From resignation to care: the new medical approach to scars

For many years, scars were considered, by both doctors and patients, an unavoidable outcome to be accepted without question. Today, however, they carry a different meaning. Not only from a medical perspective, but also from a psychological and cultural one, as they can directly impact a person’s quality of life.

Describing this shift is Dr. Daniele Bollero, a plastic surgeon based in Turin. «My experience, now spanning almost thirty years, has led me to develop comprehensive expertise in this field». Over time, his professional journey has brought him to focus on a central theme of his clinical practice: «One of the key issues for a plastic surgeon is the scar».

From resignation to the possibility of improvement

The real change compared to the past lies in the approach. «The paradigm shift regarding scars is hope». While scars were once experienced as an inevitable consequence, today, thanks to advancing technologies, it is possible to significantly improve their quality.

However, Bollero makes an essential clarification: «I cannot erase scars, but I can make them better». This crucial distinction helps to reset unrealistic expectations and offer patients a more concrete and achievable perspective.

The “right” scar Is the one that disappears in everyday life

According to Bollero, the idea of a perfect scar is not absolute. «The perfect scar is the one I no longer see». Over time, some scars become so well integrated that even the surgeon who created them may struggle to find them again. «Often you know you operated on a patient, but you can no longer locate the scar».

This happens because the skin changes and the scar gradually blends in. «It hides within the folds of life, wrinkles, and the natural texture of the skin». When this occurs, the mark stops being the focal point and simply becomes part of the body.

An impact that goes beyond aesthetics

The significance of scars extends far beyond their visual appearance. «The extent to which a scar affects a person’s life situation is extremely important». This understanding has led Bollero to increasingly specialise his practice. «We have almost transformed the clinic into a scar centre».

The connection between external appearance and self-confidence has long been recognised. «As early as the 1960s, with Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, the relationship between inner and outer perception was discussed». In this sense, a scar can influence how a person sees themselves and how they present themselves to others.

Technology and experience: the importance of dedicated centres

Today, the technologies are available, but they are not enough on their own. Experience makes the real difference, together with protocols developed from real clinical cases. «You need a clinical history that allows you to create effective protocols for patients».

This is where the importance of specialised centres comes into play. «We can speak of centres dedicated specifically to scars». Places where patients know they will find targeted expertise rather than generic answers.

Moving beyond the myth of the scar as something negative

If there is one perception that needs to change, Bollero believes it is «the idea that a scar is only something negative». Even today, he explains, «it is a word often spoken with embarrassment, almost a word that cannot be said».Changing this narrative is essential. «I would like to transform the word ‘scar’ into a part of one’s life». Not something to deny, but a sign of a journey. «Those who wear their scars with confidence represent a powerful cultural and social example».