Scar revision on the face or other areas of the body is a highly personal procedure. The process depends greatly on the type of scarring present. A number of different procedure types may help minimize the appearance of the scar.
Scars may come in a variety of forms. These may each be best removed through specific procedures. Elevated scarring benefits from the smoothing of the skin through microdermabrasion or dermabrasion. Scars with deep surface impressions may require the use of dermal fillers. More serious scarring often calls for the use of skin flaps or grafts.
When to Consider Scar Revision
Good candidates for scar revision are healthy, with a good understanding of potential outcomes. Scar revision may include the following procedures:
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Injectable fillers
- Steroids
- Surgical addition of skin flaps or grafts
If you smoke, you may wish to quit prior to the surgery to improve healing. It may be beneficial to allow scars to age for a year prior to surgical revision. This allows for the body’s natural healing to take full effect.
FAQ
What are the steps of scar revision?
The scar revision procedure is unique for each scar. This depends on the type of scar and your specific situation. Rough or elevated scars may be treated with steroids initially to diminish their appearance. This is followed with surface treatments like microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing or chemical peels.
Recessed scars may be treated with injectable fillers and surgically closed. Larger or more persistent scar tissue may require surgical removal.
After the removal, the scar area is covered with a healthy skin graft. This grafting procedure may take different techniques for specific situations. These different procedures may be performed under local or general anesthetic depending on severity.
How long is recovery following the procedure?
Recovery varies based on the procedures involved in the scar revision. It typically includes bandages over the treatment area. The treatment area may need to be kept elevated for ideal wound healing.
Swelling and bruising may occur in the first few days. Often a compression garment may be worn to reduce these effects. Drains may be left in place to remove fluid buildup at incision areas.
Sutures are often removed within a week, and normal activities performed after that time. Full recovery may take 4-8 weeks. Specific details about your recovery time will be discussed during the initial consultation.
Is there scarring from scar revision?
Often surface treatments will simply reduce the visibility of the scar, though not completely remove it. Surgical treatment of scars may replace the initial scar with lighter, well-hidden incision lines. These will continue to fade for up to a year.
How will I feel after the procedure?
Depending on the severity of the procedure, there may be some discomfort for the first few days. This discomfort may be managed with prescription medication for complete patient comfort.
Are there any possible complications of scar revision?
Some complications of scar revision include increased scarring or atypical changes in the appearance of the treatment area. As with other surgical procedures of this nature, there is a possibility of bleeding, poor wound healing and infection. During your consultation, you will discuss the full range of potential complications with Dr. Mosiello.
Learn More About Scar Revision in Tampa
For more information about scar revision, or to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Mosiello, call us at 813-631-1500. Our Tampa Palms office in new Tampa, near Wesley Chapel. Dr. Gerard Mosiello is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Tampa Palms, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and the entire Tampa Bay area. He has expertise in a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including breast augmentation and enhancement, breast lift surgery, breast reconstruction, facial rejuvenation, and body contouring.
