Burns & Acid injuries with Shamá method®
Shamá Clinic have since 1985 treated many people with burns that have had great results with our unique treatment method.
1000´s of documented treatments have been implemented and therefore we can with confidence say that our method removes alternatively corrects scars by 50-90%.
Nobel Forum, Karolinska Institute & International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS) has recognized Shamá method® for its good result. Learn more about our references here!
Patients referred from Swedish county hospitals and foreign medical facilities are continuously sent to Shamá Clinic for treatment.
What is a burn injury and what types of scars occur?
Burns on the body can occur from various heat sources such as fire flame, boiling water or steam, corrosive acid (chemicals), friction and electricity etc. Superficial burns on the body are quite common and most of us burn ourselves at some point in life i.e. with a cigarette, hot plate or sunburn.
Burns on the skins outermost layer of the epidermis can be easily treated at home, i.e. with cooling balm such as Aloe vera. These first-degree burns usually cause swelling, redness, soreness and usually heal within a week. Superficial second-degree burns, means that the two upper layers of the skin, epidermis and dermis, are damaged, this is usually very painful and causes redness, soreness and blisters and it usually heals within 1 month. As a rule, there are no scars after such burns, however, there may have occurred pigment changes (i.e. hypo- or hyperpigmentation) on the area and this is treatable with the Shamá method®.
In deep burn injuries, second- or third-degree burns, one often needs surgery performed when the skins upper and lower levels (epidermis and dermis) are severely injured. Whatever the reason for a burn that has left visible scars or much worse than that, severe burn victims may suffer greatly do to their appearance and pain. Burns taking longer than a month to heal give rise to scar development. Scar healing after a deep second- and third-degree burn may take 6 up to 18 months. The color of the scars range between pink to dark purple and is usually raised (hypertrophic scar) above the undamaged skin, such scars are often hyper sensitive and tend to itch. Most burn injuries, surgery after burns and leathery skin can be treated with our unique treatment method. Scar treatment can begin when the scars has healed completely.
How we treat scars after burns with Shamá Method®
When treating scars from burns, it is important to understand that it requires care and many sessions for a good result. Therefore, one need to have patience. Burns on the face means to reconstruct and enhance the fundamental forms. Including reconstruction of eyebrows, lip shape, shading the nose and so on. Depending on the extent of the burn and skin transplants performed, the skin may be uneven with different skin textures and skin tone. The skin can also be leathery and rough.
The patient may feel difficulty making certain movements due to tightening and hardening of the skin. To some extent, we can improve both the form but also function. By soften the skin it becomes easier to smile or turn the head in different directions. Many patients have been thankful when the appearance has improved but also the function and calluses that cause pain, itching, and great discomfort has been reduced.
Each burn scar must be treated individually because all the scars have different anatomical characteristics and conditions. The first visit is very important because we thoroughly examine your scars and anatomical conditions. You can read about the first visit (consultation) here! You can also read further here about our treatment method, the Shamá method®!
Phase 1 The first phase of the scar treatment is to examine and determine the scar injury in question. The surface of the scar tissue is prepared and penetrated with medical products and antioxidants. These gentle products soften and smooth out the uneven scar tissue. A sterile disposable needle goes very gently into the skin, barely a millimeter deep and is thus not painful. The products used sinks superficially through the skin and acts on the scar days after the treatment. It is important to take care of the treated area according to the instructions given. The care after the scar treatment is an important step for getting a good result. Radio frequency therapy helps stimulate collagen in the skin which complements Shamá method®.
Phase 2 Second phase involves a smoothing of the injured skin surface as well as improvement of melanin (pigment) damage. Several different pigments are mixed together to improve the hyper- or hypopigmentation. The first treatments smooth out the surface texture of the scar and thus form a foundation that will be a good base for scar treatment.
Phase 3 In the third phase of the scar treatment it’s about treating to the degree where the scar´s structure achieves a harmony in color and form with the unharmed skin, thus reducing the scar until it is no longer visible.
How many scar treatments needs to be done & the time between them?
It is necessary with at least 4 treatments for a satisfactory result. The scar is treated very carefully and the scar treatment is repeated at 8 to 30-day intervals depending on the characteristics of the scar. This is to avoid more stress on an already damaged skin. Every scar, even on the same person can have different properties. For an assessment, a personal visit is required where the scar is examined. Even then a complete assessment may not be possible. After the first scar treatment, one will come to know the scar and your skin properties completely or at least well enough for a successful treatment process. The scar treatment is a gentle method and therefore repeated several times for a great and safe result. The average number of treatments is about 4-6.
What can one expect after a successful scar treatment?
We have performed 1000s of documented scar treatments on different skin types, and can with confidence say that our method removes scars, alternatively corrects by 50-90%. Every case is of course on an individual basis and only after a consultation can a proper assessment be given. A scar is injured skin tissue and sometimes an overall visible repair isn’t possible. However, it can be much better than before. Many clients and patients have been satisfied with a visible improvement.
Can I return to everyday life as usual after a scar treatment?
Yes, it’s perfectly possible to return to everyday life as usual. The treated scar should not be covered with bandage. The first few days you should be careful with heavy exercise where you sweat a lot.
Does it hurt when you treat burns?
Some experience a tingling sensation, but this is not a painful procedure. Usually, only a topical anesthetic is needed which is applied for about 30-60 minutes. If you are very sensitive, stronger anesthetics is used if necessary.
Does side effects or injuries occur after a burn scar treatment?
After 30 years of well documented work, the Shamá method® has not shown any side effects, complications or hazards. The scars are treated in several sessions to create the best outcome which ensures that there are no complications or abrasions on the already damaged scar tissue. Many people believe that because the scar is thick and hard, the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) is also more durable. On the contrary, the scarred skin is more fragile than the normal skin and therefore it has to be treated in several stages with care and diligence.
What happens when I expose the treated area to sunlight?
It’s fine to expose oneself to sunlight two days after scar treatment. However, excessive sunbathing is not recommended.