Our work

It is important that research and clinical care consider both the immediate and long-term impact that scarring can have on the lives of patients and their family members and how this can change over time.

Alongside this, understanding what patients consider most important regarding their recovery is key.

We have delivered a range of research aimed at helping people living with the physical and psychological impact of scarring including the world’s largest study of adjustment to visible difference, involving 1,265 adults with a range of visible differences.

Previous work includes a project aimed at understanding the support needs of veterans who live with an altered appearance following a conflict-related injury. A current project seeks to assess the burden of facial scarring and associated mental health conditions to identify patients at greatest risk.

We are also researching the way laser therapy can be used to improve historic scars and how lasers work at a cellular level.