Scar revision
What is scar revision?
Who is a good candidate?
Risks
Preparing for scar revision
Recovery
What is scar revision?
Every person heals differently and the effects
of an injury or surgical scar are always unique.
Though doctors cannot predict how a scar will
heal, today plastic surgeons can improve the appearance
of a scar on almost any part of the body.
It is important to know that once a scar is present,
it will not go away. The blemish may be improved
or made less conspicuous, but some mark will always
be present.
Depending on the type of scar, your doctor may
treat you using one of these techniques:
- Scar excision – If there is sufficient
adjacent skin, the scar is excised or removed
and the skin is closed.
- Z or W-plasty – The original scar is
repositioned to be better camouflaged by existing
features, lines or creases.
- Skin grafting – The scar is surgically
removed and skin from another part of the body
is used to cover the area if the scar area is
large (ie, burns).
- Skin flap – Similar to a skin graft,
skin and the tissue below the skin are moved
from another part of the body to cover the site.
Who is a good candidate?
Almost anyone can look better and feel better
about themselves after scar revision surgery.
Risks
Surgery has risks, but
you can help prevent complications by carefully
following your physician's instructions both before
and after surgery. Talk with your plastic surgeon
to be sure you understand the potential risks
and complications. If you don't understand something,
ask!
Preparing for scar
revision
Scars go through a healing process that lasts
for about a year. Scars will be red for a time,
get tight and then relax and have a more subtle
color. Schedule a consultation with a plastic
surgeon after the scar is completely healed.
Recovery
Because different parts of the body heal differently,
recovery times and expectations vary depending
on your procedure. Surgery to repair a scar on
your leg may take as long as two weeks to heal,
while a procedure on your face may take only about
a week.
Your doctor will talk with you about what to
expect after the surgery, as well as how to care
for your wound. Carefully following these instructions
will help speed recovery and give you the best
chance for excellent long-term results.
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