Facial Scars Revision

Facial scar revision is a procedure that can minimize an unsightly scar. The procedure can make a scar less noticeable or essentially replace the scar with a less prominent one.

REASONS FOR SCAR REVISION

People choose scar revision to minimize the appearance of scars caused by:

• Injury
• Surgery
• Burns

Good candidates for facial scar revision are healthy nonsmokers who understand the benefits and limitations of the procedure. If excisional scar revision is recommended, the procedure cannot be completed sooner than six months after the scar formation.

HOW DO PLASTIC SURGEONS REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF A SCAR?

Based on the scar you exhibit; we can recommend and perform a variety of scar revision procedures. The appropriate technique depends on the type of scar, its size, age, and other factors. Plastic surgeons offer both surgical and non-surgical techniques to reduce the appearance of scars. Some of these procedures, such as local flap surgery, and tissue expansion techniques, help the skin to adequately stretch to make reconstruction possible

Z-plasty

Z-plasty is a surgical technique that repositions scars to better match the skin’s natural lines and wrinkles and make them less noticeable. It also has the effect of relieving tension caused by contractures. In this procedure, the old scar is removed, new incisions are made on each side, and small triangular skin flaps are created. These flaps are repositioned to cover the scar at a different angle, giving the scar a “Z” pattern. The wound is closed with fine sutures and removed after a few days. Z-plasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.

Dermabrasion and Laser Resurfacing

Rough or raised scars can be made less noticeable by using a grinder or laser beam to remove some of the top layer of skin. The scar will remain, but it will be smoother and less noticeable. Non-invasive and non-chemical, microdermabrasion uses a stream of microcrystals to exfoliate the skin. It removes dead skin cells using gentle suction.  Laser skin resurfacing uses light energy to break down the bonds between damaged skin cells, revealing smoother skin underneath.

Skin Grafting & Flap Surgery

Skin grafts and flaps are more severe than other forms of scarring surgery. These are not inpatient procedures and are performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. In a transplant, skin is grafted from a healthy part of the body (donor site) to cover the damaged area. The graft is meant to “take effect” when new blood vessels and scar tissue form at the injured site. Flap surgery is a complex surgery that moves skin, along with underlying fat, blood vessels, and sometimes muscle, from a healthy part of the body to the injured area.

AFTER SCAR REVISION

Your skin may feel tight and you may experience some swelling. Discomfort is normal, but can be managed with prescription medication. The scar will be covered with a dressing, which may need to be changed periodically. Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions after scar revision.