Scar revision is a surgery to improve or reduce the appearance of scars. It also corrects skin changes and restores skin function. Mostly, these problems are caused by wounds, injury, and previous surgery. Depending on the extent of the surgery, scar revision can be done when you are awake, sleeping, or deep asleep and pain-free.
The time to have a scar revision varies from person to person, as each scar is different in color, size, severity, and formation time. So, you may have the surgery until the scar lightens in color. For some scars, it’s best to wait 60 to 90 days after the scar matures.
A good candidate for scar revision includes:
Scar revision cost varies widely depending on several factors, such as size and depth of the scar, the technique required and geographic locations.
As is reflected in some real cases, the average cost is $1,475. But it can range from $500 to $5,000 in some special cases. And the total cost encompasses the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, and anesthesia fee.
Although scar revision surgery is generally safe, you may undergo risks like any other reconstructive procedure. Therefore, be sure that you can accept potential risks and complications before making the decision. These risks include:
If you are considering a scar revision surgery, you will first need to have a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will give you some special instructions, which include:
Prior to scar revision surgery, you may be asked to:
A scar revision surgery consists of the following steps:
First, your surgeon will administer medications including sedation and general anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Then, your plastic surgeon may apply a single technique to revise your scar or recommend a combination of scar revision techniques to achieve the best results. Here are some possible treatments:
Sometimes, your surgeon may find it necessary to have an additional surgery to remove an old scar in the treated area of your skin.
Lastly, to close the incisions, several techniques may be considered:
It is often used if excision extends to highly sensitive area below the skin surface.
These two are advanced techniques often used in a scar revision surgery.
They may be used, if there aren’t enough healthy tissue for closing a scar excision.
It can replace skin grafts. Typically, it involves multiple stages or procedures to achieve the ultimate goal of scar revision.
The initial healing phase will last for one to two weeks. During this period, unfavorable symptoms such as swelling, discoloration or discomfort will continue. The complete recovery time needs several weeks. And your new scar will heal and fade gradually.
However, you should be aware that skin tissue takes time to recover. You may not see apparent results until a year after your surgery, but the results are commonly long-lasting.
Keywords: scar revision.
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