If you're considering scar revision...
Many variables can affect the severity of scarring, including the size and depth of the wound, the
blood supply to the area, the thickness and color of your skin, and the direction of the scar.
While no scar can be removed completely, plastic surgeons can often improve the appearance of a scar,
making it less obvious through the injection or application of certain steroid medications or through surgical procedures
known as scar revisions.
If you're considering scar revision, this will give you a basic understanding of the most common types
of scars, the procedures used to treat them, and the results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since
a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure
you don't understand.
MAKING THE DECISION
Many scars that appear large and unattractive at first may become less noticeable with time. Some can
be treated with steroids to relieve symptoms such as tenderness and itching. For these reasons, many plastic surgeons recommend
waiting as long as a year or more after an injury or surgery before you decide to have scar revision.
FACIAL SCARS
Because of its location, a facial scar is frequently considered a cosmetic problem, whether or not
it is hypertrophic. There are several ways to make a facial scar less noticeable. Often it is simply cut out and closed with
tiny stitches, leaving a thinner, less noticeable scar.
ISome facial scars can be softened using a technique called dermabrasion, a controlled scraping of the
top layers of the skin using a hand-held, high-speed rotary wheel. Dermabrasion leaves a smoother surface to the skin, but
it won't completely erase the scar.
Z-PLASTY
Z-plasty is a surgical technique used to reposition a scar so that it more closely conforms to the
natural lines and creases of the skin, where it will be less noticeable. It can also relieve the tension caused by contracture.
Not all scars lend themselves to Z-plasty, however, and it requires an experienced plastic surgeon to make such judgments.
In this procedure, the old scar is removed and new incisions are made on each side, creating small
triangular flaps of skin. These flaps are then rearranged to cover the wound at a different angle, giving the scar a "Z"pattern.
The wound is closed with fine stitches, which are removed a few days later. Z-plasty is usually performed as an outpatient
procedure underlocal anesthesia.
While Z-plasty can make some scars less obvious, it won't make them disappear. A portion of the scar
will still remain outside the lines of relaxation.
Skin
Fusion®
1) No sutures.
2) No sutured irritation.
3) No sutured scarring.
4) No sutured removal.
5) No suture risk of infection.
View Before and After
Photos
