Patients considering a scar revision procedure should know that no scar can be completely removed, but there are procedures that can make scars less visible, less unsightly, and essentially less notable than they were originally. Many types of scars will naturally fade and come to match the hue of the surrounding skin over the course of several years. Therefore, it is always advisable that you give a fresh scar time to naturally heal before considering a surgical procedure.
If your scarring is large, fibrous, and itchy, it may be a keloid scar. Keloid scars can often be treated with a series of injections to reduce the swelling and itching, and possibly even to shrink the scar itself. If injections to the scar tissue fail to sufficiently reduce the scarring, keloid scars can be surgically removed; naturally any incisions will also form scars, but these should be smaller and neater than the keloid scar they are replacing. However, keloid scars can return and you may require additional treatments.
Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloid scars but are smaller and will more closely resemble the shape of the original injury that caused the scar to form. The treatment of a hypertrophic scar is very similar to the treatment of a keloid scar.
If a scar has resulted from losing a portion of flesh – for example, scarring caused by large wounds or severe burns – it may pull the surrounding tissues more tightly together in a contracture scar. Contracture scars can restrict movement or cause discomfort in some patients, depending on where they are located, their size, and what tissues are affected. A contracture scar is usually treated by replacing the scarred skin with a larger section of grafted skin, relieving the constriction and pressure on the area.
Scar revision may also be treated with laser or microdermabrasion therapies. Remember, scars cannot be completely removed, only changed. For some patients who do not want to undergo surgery or who have highly visible scars, for example on the face, these techniques to minimize the appearance of a scar without simply creating a new scar may be the preferred course of treatment.
Except in rare cases, scar revision is a quick, locally anesthetized procedure and patients are able to get back to school or work very quickly. For a personal consultation about your scars, the best course of treatment and the chances for success, please contact our offices to schedule a personal meeting with Dr. Ziesmann.
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