Scars are an inevitable consequence of deep skin injuries or cuts. The appearance of scars may be able to be disguised or improved through treatment with various surgical and non-surgical modalities. These treatments aim to minimise the scars such that it blends in more with surrounding skin tone and texture or improve function, such as muscle and joint movement.
Plastic surgeons are experts in designing surgical incisions that aim to minimise the final scar, and use advanced and delicate repair techniques to try to give the best quality final scar.
Scars from injuries however, are rarely ideally orientated, and often involve crushing or tearing of the skin. These factors contribute to a poorer aesthetic scar outcome, however plastic surgery intervention may modify and improve the outcome. After an injury, specialist plastic surgeons such as those at Pure Aesthetics, can try to improve the quality of the final scar by removing the injured tissue, as damaged skin from crush or tear injuries will result in a worse outcome than a surgically cut wound, and then delicately repairing the wound.
FAQ
What factors influence how a scar forms?
The amount of scarring depends on the cause of the wound, such as an injury or surgery, it’s size, depth, direction and location; the person’s age (children tend to scar more than older people); heredity; and skin characteristics, including skin color. Also, some areas of the body are prone to scar poorly, such as the shoulders, breastbone, vertical abdominal scars and on the back. This isn’t fully understood, but the normal tissue tensions often contribute to worse scars in some areas.
What scars can benefit from scar revision?
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- Scars that are depressed causing shadowing, or at an angle that makes them more obvious.
- Thick, widened or stretched scars.
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- Keloid scars are abnormally thick scars that that are elevated, red and itchy and extend beyond the edge of the wound. These are very difficult to treat and are likely to come back. These scars often require complex and long-term treatment.
- Scars that distort other features, such as the lip, nose or eyelids, or causes problems with normal movement or function across joints.
What treatments are available for scars?
Scar revision treatment can be performed in a variety of ways and is dependent on the type and size of scar the scar. Options include:
- Completely removing the scar and then mending the wound again
- Taking skin from other areas to cover up the areas of the scar (also known as skin “flaps” or “grafts”)
- Making the scar less noticeable by changing the direction of the scar
- Use of topical medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce scar thickness, redness and itching
Usually scar revision procedures are generally done once the scars have had time to completely heal.
Will I need treatment after the scar revision?
Following scar revision surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising or discoloration in the treated area. Depending on the severity of the scar, most patients are able to resume normal daily routines soon after the procedure. You should avoid activities which may stretch or put pressure on the scar for several weeks. An elastic dressing may be used to aid the healing process. During healing, it is important to avoid excess sun exposure and exercise to help facilitate the healing process.
Will I have no scar after scar revision?
Please note that no scar can be completely eradicated, however a highly skilled plastic surgeon and advanced treatments can help to significantly improve its appearance.
When do I expect to see the results from Scar Revision Surgery?
It can take up to one year for results to fully appear, which is the normal process time for skin remodeling. The scar may initially look worse following surgery, however this will gradually change and become less visible over time. It is important to follow post operative instructions to ensure the best possible aesthetic and functional outcome.
Do you have any more questions?
Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions that you might have about this procedure. Our team will be happy to address any concerns that you may have.
