ABOUT

Scar revision surgery aims to minimize the already formed scar in order to make its appearance more even with the surrounding skin’s texture and tone.

Scars are formed as a part during the process of wound healing. Scars are aftereffects of damage or surgery and are unavoidable. Sometimes the scar can become exaggerated and result in a Keloid. Situations of poor wound healing may result in a more unattractive and deforming scars.

Scars vary in shape, size and their shade of color. They can be raised or depressed.

Based on the type and size of the scar the following treatment methods are used

  • Topical medications, e.g., bioCorneum+
  • Minimally invasive procedures
  • Surgical repair with highly skilled and strategic wound closure

Even though a procedure for scar correction can give a satisfactory result, please bear in mind that the scar can’t be completely deleted.

TYPES OF SCARS

Local Discoloration, Irregularities in the surface of skin and other relatively inconspicuous scars: These include Scars resulting from Prior surgical incisions, scars due to minor injuries and Acne scars. In most cases these scars don’t cause any discomfort or functional impairment.

Hypertrophic Scars

Are uncomfortable scars occurring in clusters with a raised appearance, they can be either hyper pigmented or hypo pigmented with a red color. These often increase in size over time.

Keloids

Are uncomfortable scars occurring with itchiness and pain. Their margins extend beyond the edges of the original incision or wound.

Contractures

Conditions like burns lead to a large amount of tissue loss and as that area heals with scar formation, it pulls the surrounding tissue thus restricting its movement. If such a scar with contractures forms across a joint, it restricts the movement there.

SCAR REVISION RECOVERY

Anaethesia: General or Local, depending on the site of surgery and the patient’s compliance.
Technique: The surgeon would choose Layered closure or a complex flap closure depending on the complexity of the scar.
In cases of severe burns, ample amount healthy tissue won’t be available for closing the skin incision, and in such situations pharmaceutical tissue substitutes are used.

Sometimes as a substitute for Skin grafts the technique of Tissue expansion is applied. Multiple stages are employed in this procedure to achieve the results in the end.

A combination approach may be employed by the surgeon may to achieve the best results.

The following are some of the other commonly employed methods

  • Skin bleaching agents
  • Topical treatments which can help in wound closure and healing. These include tapes, external compression garments or gels.
  • Injectable Treatments
    • Fillers are used for the scars which are concave in shape or are depressed.
    • Steroidal based compounds can reduce collagen formation. These are helpful in altering the appearance, texture and size of the raised scar tissue.
  • Surface Treatments
    • Dermabrasion
    • Laser
    • Light therapy
    • Chemical peels.

HEALING

Some amount of swelling, redness and discoloration should be noticeable at the operated site. This is a normal and expected reaction and would gradually subside in 1 to 2 weeks.
Further healing would continue over the next couple of weeks.

THE RESULTS

For the results to become apparent, it takes nearly several months to a year but the results are usually long lasting.

AFTERCARE AND RECOVERY

  • In order to keep the operated site clean bandages and dressings will be applied at the site.
  • Specific instructions will be given by the surgeon regarding the diet, use of medications, measures for preventing infections and the follow-up visits.

CARE AT HOME

  • As the per the surgeon’s instructions, clean the site of operation.
  • Avoid sun exposure.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any:
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest pains
    • Unusual heart beats

COMPLICATIONS AND ASSOCIATED RISKS

Significant complications from Scar revision, fortunately, are infrequent. The risks specific to your health will be discussed during the consultation. Every year thousands of people undergo this procedure and are glad with the results.

Every surgery has some risks associated with it. Some potential ones include

  • Allergies
  • Adverse response to the specific med
  • Damage to the underlying structures during the procedure
  • Hematoma or seroma (an aggregation of blood or liquid under the skin that might require removal)
  • Infection and bleeding
  • Changes in sensation
  • Scarring
  • Unsatisfactory results that might necessitate additional procedures

Other risks specific to Scar revision surgery include

  • Revision surgery may be required in some cases.
  • Further Staged procedures are required for some cases.

Certain risks can be minimized by following the instructions given by the doctor both before and after the surgery.

You should make final decision to go ahead with the procedure only after carefully weighing the benefits and the potential risks and possible complications associated with it.

You will be asked to sign consent forms which say that you have fully understand the procedure, the risks and potential complications associated with it and the alternatives for the procedure.

Following the doctor’s instructions to the point will aid in an efficient recovery and optimal results.

Take special care to avoid subjecting the surgical site to any excessive force, aggressive motion or abrasion.

The outcome of your surgery is influenced by your sincere cooperation.