Scar Revision
Scar formation is your body’s natural response to injury of the skin. It is an important and integral part of wound healing. While mostly harmless, scars can become unsightly and undermine our self confidence. Among the most common causes of scars are surgery (cesarean section, orthopedic operations, etc.), skin cancer removal (Moh’s procedure), dog bites, car accidents and other skin injuries. Scars that occur as a result of trauma often heal poorly because of the tissue damage associated with the injury. Sometimes, the scarring process is too vigorous resulting in a hypertrophic scar or keloid. At Changes, we offer several treatments for scars of all sizes and severity. Schedule a consultation to determine which scar treatment is most appropriate for you.
In your consultation, your doctor will examine your scar as well as take your medical history to determine the timing and treatment for your scar. Surgical removal of the scar remains one of the most effective and immediate treatments for scarring. By excising the scar and carefully closing the new wound with plastic surgical techniques, patients can see dramatic improvement. This technique requires a skilled plastic surgeon with excellent technique in wound closure. There are also several new non-surgical treatments for scarring including laser treatments, dermabrasion, silicone gel sheeting, and steroid creams and injections.
Scar Revision Photos
Example of a patient who received scar treatment by Dr. Lee.
BEFORE
AFTER
This procedure is performed by your triple board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gilbert Lee, who has been voted by the San Diego Medical Society "Top Doctor" for the past 5 years running. Read more about Dr. Lee's qualifications on his CV.
Getting ready for your Scar Revision
Along with your plastic surgeon, you play an important role in optimizing your outcome. Effective pre-operative skin care can expedite your recovery and enhance the surgical results. Skin heals better when it is properly cleansed, nourished and hydrated. The best time to begin pre-operative skin care is when the decision has been made to have a scar revision.
Potential Risks
When a scar revision is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent. All of the Changes surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons with many years of experience treating thousands of patients with similar conditions. These credentials help ensure the highest standards of care and your utmost safety.
Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities. The outcome is not completely predictable. Potential complications associated with scar revision surgery include recurrent scarring, hypertrophic scar formation or keloid, scar spreading, darkening or lightening of the skin. Poor healing of the skin is more likely to occur in smokers and patients with dark skin pigmentation. In spite of these risks, the vast majority of patients undergoing scar revision procedures have a dramatically improved appearance. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's advice both before and after surgery.
Post-Surgical Care
As with any surgery, there may be some discomfort during recovery that can be managed with medication prescribed by your surgeon. Some numbness of the skin is quite normal. It will disappear in a few weeks or months.
Your doctor may prescribe steroid cream or silicone gel sheeting to be used directly on the incision to minimize scarring. These should be used as prescribed.
Most of your stitches will be removed after about five to seven days.
Recovery
You should be ambulatory immediately and generally have minimal recovery. The wound will usually be covered until the stitches are removed. At that time, your doctor may recommend a tape dressing, or silicone gel dressing to help improve scarring.
You will be given more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are fine). Avoid steam baths and saunas for several weeks, and limit your exposure to the sun for several months.
Your New Look
Most patients are pleased with the final results of their scar revisions. While a scar may still be present, the appearance should be significantly improved. Our goal is for the color of the scar to closely match your natural skin tone and the contour to be even with the surrounding skin.
Take a look at our current specials, which offers our professional procedures at great discounts!
If you are ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee, contact us today.
