SCAR REVISION

What is a scar?

To improve the condition and appearance of the scar , scar revision plastic surgery is done.

There are different types of scars

Discolouration: Certain scars which are subtle, or some of them which surface irregularities, these scars can be treated, by cosmetically improved surgery or other treatments, recommended by the plastic surgeon. These type of scars, do not impair the function or cause physical discomfort, which also includes acne scars as well as scars which result from minor injury and prior surgical incisions.

Hyper-tropic: These scars are thick clusters of tissue which develops directly at the wound site. These scars,are often raised, and turn red, which become uncomfortable and may become wider over time, these scars can become either hypo pigmented, or hyper-pigmented in colour

Keloids: These scars, are larger than hyper-tropic scar, and can be very painful or itch, and could also pucker, these scars extend beyond the edges of an original wound or incision. These keloids can occur anywhere on the body, but mostly the face,neck,ears,chest or shoulders, which carries the fatty underlying tissue.

Contractures: These scars restrict movement, due to the skin, and also the underlying tissue which pulls together during healing, these scars can occur when there is a large amount of tissue loss, like a burn, these contratures can form where the wound crosses a join, restricting movement of the certain areas on the body, such as the fingers,elbows knees or neck.

Depending on the type of scar you have , determines the appropriate techniques that the plastic surgeon will use to improve the scar.

What to expect during your consultation

  • The expectations of the surgery
  • Your Medical conditions, any allergies and medical treatments
  • The doctor would check on any kind of previous medications,like vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
  • Previous surgeries

Your surgeon would evaluate :

  • Your pre-existing health conditions, and risk factors, and in general your health status
  • To examine you scar
  • After the procedure to take photographs for your medical records
  • Evaluate and discuss options, and recommend a course of treatment
  • Risks and potential complications

Scar revision surgery risks and safety information

The plastic surgeon will discuss the risks and potential complications of the procedure to you, and you can personally decide, whether you want to go ahead with the procedure, and also considering the benefits of scar revision surgery.

Some of the risks include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Delayed healing
  • Anaesthesia risks
  • Change in skin and sensation
  • Damage , which is done by the procedure, which includes, the nerves,blood vessels,muscles, and lungs , which can occur and may be temporary or permanent.
  • Allergic to products like: topical preparations, injected agents suture materials etc.
  • Skin contour irregularities
  • Skin discolouration & swelling
  • Skin sensitivity
  • DVT(deep vein thrombosis, cardiac pulmonary complications
  • Revisional surgery or staged procedures

During scar revision surgery what happens?

Step 1 –Anaesthesia

Medication is given before the procedure, so that you are comfortable,which is done by local anaesthesia, intravenous sedation, and general anaesthesia. The doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The treatment

The results, depend on the severity of the scarring and the type , size and the location of the scar. In some cases, a single technique of scar revision shows results, however the plastic surgeon would recommend a combination of scar revision techniques to achieve the best results.

There are certain topical treatments, like gels, tapes, or external compression, would help in would closure and healing, and also reduce the ability of the skin, to produce irregular pigment, these products are used to treat surface scars, and discolouration, and aid in healing of scar revision procedures.

An other type of treatment, know as injectable treatment, is often used to fill in depressed or concave scars,this depends on the injectable substance used and the condition of the scar, the results would last for about 3 months, to several years. The scar revision therapy must be repeated to see better results. One form of injection therapy used are steroidal-based compounds to reduce collagen information which can help alter the appearance, size, and texture of raised scar tissue.

Scar revision recovery

Progress and healing

You would experience, some swelling,discolouration or discomfort and this would take about 1-2 weeks. The healing will continue for several weeks , and the scar will slowly heal and fade. With dermabrasion, that is the chemical peel or laser resurfacing, you would experience the same conditions, and treated area , and you would experience some sensitivity.

The results will be long-lasting

The results of scar-revision , will be long- lasting, however it would take up to several months for your final results to become apparent, and in some cases it may take up to a year for a new scar to fully heal and fade.