Scars, unfortunately, don’t always heal the way we would like. Commonly, scars take a full year or more to mature in appearance. There are times when scars might vary from the natural skin in regards to elevation, texture, tone, or color. Scars can be excessively thick, wide, or indented. Although scars can not be removed, they can often be improved. Topical scar treatments, lasers or light-based devices, injections, and sometimes surgery can be used to help optimize the appearance of a scar, whether from a traumatic injury, major surgery, or another wound. Sometimes multiple procedures or a combination of techniques may be used to achieve the best results
Did You Know…?
Scars develop via fibrosis when there has been a traumatic injury to the skin. While this scar might be the result of trauma or the result of surgery, the wound healing process is actually the same. The scar tissue is the body’s response to this injury in an attempt to both close the gap and reinforce the area to prevent the body from experiencing repeated injury at that sight. Therefore, a scar is actually a completely normal response the injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Scars can be Revised?
This is a common question and the answer is that all scars are candidates for potential scar revision. Types of scars include childhood scars from injuries on the playground, scars left in traumatic accidents, and even scars that result from surgical procedures. While scars might vary in their length or texture, every scar is a candidate for revision. With this in mind, this doesn’t guarantee that the results of every revision surgery will be fully restored to its native state and every potential surgery is handled on a case by case basis.
What is “Scar Revision”?
Unsightly or troublesome scars may be treated with a variety of methods, which are often used in combination. Treatments may range from topical therapy, injections, laser resurfacing and microneedling, all the way to a complete surgical scar revision with full wound closure. Determining factors include scar type, age, size, location, skin type and the patient’s overall health. Consideration will be given to any prior treatments that may or may not have been successful.
What is the expected recovery?
While the recovery period will vary depending on the type of surgery or procedure, it is normal to have some soreness and swelling afterwards. It is important to follow instructions provided by your plastic surgeon following surgery, including medication instructions. Scars will remodel and change with time, usually becoming less noticeable months to years after a procedure.
The first step toward a successful outcome is a scar assessment consultation. Our surgeons have had extensive experience treating and revising a variety of scars, whether from accidents and injuries, severe acne or prior surgery.