Scar Revision

(3642, 16, ‘2016-05-05 01:08:25’, ‘2016-05-05 01:08:25’, ‘Fortunately, there are procedures to help diminish the appearance of scars and help the affected area look more consistent with the surrounding skin’s texture and tone. These procedures go under the umbrella term of “scar revision.” In this article, you’ll learn about the various options available so that you can make a knowledgeable and informed decision about whether this procedure is right for you.\r\n

Treating Scars from Injury, Medical Conditions, and Surgery

\r\nScars develop from a variety of circumstances. You skin may be scarred due to an injury, a medical procedure, or skin problems such as acne, pregnancy, and previous cosmetic surgery. Some people scar more than others. Age is a factor. So is ethnicity. Genetics play a part in the equation, too.\r\n\r\nIt’s important to understand that scars often fade away over time and become less visible on their own. Scars shrink and become less noticeable as they age. For scarring following a cosmetic enhancement procedure, your surgeon may recommend that you wait a year before exploring scar revision.\r\n\r\nBut every scar is unique. That’s why, for some scars, it is best to have revision surgery 60 to 90 days after the scar matures.\r\n

Treatment Options for Scar Revision

\r\nDepending on the reason for the scar and its severity, as well as other factors, your surgeon may recommend\r\n

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• Topical Creams & Gels – There are prescription and non-prescription products available for the treatment of scars.

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• Collagen Injections – Collagen injections can help “plump” scars that have a depressed appearance. The effects are temporary.

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• Steroid Injections – Steroids have been shown to help soften and reduce hard scars. You will need a series of injections administered over a four to six week period.

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• Silicone Gel Sheeting – Waterproof, flexible silicone gel sheets can help improve the appearance of protruding scars by softening and flattening them, as well as lightening the colour of reddened scars. One advantage to silicone gel sheeting is that it adheres well to even tricky areas such as joints.

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• Dermabrasion – A common cosmetic treatment to rejuvenate skin, dermabrasion uses an abrasive device to remove the upper layers of the skin. The newly exposed skin layer can then heal with a more natural appearance.

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\r\nFor more pronounced scarring, the following options are recommended:\r\n

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• Laser scar resurfacing – This technique uses laser beams to remove the top layer of scarred or damaged skin. The layer of skin underneath is then exposed and heals smoother and tighter. Please note, Dr Roth does not perform this procedure himself.

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• Scar Revision Surgery – In this procedure, scar tissue is removed surgically, and healthy skin surrounding the original scar is stretched to cover the wound. If the scar area is large, however, a skin graft may be needed.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Scar Revision?

\r\nScar revision can be performed on men and women of any age who are bothered by a scar somewhere on the body. Beyond that, good candidates are:\r\n

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• Physically healthy.

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• Free of acne and other skin disorders in the area to be treated.

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• A non-smoker.

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\r\nIt is also important to have a realistic understanding of what scar revision can do for your appearance.\r\n

What to Expect if You Choose Scar Revision

\r\nThere are four phases to scar revision:\r\n

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• Step #1 – Consultation – During this phase, you will meet with your surgeon who will examine you, take your complete medical history, listen to your concerns, and work with you to determine the best course of action.

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• Step #2 – Anaesthesia – Scar revision treatments are performed using local anaesthesia, intravenous sedation and/or general anaesthesia. The goal is to make you comfortable and calm for your procedure.

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• Step #3 – Treatment – Treatment is generally done in your surgeon’s office. If you are having a surgical scar removed, your surgeon will make incisions in your skin, treat the scar, and then close the incision. Advanced techniques in scar revision include complex flap closure to reposition a scar so that it is less conspicuous, or improve flexibility where contracture has restricted mobility.

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• Step #4 – Recovery, Healing & Rejuvenation – After invasive procedures, you will likely experience some redness, tenderness, and swelling. This is normal and to be expected. How long it will take to recover fully is highly individual.

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\r\nBecause different parts of the body heal differently, recovery times vary depending on the 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.\r\n

Possible Risks and Complications Associated with the Procedure

\r\nAs with any surgical procedure, there are risks related to the administration of anaesthesia and the possibility of infection. Other risks specific to scar revision include:\r\n

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• Bleeding.

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• Blood clots.

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• Scar recurrence.

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• The formation of keloids (an area of irregular fibrous tissue formed at the site of a scar or injury).

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How Much Does Scar Revision Cost?

\r\nThere are so many choices for scar revision that it is impossible to quote an “average” price. That being said, if you opt for scar revision surgery, you will have expenses related to the surgeon, the anaesthetist and possibly the hospital.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, Dr Roth does not currently see patients for this procedure.’, ‘Scar Revision’, ”, ‘private’, ‘closed’, ‘closed’, ”, ‘scar-revision’, ”, ”, ‘2023-10-28 18:50:35’, ‘2023-10-28 08:50:35’, ”, 3636, ‘http://drjasonroth.wpengine.com/scar-revision/’, 0, ‘page’, ”, 0),
(3643, 16, ‘2016-05-05 01:08:26’, ‘2016-05-05 01:08:26’, ‘If the wound is covered with “steri strips”\r\nIf you have steri strips on your wound please do not disturb these. They are intended to last until\r\nyour follow-up office visit. Keep the steri strips covered when you bathe or shower. If the steri\r\nstrips do fall off, you can follow the instructions below.\r\n\r\nIf the wound is not covered with “steri strips”\r\nItems needed\r\n1. Your prescribed antibiotic ointment\r\n2. Cotton-tipped applicator (q-tip)\r\n3. Soap and water\r\n\r\nTwice daily, use a cotton-tipped applicator to gently remove any dry blood or crusting that may\r\nhave gathered between or on stitches. Then apply the antibiotic ointment over the wound.\r\n\r\nAfter 48hrs the skin edges are waterproof and you can gently sponge the wound when bathing\r\nand pad it dry. Re-apply the antibiotic ointment afterwards.\r\n\r\nPlease ensure you attend your follow-up appointment on the correct day to have your stitches\r\nremoved. Your pathology report will be discussed with you at that time as well.\r\n\r\nParacetamol and ibuprofen pain medication is fine to take post-surgery. Please take as needed.\r\n\r\nIf you have a skin graft\r\nYour skin graft will be covered with a gauze dressing. This needs to stay in place until your first\r\npost-operative visit.\r\n\r\nFor the donor site, twice daily, use a cotton-tipped applicator to gently remove any dry blood or\r\ncrusting that may have gathered between or on stitches. Then apply the antibiotic ointment over\r\nthe wound.\r\n\r\nWhat to expect\r\nMinor bleeding is normal, especially with movement. If bleeding occurs, place gentle pressure\r\nover the wound for 15 minutes. In almost all instances this will stop the bleeding. If not, please\r\ncontact our office.\r\n\r\nMinor swelling is also to be expected. The larger the lesion that was removed, the more swelling\r\nof the surrounding tissues that will occur. This will gradually settle down. Swelling associated\r\nwith pain, redness, a fever or sweats may be a sign of infection. If this occurs, please contact our\r\noffice.\r\n\r\nWhat to avoid\r\nAvoid excessive movement of the wound for 3 weeks. This includes heavy lifting and strenuous\r\nactivity such as jogging or swimming. This can cause the wound to break open or the scar to\r\nwiden.\r\n\r\nIf you have steri-strips, avoid getting these wet as they will generally then start to fall off.\r\n\r\nIf you have any questions please contact us on 02 9982 3439 or [email protected]\r\n\r\nDr Jason Roth – Dr Roth is a Specialist Otolaryngologist and Head and Neck Surgeon. \r\n\r\nIf you are concerned at any time after your surgery, please contact Dr Roth’s rooms on\r\n(02) 9982 3439 or via email on [email protected]. If it is out of business hours\r\nand you need urgent care, please attend your nearest emergency department or GP. If\r\nyour surgery was performed at Castlecrag Private Hospital or North Shore Private\r\nHospital you may also contact the ward nursing staff who are there 24 hrs a day. Note\r\nthat these hospitals do not have an emergency department, have no medical staff on site\r\novernight and cannot provide assistance in the case of emergencies once you have left\r\nthe hospital.’,