Scar Revision

Scars are often the result of an accident, surgery, burns, trauma, domestic violence or even skin conditions such as acne. Scar revision is surgery performed to improve the appearance of a scar. A variety of techniques can be used, and may require more than one procedure to obtain the best result.

How a Scar Forms

When the deep layers of the skin are cut or torn, a scar results. Poor wound healing, abnormal collagen deposition, infection, or other factors, may result in a noticeable scar. Factors that lead to a noticeable scar include: a raised or depressed scar, a very wide scar, a scar that is in the wrong direction, a lengthy scar, or a discolored/pigmented scar.

Scar Revision Techniques

Often, treatment of a scar simply involves excising it. Meticulous attention to detail and wound closure will allow a hypertrophic scar or unsightly scar to be replaced with a smaller and less noticeable scar.

Steroid injection into a scar can also be used to help flatten or remodel a scar. Application of “scar gels” or silicone sheeting can also be of help.
Other surgical procedures include Z-plasty, W-plasty, serial excision; skin resurfacing or dermabrasion can all be of help to improve the appearance of scars.

Recovery

Scar revision surgery is an outpatient procedure. Recovery from surgery is often very brief; several days to a week. The appearance of the resulting wound site will continue to improve in the weeks following revision surgery.

Dr. Albert Fox is trained all aspects of scar revision surgery. Contact Dr. Fox today for your confidential consultation.