Scars are an inevitable result of previous wounds, injuries, and surgeries. Many of these scars heal very well and do not require any intervention. However, some scars heal poorly and result in unsightly widened, raised, or discolored scars. If you have prominent or undesirable scarring, then scar revision surgery may be a good option to help camouflage it.
Reduce the prominence of unwanted scars
The word “scar” refers to marks that result after a cut, incision, or wound heals. An injury or incision triggers your body to begin its natural healing process, creating fibrous tissue to repair the area. Most scars heal well and become less noticeable over time. However, some scars do not heal well and may be prominent and unsightly. If this is the case, scar revision may be a good option. Scar revision may involve excising the poorly healed area, repositioning surrounding tissues, resurfacing the area, or a combination of these techniques. Scars will never be invisible, but a scar revision will help to make them much less noticeable.
What is scar revision surgery?
Scar revision surgery is a procedure intended to better conceal a scar that did not heal well. This procedure may entail excising the scar, blending the scar into the surrounding tissue, or using various techniques to reposition or reorient the scar. Sometimes, scar revision may require 2 to 3 minor procedures in order to achieve the best possible result. .The specific surgical techniques used will depend on the location, size, and type of scar.
Your scar revision consultation with Dr. Hicks
Dr. Kate Hicks develops a personalized scar revision surgery plan after a thorough consultation. During your consultation, she will examine the scar, ask about the source of the scar, discuss your goals and concerns, and review your medical history.
After a thorough evaluation, she will inform you of all possible treatment options, recommend the ideal surgical technique for scar revision, and help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
How is scar revision surgery performed?
Dr. Kate Hicks usually performs scar revision surgery under local anesthesia with or without some relaxing medication. Typically, sedation and general anesthesia are not required. There are a variety of different techniques that may be used to improve the appearance of your scar. In most cases, the scar must be removed. After it is removed, the surrounding tissues are carefully modified and reoriented to achieve the best possible camouflage. Sometimes, dermabrasion may be done by itself or as a second stage – this helps to blend the color of the scar as well as possible with the surrounding area. At the conclusion of the procedure, a light dressing is placed. The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hicks
Dr. Kate Hicks is a board-certified, double fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon committed to ensuring that her patients look and feel their best. She understands that prominent scars can damage one’s self-esteem, so she constructs personalized treatment plans to help hide scars as much as possible. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Hicks to explore your scar revision options in Greenville, South Carolina.
