Scar Revision
Scars are the body’s reaction to healing skin. Unfortunately, when injuries occur, the size, shape, and location of wounds are unpredictable. Wounds heal by laying down scar tissue. Scars affect appearance, can limit movement of a joint, may retard growth of a child, and may be painful, bleed or ulcerate. Scars that cause functional impairment are almost always revised. Physicians are unable to consistently predict how a patient will heal for a given injury.
The skin of persons of ethnic descent, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Mediterranean, has a higher likelihood of healing with hyperpigmentation. Caucasian skin tends to heal with hypopigmentation. Keloids are seen in all races, but are more common in darker-skinned individuals. Keloid scars are abnormal scars that grow beyond the boundaries of the injury. For example, a simple ear piercing may lead to a marble size keloid. Keloid scars are difficult to treat and are many times misdiagnosed by physicians and patients.
Is Scar Revision Right for Me?
When a surgeon performs a cosmetic procedure, scars are placed in locations that are cosmetically acceptable. Most physicians would not recommend scar revision for a minimum of six months to one year after the initial injury or surgery. In addition to the expertise of the surgeon in limiting scarring, other factors such as size, location, shape, age of the patient, and healing ability play a role in the final result.
Even with scar revision, which can be performed by several techniques, the resulting scar may be better, worse, or the same. Therefore, it is important to revise only those scars that are cosmetically unacceptable and have a high probability of improvement. With appropriate wound care, a scar revision will continue to heal and look its best one to two years post-injury.
Non-Surgical Options for Scar Revision
Non-surgical treatments of scars include laser treatment, sun avoidance, vitamin E, steroid applications, steroid injections, or the use of silastic gel sheeting. During your consultation, Dr. Farella can let you know if non-surgical options can provide you with the results you are looking for.
Scar Revision Cost
The cost of your scar revision in Westchester will be determined during your consultation with Dr. Farella. There are a variety of factors that need to be considered and our team can take the time to answer any questions you may have.
What to Expect
It is the public’s misperception that plastic surgeons operate without producing scars. Plastic surgeons are specialized surgeons who are trained in wound closure techniques to minimize scarring. Where appropriate, plastic surgeons place scars in locations or directions that are likely to result in the best possible scar.
Contact Us Today
Dr. John F. Farella is a board-certified plastic surgeon who strives to provide our patients with the personalized surgical care they deserve. If you are looking for a skilled and experienced surgeon to perform your scar revision in Westchester, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Farella.
