Some people are proud of their scars. Others find theirs unsightly or a permanent reminder of past trauma. For those who fall into the latter category, scar revision can help them to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
These days there are a number of options available to reduce the appearance of scars. These include topical products and minimally- or non-invasive treatments, such as injections and Fraxel lasers. Scar revision surgery is sometimes required for the treatment and diminishing of bigger scars.
What is Scar Revision Surgery?
Unfortunately, scars can never be completely erased. But this type of surgery is aimed at making scarring less conspicuous and the skin smoother. There are several ways that scar revision surgery can be performed, depending on the issue being addressed.
- Skin graft This requires removing a section of skin from another part of the body and using it to conceal the affected area.
- Skin flap More specialized than conventional skin grafts, doctors remove deep layers of tissue that can improve a scar’s appearance once healed.
- Z-plasty This is a way of changing the shape, position or direction of a scar by making a new incision – which is particularly helpful to those with uncomfortable contracture scars.
The most significant types of scar revision surgery are scar removal and partial scar removal. As the names suggest, the former requires the removal of the entire scar. This can result in a bigger scar being left behind, but they are often neater and less prone to tension.
What to Expect From Scar Revision
The recovery period post-surgery has a lot to do with the skin quality of the patient. It is generally around two weeks. During this time, patients can expect some discoloration, swelling and tenderness. It can take up to five months to fully heal and to see the final results.
Set Up Your Appointment With a Dermatologist Today
If you have scars that you want minimized or removed, use the buttons below to find a clinician or location near you that offers scar revision.