Scar Revision

Scar revision can minimize the appearance of scars, whether from physical trauma, acne, or former surgeries. Scars can make you feel very self-conscious about your appearance, especially if they’re located in a visible place on your body such as your face. For those who may feel self-conscious about the appearance of scars, scar revision therapy can help you minimize the appearance of your scars and feel better about yourself.

Request a consultation at our practice to learn more about minimizing the appearance of your scar.

Anyone considering scar revision should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. If you are bothered by the appearance of your scar to the point where it is affecting your self-image and outlook on life, you may be a candidate for scar revision.

Scar revision can help minimize the look of several different types of scars:

• Hypertrophic Scars
  Hypertrophic scars form thick clusters of tissue at the site of a former wound. These may be raised and discolored, and they may widen over time.

• Keloids
  Keloids are larger scars which may be itchy or even painful. They extend farther beyond the edges of an original incision or wound much more than hypertropic scars. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are more common in areas which have less fatty tissue.

• Contractures
  Contractures are scars in which skin and tissue have pulled together during the healing process, and restricted freedom of movement in the process. These scars are common when there is a large amount of tissue and skin lost, such as after severe burns. Contractures can also develop if the original wound crosses a joint, and the resultant scar tissue restricts movement.

The type of scar to be treated will determine which technique is used for the scar revision. Minor scarring may be treated with an injectable filler to build up concave marks and lines. These treatments may last for months or even years, depending on what type of filler is used. Other injections can be used to reduce collagen formation and lower the profile of raised scar tissue. Other surface treatments may be used to improve the appearance of minor scars, such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels. Skin bleaching agents can be used to lighten dark discolorations.

For deeper scars, an incision may be required to surgically remove the old scar before proceeding with a more involved wound closure and treatment process that will minimize the possibility of future scarring. In the case that the excised scar extends down to tissue below the skin, a layered closure process may be required. More complex techniques may also be used, such as using flap closures to enhance mobility, or to reposition the scar in order to make it less visible.

Recovery times for scar revision therapy vary widely depending on the original scar and which treatment is needed to resolve it. Although scar revision surgery will minimize the appearance of your scar, every cut on your body will always leave a scar, even if it is well-healed and barely noticeable. The goal of scar revision therapy is not a complete absence of scarring, but rather to use techniques that render the scar less visible.