue, which contracts in the long run.
Contractures reduce motion and are particularly difficult to treat when they involve the hands, neck, face, or joints.
The common forms of contractures are:
- Burn scar contractions after heat, chemical or electrical damage
- Delays in healing or long surgical incisions in post-surgical contractures
- The contraction of deep wounds, leading to trauma
Why Correcting Scar Contractures Is Important
Scar contracture repair is used to repair normal movement, enhance appearance, and alleviate pain. Untreated, contractures can increase progressively, resulting in:
- Restricted joint mobility
- Problem with daily activities
- Pain due to skin tension
- Reduced skin elasticity
- Observable skin cosmetic defects
Early assessment guarantees early treatment and improved recovery. When people think of burn scar contracture correction in Hyderabad, the end result is usually functional and cosmetic: to make the skin move more naturally and the surface appear smoother and more even.
How Scar Contracture Correction Works at Apollo Hospitals, Financial District, Hyderabad
The correction of scar contractures needs a careful strategy and an individual approach. The size, depth, age, and impact on mobility of the scar determine the type of treatment to use.
1. Comprehensive Assessment
Close observation of the scar, the surrounding skin, and the affected part of the body helps identify the most appropriate corrective procedure. Surgeons evaluate:
- Severity of tightness
- Location (particularly in and about joints)
- Skin quality
- Existence of thickened or hypertrophic tissue
Such an analysis is a prerequisite for the subsequent procedure of scar tissue remodelling.
2. Non-Surgical Options
Very mild contractures might be treated with nonsurgical methods such as:
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapy helps loosen dense scar tissue, improve color and texture, and provide a small amount of flexibility.
- Pressure Therapy & Splinting: These methods aim to stretch the skin gradually and make it less tight.
- Injections: Steroid injections are a potential treatment for raised scars, as they reduce inflammation and collagen production.
- Silicone Gel or Sheets: Silicone helps flatten and improve hydration of raised areas, helping the skin regain its elasticity.
- Physiotherapy: Exercises based on movement help relieve stiffness and restore lost flexibility.
These methods are often used in the early stages or combined with surgical correction to improve outcomes.
3. Surgical Correction
Severe to moderate contractures can only be treated surgically, particularly when movement is restricted or scars distort the tissues in the area. Surgical treatments available at Apollo Hospitals, Financial District, Hyderabad, are:
- Z-Plasty Technique: One of the commonly practised techniques in which the scar is reorganised in a Z-shape. This stretches out the contracted skin, eliminates tension and forms a more natural shape.
- Skin Grafting: When a contracture involves skin shortage, a thin layer of new skin is grafted to cover the area after releasing the tight scar.
- Tissue Expansion: A balloon-like device is placed under the skin to provide additional skin that can later be used to prevent contracture.
Each method supports long-term healing and improved movement, especially for burn-related scars.
Recovery After Scar Contracture Correction
Recovery time varies depending on the type of treatment. It may take weeks or months to show improvement.
Recovery Timeline
- Initial healing: 1–2 weeks
- Scar softening & remodelling: A few months
- Complete mobility return: Usually 3-6 months
Postoperative Care
After surgery, the patient may require:
- Dressing changes
- Movement recovery physiotherapy
- Silicone-based care
- Ointments to support cosmetic scar revision
- Regular follow-ups to ensure proper healing
In the case of grafts or flap surgery, attention is focused on protecting the area under treatment and maintaining blood circulation to ensure the best possible healing.
Why Choose Apollo Hospitals, Financial District, Hyderabad?
Apollo Hospitals, Financial District, Hyderabad, offers a combination of high-end medical services, qualified professionals, and personalised care to achieve positive results in the correction of contractures.
- Skilled Plastic Surgeons: Highly trained to do scar repair and functional restoration.
- Advanced Techniques: Z-plasty, grafting, flap reconstruction and laser access.
- Personalised Care: Treatment plans are based on the type of scar, the condition of the skin, and functional requirements.
- All-inclusive Support: The entire assessment and physiotherapy process is followed to ensure maximum recovery.
This integrated approach ensures safe, effective results with long-term improvement.
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