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Scar Revision
Many variables can effect the severity of scarring, including the size and depth of the wound, the blood supply to the area, the thickness and colour of your skin, and the direction of the scar. How much the appearance of a scar bothers you is, of course, a personal matter. 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 web site 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. Many scars that appear large and unattractive at first may become less noticeable with time. Some "hypertrophic" or raised and lumpy scars can be treated with steroid injections to relieve symptoms such as tenderness and itching. Your surgeon may recommend waiting as long as 18 months after an injury or surgery before you decide to have scar revision. Scar maturation takes 18 months to complete so you may experience spontaneous improvement in scar quality for that length of time. However, if it is clear that the process of scar maturation will not correct suboptimal aspects of the scar's appearance, then scar revision may reasonably be performed far earlier. 90% of the scar maturation process is complete within 6 months. If you're bothered by a scar, your first step should be to consult a qualified plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will be happy to examine you and discuss the possible methods of treating your scar, the risks and benefits involved, and the possible outcomes. Be frank in discussing your expectations with him, and make sure they're realistic. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have. Medicare and health insurance will generally contribute to the costs of scar revision. While scar revision is normally safe, there is always the possibility of complications. These may include infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anaesthesia, or the recurrence of an unsightly scar. Your scar could conceivably be worse or no better, but will generally be much improved. You can reduce the risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon such as your surgeon and closely following his advice, both before surgery and in follow-up care. |
Scars, whether they're caused by accidents or by surgery, are unpredictable. The way a scar develops depends as much on how your body heals as it does on the original injury or on the surgeon's skills.
