The degree of improvement that can be achieved with scar revision will depend on the severity of your scarring, and the type, size and location of the scar. In some cases, a single technique may provide significant improvement and your desired outcome. However, your plastic surgeon may recommend a combination of non-surgical and surgical scar revision techniques to achieve the best results.
Scar Revision Treatment Options
Surface treatments can be used for cosmetic improvement of scars. These methods can soften surface irregularities and reduce uneven pigmentation. These treatment options include:
- Dermabrasion (mechanical polishing of the skin)
- Laser or light therapy causes changes to the surface of the skin that allow new, healthy skin to form at the scar site
- Chemical peel solutions penetrate the skin's surface to soften irregularities in texture and color
- Skin bleaching agents are medications applied topically to lighten the skin
- Topical gels, tapes or external compression which can aid wound closing and healing
- Injectable treatments which can fill depressed or concave scars. Injectables may last from 3 months to several years
Various surgical procedures to improve scar appearance include:
- Scar Reduction
- Scar Revision
- Skin Grafting
- Flap Advancement or Rotation
- Z-plasty
- W-plasty
- Tissue Expansion
A tissue expander is placed under the skin near the scar site. Gradually, the balloon is filled with sterile solution to expand the area of healthy skin. When the skin has been stretched sufficiently, the expander and the scar are removed and the stretched skin is moved to replace the scar tissue. This process can involve multiple surgical stages or procedures in order to achieve the desired outcome.
Sometimes for deeper scars an incision is needed to surgically remove the old scar. Your surgeon may also try to change not only the size of the scar but the direction of the scar in order to better conceal the scar in natural lines and folds. Sometimes depressed scars will need to be released from deeper scar tissue to correct puckering or dimpling.
Scar revisions may be performed as an office procedure, out patient procedure or in-patient depending on the severity and type of scar. Surgical scar revisions are performed under local, intravenous sedation, regional or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.