Wounds caused by accidents or surgery heal unpredictably for scarring. The type, reason, place, depth, dimension of the wound, the stype, quality, thickness, elasticty and blood circulation of the skin affect the severity of scarring. The way a scar develops depends as much on how your body heals as it does on the original injury or on the surgeon’s skills.
Unfortunatelly no scars can be removed completely, cosmetic surgeons can often improve the appearance of a scar, making it less noticible with some injection or surgical revisions. Scars after wounding appears larger and unattractive in the beginning and may become less noticeable by time. Some can be treated with topicals to relieve symptoms and healing is supported. For these reasons, many plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 months to one year before deciding a scar revision.
In your consultation, your surgeon will examine you and discuss the possible methods of treating your scar, the risks and benefits involved and the possible outcomes. Discuss your expectations with the surgeon, and make sure they’re realistic. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have.
While scar revision is normally safe, there is always the possibility of complications. These may include infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anesthesia, or the recurrence of an unsightly scar. You can reduce your risks by closely following his or her advice, both before surgery and in follow-up care.
There are different types of scars and revision techniques. Simple scars can be excised and stitched precisely. Positions and directions of the scars can be changed for a less noticible look. Dermabrasion can be used for leveling the scar and the normal skin around. Hypertrophic scars or keloids can be treated with steroid applications in sessions. Contractures or severe tough scars may need special plastic surgery techniques like z-plasties, graft or flap surgeries. Your surgeon will decide and explain the best method or combination of techniques for your problem. Scar revision procedure is generally done under local anesthesia, according to the wideness of the scar it can be general anesthesia.
With any kind or scar revision, it’s very important to follow your surgeon’s instructions after surgery to make sure the wound heals properly. Although you may be up and about very quickly, your surgeon will advise you on gradually resuming your normal activities.
As you heal, keep in mind that no scar can be removed completely; the degree of improvement depends on the size and direction of your scar, the nature and quality of your skin, and how well you care for the wound after the operation. If your scar looks worse at first, don’t panic-the final results of your surgery may not be apparent for a year or more.
Scar Revision
Cenk Tokat MD
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
90 232 4637505 Izmir Turkey
