SCAR REVISION SURGERY
Scars occur on the body after any trauma. The manner in which scars develop is unpredictable and varies greatly from one patient to the next. The severity of scar is affected by the size and depth of the wound, the blood supply to the region, the thickness and color of your skin, and the direction of the scar. In addition, most scars will fade with time, and therefore revision is generally not recommended until at least one year after the initial injury. Scars cannot be completely removed, but their appearance can be improved.
Initial Consultation for Scar Revision Surgery
During your initial consultation with Dr. Hyman, he will discuss with you your objectives and expectations from surgery or treatment. This will include a complete medical history, and an examination of the skin and soft tissue of the area of concern. Dr. Hyman will suggest a procedure that suits you best and answer any questions that you might have.
Scar Revision Surgery
The treatment of scars depends upon their origin, location, and type. Keloids are thick, dark, itchy areas of scar tissue that have grown beyond the edges of the wound or the incision. These can be treated with steroid injections, which can reduce the itching and redness. In some cases, keloids are excised, but keloids do have a strong tendency to recur after this type of treatment. Hypertrophic scars are also dark and raised, but these remain within the boundaries of the original incision or wound. They generally improve on their own. Hypertrophic scars can be excised. Contractures result from scar tissue which pulls the skin together in a tight manner, restricting normal motion. For correction, the scar generally needs to be removed, and replaced with healthy, unscarred tissue.
Facial scars can be particularly distressing. Direct excision of the scar can be done to leave a thinner and less noticeable scar. Dermabrasion can soften the scar by scraping the top layers of the skin, but it will not erase the scar completely. In some cases, the tissue around the scar can be repositioned to allow it to conform better to the natural lines and creases of the skin.
Scar revision can take between 1 and 2 hours to perform depending upon the site and extent of the scar. Local anesthesia alone may be sufficient for small areas, but most patients are more comfortable with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation provided by an anesthesiologist.
Post Scar Revision Surgery
Following surgery for scar revision, a small dressings is applied. Any stitches placed during surgery will be removed within one week. The results from the surgery are immediate. It is up to you to continue regular follow up and therapy in some cases, such as silicone sheeting or corticosteroid injections. The entire process takes some patience on behalf of the patient as well as the surgeon.
How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Hyman and his staff will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation with Dr. Hyman, or you can request an appointment online.