Scar Revision
Conveniently located to serve Westchester, NY
Some scars can be evident, or worse, restrict your body’s movement. If you’re seeking expert scar revision and scar treatment near Mount Kisco or White Plains, you need a personalized plan.
John F. Farella, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers various options in Westchester County for patients seeking improved cosmetic scar results.
What Is Scar Revision?
Scar revision is a specialized reconstructive procedure designed to improve the appearance or function of a scar. While scars are a natural, permanent result of the body’s healing process after an injury, surgery, or wound, they can sometimes be highly noticeable, cause physical discomfort, or restrict movement.
Scar revision doesn’t aim for scar removal, as a true scar can never be erased; rather, the goal is to make the scar less conspicuous, blend better with the surrounding skin tone and texture, or restore mobility and relieve pain.
A consultation with a scar revision surgeon, such as Dr. Farella, is the first step in assessing the scar’s characteristics and determining the most effective scar treatment plan, which can range from non-surgical techniques to surgical procedures.
Understanding scar formation and skin type factors
Scars are the body’s reaction to healing skin. When injuries occur, the size, shape, and location of the wounds are unfortunately unpredictable.
Wounds heal by laying down scar tissue. Scars can affect appearance, limit joint movement, and may be painful, bleed, or ulcerate. Scars that cause functional impairment are almost always revised. Physicians cannot consistently predict how a patient will heal from a given injury.
The skin of persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including those with Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Mediterranean descent, has a higher likelihood of healing with hyperpigmentation. In contrast, Caucasian skin tends to heal with hypopigmentation.
Keloid scars are observed in all races, but are more prevalent in individuals with darker skin. Keloids are abnormal scars that grow beyond the boundaries of the injury. For example, a simple ear piercing may lead to a marble-sized keloid. Keloid scars are difficult to treat and are often misdiagnosed by physicians and patients.
The role of a plastic surgeon in minimizing scars
It is the public’s misperception that plastic surgeons operate without producing scars. Plastic surgeons are specialized surgeons trained in wound closure techniques to minimize scarring and promote optimal healing. Where appropriate, plastic surgeons place scars in locations or directions that are likely to result in the best possible outcome.
Who Might Consider Scar Revision?
You might be a candidate for scar revision if a scar is cosmetically unacceptable to you or if the resulting healed tissue restricts your movement or causes discomfort, such as pain, bleeding, or ulceration. Dr. Farella will personally assess your situation to determine the most effective course of action.
When a surgeon performs a cosmetic procedure, scars are placed in cosmetically acceptable locations. However, for a revision, it is important to target only those cosmetically unacceptable scars with a high probability of improvement. Other factors, such as the scar’s size, location, shape, the patient’s age, and individual healing ability, also play a role in the outcome.
The right time for scar revision
Most physicians would not recommend scar revision for at least six months to one year after the initial injury or surgery. This waiting period allows the scar to fully mature and settle before treatment is considered, unless the scar is functionally limiting.
Keep in mind that while scar revision can be performed using several techniques, the resulting scar may be better, worse, or remain the same immediately afterward. The scar will continue to evolve and look its best over one to two years post-injury, necessitating diligent, appropriate wound care throughout.
What to Expect from Your Scar Revision Procedure
Dr. Farella offers various options, from non-surgical therapies to surgical scar revision, suited to your unique scar type and location in Westchester, NY.
Non-surgical options for scar revision
Depending on the scar, non-surgical approaches can often help soften the appearance or alleviate symptoms, making them a key part of scar treatment. These methods include laser treatment, sun avoidance, vitamin E, steroid applications or steroid injections for scars, the use of silicone gel sheeting (silastic gel sheeting), and other professional-grade topical therapies.
During your consultation, Dr. Farella can inform you whether non-surgical options can provide the results you are looking for. He will advise you if these options can provide the cosmetic scar improvement you are seeking. You may also consider exploring related non-surgical options on our skin treatments page.
Surgical scar revision
For scars that are raised, depressed, wide, or functionally impairing, surgical scar revision may be recommended. These procedures are performed using various techniques suited to the individual scar, aiming to create a less conspicuous and potentially more functional result.
What results can I expect?
The primary goal of scar revision is not total removal, but rather significant improvement, as scars are generally considered permanent. Following a revision, the new scar will continue to evolve, or mature, for up to one to two years. The final outcome can be better, worse, or the same as the original scar, and individual results can vary.
Benefits of Scar Revision
The primary benefit of scar revision is to improve the scar’s appearance and reduce its prominence on the skin. Additionally, treatment can improve function by releasing scar contractures that restrict movement and relieve related discomfort. Improving the quality of a healed wound, whether through non-surgical or surgical scar treatment, is the central goal.
Scar Revision Cost
The cost for your scar revision is determined during your consultation with Dr. Farella. It is primarily based on the specific approach required, whether surgical or non-surgical, and the complexity and extent of the scar treatment needed.
Our team will take the time to answer any questions you may have about the various factors considered in the pricing.
Why Choose Dr. John F. Farella for Your Scar Revision
Choosing the right scar revision surgeon is a vital step. John F. Farella, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He maintains privileges at Northern Westchester Hospital, ensures that every patient receives compassionate, personalized surgical care. Patients seeking trusted treatment in Westchester, whether in Mount Kisco or White Plains, NY, trust Dr. Farella’s thoughtful approach to improving cosmetic scars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us Today
Ready to address your scar concerns? Schedule a consultation with John F. Farella, M.D., F.A.C.S., today to learn how he can develop a plan to improve the appearance and function of your scar with a personalized approach. Call our Mount Kisco office at (914) 241-7111 and our White Plains office at (914) 997-9090 or fill out the online form to book a consultation.
