Contact FacialDoc.com by Viserage Today! Comments Your information will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with other parties.

Home Procedures Scar Revision

Scar Revision

Scars, even small ones, can cause physical or emotional discomfort. Fortunately, plastic surgery can help. While scars cannot be completely removed, they can be minimized and made less noticeable through a variety of procedures, including steroid applications, skin resurfacing techniques, and surgical revision. If you’re considering scar revision, it’s a good idea to wait at least one year after the injury or surgical procedure which resulted in the scar as scars do change over time.

Because scars are unique to each person, the specific scar revision treatment that is right for you should be chosen with the help of a qualified surgeon. Keloid scars, which grow outside of the initial trauma area, are typically treated with steroid applications, though some keloids may require surgical removal. Hypertrophic scars are similar in appearance to keloid scars as both are thick, red and often appear raised. However, hypertrophic scars typically remain within the boundaries of the original wound. Like keloid scars, hypertrophic scars can be treated with steroids, though surgical removal may be necessary if steroids prove ineffective. Surgical removal of any scar will not make the scar invisible but it will make the scar less noticeable. Skin graft and flap techniques are often used to treat larger scars with contracture, or a pulling and puckering of the skin. One technique known as Z-plasty removes the old scar while creating a more natural ‘Z’ formation that is concealed within the natural folds and lines of the skin. Scars which cover a broad area, such as burns, are treated in the hospital with skin grafts or flaps, resulting in a greatly reduced appearance and often increased mobility and function.

There are a variety of scar reduction procedures, including steroid application and dermabrasion, which can be performed in a doctor’s office and require little or no recovery time. Additional surgical procedures and downtime may be required for larger-scale revisions. Regardless of the particular scar revision procedure performed, it’s essential that patients be diligent with follow-up care and wear any pressure garments or bandages as prescribed by the surgeon.