The scar treatment market is projected to sustainably grow through 2029, according to Brandessence Market Research, due to more incidents of scarring and a rising appearance consciousness. As the market expands, new discoveries that push beyond the scope of traditional treatments are emerging through clinical trials.
One innovation is the use of microneedling in scar management, an approach that was recently praised by the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal. The research journal recognized a study from Philadelphia plastic surgeon Brannon Claytor, M.D. on early healing scar microneedling with an Honorable Mention in the journal's 2023 Best Paper Awards.
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Scar Treatment Market Projections
The scar treatment market is projected to grow significantly through 2029, according to a report from Brandessence Market Research. An increase in road accidents and burn incidents is aiding industry expansion, as well as the rising appearance consciousness of society, according to the report.
By product, the topical products segment is projected to experience notable gains due to the affordability and easy availability of scar topical products like ointments.
The Middle East and Africa are projected to capture a substantial revenue share due to the growing occurrence of traumatic injuries in the region and the increased prevalence of skin-based disorders.
Based on scar type, the hypertrophic and keloid segment is slated to garner significant returns through 2029. This is attributed in the report to the growing occurrence of accidents, increased rates of burn injuries and surged number of surgeries.
More: The Role of the Skin Microbiome in Scar Treatments
The threat of substitutes in the scar treatment market is moderate, per the report. While there are alternative scar management methods, such as home remedies and non-invasive treatments like silicone gels and sheets, these substitutes may not always provide comparable effectiveness. However, advancements in technology and the development of new scar treatment alternatives could increase the threat of substitutes in the future.
The competitive rivalry in the scar treatment market is high with numerous companies offering a variety of scar treatment products and services. Competition is driven by product efficacy, safety, brand recognition, pricing and marketing strategies, per the report. Companies invest in research and development to innovate and differentiate their offerings, which intensifies the competitive landscape.
Microneedling Outcomes in Early Postsurgical Scars
The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal has recognized Philadelphia plastic surgeon Brannon Claytor, M.D., along with co-authors Casey Gene Sheck, M.D., and Vinod Chopra, M.D., with an Honorable Mention for Best Ideas and Innovations Paper in the journal's 2023 Best Paper Awards for its study, "Microneedling Outcomes in Early Postsurgical Scars." The study found postsurgical scar appearances are significantly improved after a series of microneedling treatments in early healing phases.
Philadelphia plastic surgeon Brannon Claytor, M.D.Photo Courtesy of Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery
Dr. Claytor's ground-breaking study consisted of twenty-five patients who underwent surgery and received a series of three microneedling treatments with the goal of increasing collagen production. The patients' scar appearance was evaluated after each treatment and at a final 2-month follow-up. The data showed that treating surgical scars 6-7 weeks postoperatively showed superior improvement compared to scars that were treated 13-16 weeks postoperatively; no adverse effects were observed. The patient's age, skin tone or scar location did not appear to affect the outcome of their results.
Dr. Claytor's plastic surgery practice, Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery, is located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
"I am deeply honored by this recognition and proud of our contributions to post-surgical scar care. I hope many surgeons will adopt these scar-minimizing protocols," says Dr. Claytor. "This study affirms the value of reexamining and advancing the basics of surgery and recovery to improve patient results."
Dr. Claytor continued, "Percutaneous collagen induction has achieved noteworthy improvement in acne scars for years. My goal for this study was to determine if microneedling treatments could produce similar improvements for surgical scars and develop new treatment protocols. I believe we have been very successful."
