Scars are testaments to the body’s wonderful ability to heal itself after an injury. Nevertheless, for some people, these very same scars can be constant and unnecessary reminders of a traumatic accident or surgery.

For some, scars are unsightly blemishes that may erode their self-confidence. They can also be painful, itchy, tight, and incredibly uncomfortable. If you’re troubled by scars, a scar revision surgery can help.

The Different Types of Scars

The technique used to revise your scar depends on the nature and characteristics of the scar involved. Scars fall into four different categories, and they are:

Acne scars and other minor scars – These are small pigmentations and irregularities in the skin that form from acne, small surgeries, or minor injuries.

Hypertrophic scars – These scars are raised and discolored occurring directly over an injury site. They may be uncomfortable.

Keloid scars – Any scar that spreads over a larger area than the wound and gets itchy or painful can be a keloid scar.

Contracture scars – These scars from when there is a burn injury resulting in large tissue loss. During the healing process, the scar will contract and impair mobility, especially if present over a joint.

Treatment Options

There are different treatment options available for a scar revision, and they are:

• Topical treatment – Creams, ointments, gels, sheets or tapes may be recommended by the medical practitioner to treat pigmentation and surface scars. They help the skin heal properly and aid the generation of the right amount of pigments and collagen. External compression may be applied using compression bandages to reduce irregular blood flow and to relieve itching and pain in the scar site.

• Injections and fillers – For pitting and depressed scars like the ones caused by acne, dermal fillers can be injected to fill out the area and give an even appearance. Some raised keloid and hypertrophic scars are caused by excess collagen deposition. In such cases, injections of certain steroid based compounds can help limit the collagen production. As a result, the size, roughness and prominence of the scars are reduced.

• Surface treatments – These are a range of methods aimed at the systematic removal of a few layers of the scar tissue and changing its texture. Dermabrasion, laser or light therapy, applying chemical peels and skin bleaching are all surface treatments that can be employed for scar revision.

• Surgery – For deeper and more severe scars such as contracture scars, surgical intervention may be required. Skin grafting is a method where healthy skin from another part of the body is transplanted onto the scarred area. Another alternative to grafting is the use of tissue expanders near the injury site to gradually produce enough tissue to replace the scarred skin.

Based on a number of factors such as the severity and type of scar, skin type, and the patients’ needs, an experienced medical practitioner selects the right combination of treatments for a successful scar revision treatment.

Contact Our Office

If you’re tired of hiding unsightly scars, a revision treatment can be exactly what you need. To learn more about the surgery, contact our office to schedule an appointment with skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Park.