Scar Revision
By Dr. Rishavy
The body has an amazing ability to heal itself, but it often leaves behind evidence in the form of scars. For many, they are unpleasant reminders of certain events or accidents, and they solicit unwanted attention from others. For you, a scar may be itchy, painful, or prevent you from feeling your most confident self.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your scar can be minimized through treatments like surgery, you are not alone. Scar revision is a solution that may provide the relief you’re looking for.
What is scar revision?
The primary goal of scar revision is to minimize the appearance of your scar. This can be achieved through various treatments, including:
- Topical treatments– Silicone-based gels and ointments may be used to hydrate the skin, flatten scars, and reduce itchiness around the area. This is often the first approach used to minimize scars as it is the least invasive treatment option.
- Laser therapy– As laser technology has advanced, it has become a widely used treatment to reduce the appearance of various scars including keloids and acne scars. The concentrated light beams target specific skin layers to improve discoloration and create a smoother, softer appearance on the skin.
- Scar revision surgery– This cosmetic procedure involves a re-excision of the area and closing of the skin to essentially hide the scar. This may require a skin flap or skin graft to reform the area where the scar was.
How Effective is Scar Revision Surgery?
Ultimately, the effectiveness of scar surgery depends on multiple factors including skin elasticity, location of the scar, and scar type. What we tell patients at Northland Plastic Surgery is that about half the time we can make it better, and about half the time the scar will look the same. While the likelihood is low, in some cases the scar can actually look worse after surgery. Our goal as board-certified plastic surgeons is to make the scar look as nice as we can.
One important thing to remember is that it takes one year for a scar to fully mature. That means you won’t truly be able to see the final result of your surgery until that time has passed. In a best-case scenario, your scar will be greatly minimized and blend in more naturally with your surrounding skin. If your scar causes pain or discomfort, then that would be relieved as well.
The bottom line is that each patient heals differently, and there is no uniform outcome after scar revision surgery. Before seeking treatment for your scar, it is important to establish realistic expectations regarding results. While scars can be minimized and improved, they can never be fully erased. These are things to consider before undergoing scar revision.
Is Scar Revision Surgery Right for Me?
Most patients who consult a plastic surgeon for revision surgery have scars on their faces that they want to minimize. You may have a scar on another part of your body that you want to minimize, and a board-certified plastic surgeon may be able to help, as they are trained to work with all parts of the body.
Your surgeon will assess your scar and skin and determine whether surgery alone, or a combination of scar revision treatments, is right for you. To learn more about scar revision surgery at Northland Plastic Surgery, contact us with questions or to schedule a consultation.