About Scar Revision Treatment
Scars are a very common skin flaw and can be located anywhere on the body. In some cases, a scar is a reminder of a wound that once existed, or another condition that caused a disruption to the skin’s surface. While most scars are not an issue, some scars are unappealing and unsightly. They can be too big or too wide, bumpy, dark, raised, or recessed. Depending on where the scar is located and its condition, scar revision surgery may be needed to improve its appearance. Houston, TX plastic surgeon, Dr. Edward Lee, offers scar revision surgery, which is a cosmetic treatment that helps reduce the size and appearance of a scar.
Ideal Candidates
Men, women, and children who have a scar that is bothersome or unsightly, which causes insecurity or embarrassment, may consider scar revision treatment. It is important for candidates of this procedure to understand that while this treatment does improve the appearance of the scar and reduces its size, it will not make it disappear completely. The type of procedure performed will be based on where your scar is located, the type of scar it is, the size, depth, and shape.
Types Of Scars
There are various types of scars and depending on what type you have, will dictate the surgical technique used to treat it. The most common scars we treat are:
-
Superficial Scars
These are the subtlest type of scars. They do not cause any issue other than an unsightly appearance.
-
Keloid Scars
These scars are larger in size and can be sometimes painful. The skin around the scar tends to be discolored and extends beyond the edges of where the wound once existed.
-
Hypertropic Scars
This type of scar can also be large. They tend to be thicker and grow over time, however, they do not typically extend beyond the wound site.
-
Contracture Scars
This type of scar is considered more complex as it forms over a greater area of skin. A burn is an example of this type of scar. Many times a contracture scar feels tight and also impairs movement in some patients.
Surgical Techniques
Scar revision surgery is performed within our office and will either require a local anesthetic or some form of sedation depending on the complexity of the case. For thick, bumpy scars, a shave excision can be performed to level and even-out the scar. Some scars that are larger and raised may be reduced in size using an elliptical incision, which removes the scar and some of the tissue and skin around it and then is re-sutured with a clean, thin line. For scars that exist due to poor wound closure, this can be big improvement. Large scars, or contracture scars, sometimes will require a skin graft or tissue expansion so that the reminisces of the old scar can be removed, allowing enough healthy skin to be reconnected together. In some cases, it’s the not size or shape of the scar that is bothersome, but instead the color or texture. There are some great laser treatments that can lessen the color and visibility of a scar, without the need for surgery. Finally, if you have a recessed scar or one that appears “pitted”, we may recommend a filler product to create a more natural, even surface.
What To Expect
After a scar revision treatment, wound care is the most important aspect of the healing process. We will provide very specific instructions to help you take care of your new wound or incision so that the new scar that forms is smaller, thinner, and lighter. As mentioned, the scar cannot be completely erased, but most scar revision treatments can create a more natural, softer appearance.
Improve Your Scar’S Appearance
If you have an unsightly scar, or one that is bothersome to you, there are numerous options to consider to make it less noticeable. After assessing the size, shape, depth, and type of scar you have, a scar revision treatment plan will be created to help minimize its appearance. The scar you have that causes you concern or worry, will be transformed so that the scar area and skin around it will appear more normal and natural. We invite you to call our office today to schedule your scar assessment and consultation.