Institute for scar research and treatment opened

CHENNAI:  Capitalising on the growing desire among people to look good and flaunt their blemish-free skin, the Medical Park in TICEL Biopark has inaugurated its institute of scar research management and stem cell therapy. The centre will be treating scars surgically, apart from acting as a unit to research on scar cells and their use in the future.“The institute will work towards treating several types of scars including those caused by accidents, acid attacks, burns or even radiation scars caused by treatment for cancers or Keloid scars,” explained A Jeya Prakash, director of The Medical Park. The scars will be treated in three stages. It includes reducing the surface differences caused by the scar using laser techniques, freeing the patient from pain and reducing the colour of the scar using natural lightening means. A team of 10 doctors, including a stem cell scientist from London and a plastic surgeon from Las Vegas will be part of this institute, Jeya Prakash said.The institute will also examine the possibility of scar cell donation by conducting extensive research in the area. “The scars can be sampled and their cell patterns observed. The morphometric analysis of the scar’s form are later made. We hope to research about the possibility of using these cells later for donations or for other purposes,” he added.The institute has been set up at a cost of over `2 crores, including a $100,000 laser equipment and computer pattern generator. It was inaugurated by P Murari, advisor to FICCI President, and former secretary to the President of India.