What is Scar Revision Surgery: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Scar revision surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure ⁤used to help improve the appearance of ‌visible scarring from previous surgery, injury, or illness. Sometimes referred to as scar camouflage, scar revision surgery is beneficial for individuals who desire a⁢ smoother, flatter, and more even skin surface. Through the process of replacing, removing, or redistributing tissue, doctors can create a more aesthetically pleasing result.

Scar Revision Surgery Overview

Scar revision surgery is designed to reduce‍ the appearance, size, and‌ shape of an existing ​scar while minimizing the ‍amount of visible scarring. Exact techniques vary from case to case and depend on the type of scar and the desired outcome.



These are the three primary‌ types of ⁤scar ⁣revision surgeries:

• Skin Grafts – Involve the transfer of healthy skin from one area ​of ⁢the body to another in order to replace scarred tissue. Skin grafts may be taken from the thigh, buttocks, or abdomen areas.



• Dermal⁣ Fillers – Designed to fill in deep-set or creviced scars, dermal fillers are injected beneath the⁢ surface of the skin to raise the scar and ​make ​it appear smoother. Common⁢ fillers used include hyaluronic acid ​and collagen.



• Laser Resurfacing – Involves using laser technology to break down‌ the old scarred tissue, ​which allows new skin cells to regenerate. Laser resurfacing is a more general form of scar revision and can be used on most types of scars.

Benefits of Scar Revision Surgery

Scar revision surgery can provide a number of tangible benefits that may not​ be available or achievable through other treatment methods.

• Aesthetically Pleasing – By surgically‌ removing or ⁢altering scar tissue,⁤ doctors can create a much more aesthetically​ pleasing skin surface area.



• Improved Self-esteem – The visible effects of scar revision surgery can lead⁣ to​ improved psychological and emotional well-being, allowing individuals​ to feel‌ more self-confident and secure in their own skin.



• Minimized Discomfort and ‍Pain – Scar revision surgery can significantly reduce the amount of discomfort people feel when their scarred area rubs ‍against clothing, furniture, or other items.

Expected Results of Scar Revision Surgery

The goal of scar revision surgery is to significantly reduce the appearance, ⁣size, and shape of existing scars while minimizing⁤ any visible scarring. The extent of the visible effects may depend on the ⁣type of scar and the technique used.



The primary​ benefit of scar revision surgery is improving the aesthetic appeal of an existing scar. However, there are other scar-related benefits that may be achieved as well.



For example, if the scar is on a facial feature, then the scar may ‌appear less visible and more subtle after ⁢surgery. This, in turn, can create a more youthful appearance and provide a⁣ boost in self-confidence.



In addition, scar revision surgery ‍can lead​ to improved skin texture and color, which ‍can make the scar ⁤appear much less noticeable. Along with this, there⁤ may be a reduction ‌in itching and discomfort associated with the scar.

Cost and Recovery of Scar Revision⁤ Surgery

The​ cost of scar revision surgery depends largely on the type of procedure being performed and the amount of scarring present. Factors that can affect the cost include the patient’s‌ overall health, the amount of scarring, and the patient’s desired outcome.



In ⁤general, the recovery process following scar‍ revision surgery can vary greatly from patient to​ patient, depending on the extent of the procedure ​and the patient’s body’s natural healing ability. ⁣It is common ​to experience some redness, swelling, and tenderness around the treated area. Patients​ may also experience‌ some numbness in the area, which typically fades over time.

Takeaways

Scar revision surgery is a cosmetic‍ procedure used to improve the appearance of scarring from surgery, injury, or illness. Through the process‍ of removing or redistributing tissue, doctors can create a more aesthetically pleasing result.



Scar revision surgery can be beneficial for‍ individuals‌ who desire a smoother, flatter,⁤ and more even‍ skin surface. Benefits ‍of scar revision surgery include improved self-esteem, reduced discomfort​ and pain, and⁢ an ⁣aesthetically pleasing outcome.



The results of scar revision surgery depend on the type of scar​ and ‍the technique used, and patients should discuss their expectations with their doctor prior to undergoing the procedure. In addition,​ the cost of scar revision surgery can vary depending​ on the type of procedure being performed.



Recovery time and associated ​side ⁢effects also vary from patient to patient, but the⁣ most ‌common side effects are redness, swelling, and tenderness.​ Further, the majority of side effects should improve within a few weeks⁣ of recovery. ‍



Overall, scar revision surgery is an effective procedure for individuals looking to reduce the appearance of scarring while improving the overall aesthetic value of their skin.

Definition & Overview

Scar revision surgery, as the term implies, is a surgical procedure that reduces the appearance of scars caused by wounds, injury, and previous surgery. The procedure, which can also correct disfigurement and restore skin function, is typically performed to treat severe scarring. Although generally safe, it comes with the common risks associated with surgical procedures in general.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

The procedure can be taken advantage of anyone who wishes to reduce the appearance of their scars. However, it is typically not recommended by medical professionals for minor scars or when the extent of the scarring does not justify the risks associated with the procedure.

Thus, the procedure is more commonly performed on large, deep, keloid, and thickened scars that distort the patient’s features, compromise movement and function of the affected body part, run at an angle to the skin’s normal tension, and those that are located in highly visible areas (such as facial scars).

Scar revision surgery is ideally performed several months or even years after the wound has healed since scars tend to shrink in size and become less noticeable as time goes by. Wounds typically go through three different phases as they heal — the inflammatory phase, the granulation phase, and the remodelling phase. Most doctors recommend waiting for at least 60 to 90 days, or until the skin has completed the remodelling phase before considering scar revision surgery.

How is the Procedure Performed?

A scar revision surgery is an outpatient procedure typically performed under local anaesthesia supported by mild sedation. However, in the case of severe scarring, general anaesthesia can be used.

The procedure can be performed using different methods, such as:

• Dermabrasion – This is a common cosmetic treatment used primarily to soften the skin’s surface. But it is also effective in reducing other skin irregularities including scars. During the procedure, the upper layers of the skin are removed using a special surgical instrument called a burr to promote new skin growth in the area.
• Scar removal – Depending on the nature of the scar, it can simply be removed and the wound carefully sealed.
• Skin grafting – This is a more complex scar revision procedure as it involves taking a thin layer of skin from another part of the patient’s body to cover up the scar. This technique may use an entire block of skin, including the skin, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles to replace the injured part. This method is typically recommended for deep scars with major skin damage as well as scars that simply do not heal.
• Scar tissue removal – Typically used for treating scars caused by very large injuries, hypertrophic scars, and scars that cause strictures, the removal of excess unwanted scar tissue can restore the function of the injured body part. The procedure can be performed by making a series of small incisions on the sides of the scar, with the goal of creating a V-shaped skin flap to completely re-orient the scar, making it blend into the skin’s natural folds better.

Following the procedure, the doctor applies a light dressing over the treated area to protect the skin as it heals. If stitches were used, the patient has to come back to have them removed after 3 to 4 days if they are on the face and after 5 to 7 days for non-facial scars.

If the scar has formed a keloid, the doctor will place an elastic dressing over the area. Applying pressure after the procedure can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Most patients who undergo scar revision surgery can return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure, as long as they avoid activities that may widen the new scar. They are also advised to apply sunscreen over the treated area on a daily basis to protect the colour of the newly healed skin.

Possible Risks and Complications

As with other surgical procedures, scar revision surgery puts the patient at a mild to moderate risk of infection, bleeding, and blood clots. Also, patients run the risk of developing allergic reactions to the anaesthetics used.

Other risks of the procedure include scar recurrence, recurrent keloid formation, and dehiscence. There is also a risk that the treated area will not match the colour of the rest of the skin, which is more likely to occur if the scar was exposed to too much sun prior to the scar revision surgery. This causes the scar to darken, which can make scar revision more challenging.

References:

• Adnan Prsic. “Scar Revision.” Medscape. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2250161-overview#a4

• Shilpa G., Dahiya N., Gupta S. “Surgical scar revision: An overview.” J Cutan Aesthet. Surg. 2013 Jan-Mar; 7(1): 3-13.

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3996787/ Sharma M., Wakure A. “Scar Revision.” Indian J Plast Surg. 2013 May-Aug; 46(2): 408-418. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901922/

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