Scars form when the body sends a flood of collagen to rebuild wounded tissue, for instance, when skin is cut or damaged. They can come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors and will likely lead to an aesthetic problem. While no scar can be removed entirely, the good news is that there are ways to minimize appearance and reduce discomfort. Let’s look at what you can expect from scar revision surgery.
What to Expect from Your Scar Revision
Each and every scar is unique. Scar revision surgery is customizable, so you and your plastic surgeon can develop a surgical plan based on your needs. Scar revision surgery depends on several factors:
- depth of the original wound
- location
- scar’s age
- condition and thickness of the skin
- color of skin
- type of scar
- blood flow to the area
- the direction of the scar
Pre-Surgery Precautions
In some cases, scar revision only calls for local anesthetic, so not much preparation is required. But, severe scars will require a more extensive procedure with general anesthesia. It means you’ll need to take certain pre-surgery precautions to ensure a safe and effective surgery and reduce the risk of complications. You may be asked to:
- Stop smoking
- Adjust your medications per doctor’s orders
- Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs
- Do not eat or drink several hours before the procedure
What to Expect During Scar Revision
Almost all treatments for revision surgery are noninvasive, such as surface treatments, laser treatments, and fillers. Before surgically repairing a minor scar, your surgeon will numb the area with a local anesthetic before removing the excess scar tissue. The doctor will then close the wound with a tiny suture to reposition the incision and decrease the visibility of the scar. In the case of more severe scars, you and your cosmetic surgeon will discuss other more invasive options.
Post-Procedure Care
Most scar revision procedures require little to no downtime. Some patients report minimal swelling, discomfort, and discoloration for up to three weeks post-scar revision surgery. It may take several months to see the results of scar revision surgery.
Schedule Your Scar Revision Procedure Today
Do you have a scar that has been bothering you? We at Elite Plastic Surgery can meet with you at our Grand Rapids, MI, location to discuss your needs and expectations and decide if scar revision suits you. Schedule a consultation today with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons by calling 616-459-4131 or contacting us online.
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