Most people are self-conscious about facial scars. Whether the result of an accident, surgery, a burn or acne, scarring will occur wherever multiple layers of the skin have been affected. While scarring is permanent, Facial Plastic Surgeons can make these scars less visible through scar revision surgery by either disguising it, relocating it or minimizing its prominence.
Making the Decision
Scars are highly individualistic and the patient’s attitude toward scares is very personal. Also, different types of scars require different type of treatments. During your initial visit, our surgeon will examine the scar in order to decide upon the proper treatment. As it is impossible to remove scars completely, your surgeon will provide you with realistic expectations of the proposed procedure. More than one procedure may be recommended to minimize the effect of scar. Skin color and type, age and the type of scarring are all important factors that must be considered. Timing of the surgery as well as the risks involved for each type of scarring will also be discussed.
Understanding the Surgery
Some raised scars may first be treated first with injections of steroids to reduce size. If elected, surgery may be performed to remove the scar tissue completely by excision. For more prominent scars, skin flaps from adjacent healthy tissue may be lifted and moved to replace damaged tissue and form a new incision line. If a flap is not possible, a skin graft may be used. Z-plasty offers an alternative approach by moving the scar from one area to another less visible area such as a natural fold or crease. While Z-plasty does not remove all signs of a scar, it does make it less visible. Depressed scars such as acne may occasionally be treated by a “release and fill” technique. The scar tissue under the scar is released during the first visit and then filled from underneath with an injectable filler a week later. This will not completely remove the scar but will soften the edges and make the scar less noticeable.
What to Expect After Surgery
You will experience some discomfort after facial scar revision surgery along with some swelling, bruising and redness. Sutures will be removed within days after the surgery. Depending on the surgery performed and the site of the scar, the surgeon will explain the types of activities to avoid. It is important to remember that scar issues require a year or more to fully heal and achieve maximum improved appearance.