Scars are an inevitable by-product of healing after wounds, burns, or surgery. While some fade over time, others remain noticeable. Scar revision surgery may help improve their cosmetic appearance.
Scars caused by injuries, skin conditions and poor healing can never completely vanish; however, some can be improved with treatment. Topical creams or injections may initially help, but if these don’t prove effective enough for correcting the problem surgical intervention may be required to address it.
Scars that form can have different appearances depending on who bears them; light-skinned people generally develop scars that blend in well with their surrounding skin and fade over time, while people with darker complexions are more likely to have scars that stand out and darken more than expected. Scars’ shapes also play an integral role; linear scars will likely flatten and fade with time while irregular or misshaped scars may remain noticeable for much longer.
Scars that are prominent or have caused physical problems may cause ridicule or be the subject of judgment, preventing a person from participating in certain activities and possibly impacting their self-image negatively. Anyone feeling like their scar is affecting them negatively should seek treatment to lessen its effect and minimize its negative effects on themselves and others.
Before beginning surgery to reduce or improve the size or appearance of a scar, it’s essential that your surgeon get to know your medical history and reasons for seeking treatment. They must perform a physical exam and measure the scar for medical records purposes as well as discuss expectations as well as any risks and complications involved with the process.
Following your procedure, your surgeon will give you instructions for caring for your scar properly. These may include cleaning and keeping it sterile; changing dressing as necessary; adhering to activity restrictions; using silicone sheets or massaging it regularly in order to reduce bumps or lumps left from healing; as well as any activity restrictions. In addition, silicone sheet covers may help keep the area sterile or massage can even out bumps that remain from healing process.
Following your physician’s advice is also critical in order to avoid infection of the scar site and subsequent worsening or formation of keloids, some scars being more prone than others to such formation. Smoking, excessive sun exposure and having family members who have a history of keloid formation all increase your chances of this condition occurring.
Plastic surgeons employ various approaches to altering the appearance of scars, depending on their location and desired effect. Surgery procedures can be completed under local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia for maximum pain-free relaxation; occasionally techniques that use skin grafts to close large wounds may also be utilized by surgeons.