Scar revision surgery minimises the appearance of a scar for an improved appearance.
If you have been through an accident, surgery or injury that has left a scar, you might be concerned about its appearance. Scars form as part of the natural healing process — as a wound heals, new tissue grows over it to provide protection and to replace the skin that has been damaged. This new, fibrous tissue leads to the formation of a scar. The good news is that if you are unhappy with the presence of a scar on your body, it is possible to minimise its appearance by means of scar revision surgery. The procedure can help to improve both the overall condition and the aesthetic of the affected skin, and can even restore function in cases where a scar may have affected one’s range of motion. Here’s what you should know about the surgery…
1. Surgery can treat a range of scar types
Scar revision surgery can be performed to improve or minimise many types of scars. These include scars left by a previous surgery, as well as raised and thick hypertrophic scars. Keloid scars, which comprise fibrous scar tissue can also be addressed with surgery, as can contractures, which often form after a burn or other serious wound has healed.
2. Surgery can be performed in various areas of the body
It is possible to develop scars in almost any area of the body, and if you are considering surgery, your surgeon will let you know what type of procedure is best, depending on the location of your scar. In the case of the face, there are many non-surgical options, including topical treatments, dermabrasion, intense pulsed light and carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. If these methods prove unsuccessful, it is possible for a facial scar to be surgically excised.
Scar revision surgery can also be performed on the neck, limbs and trunk. In the case of areas such as the hands, arms or legs, scar revision surgery is often an effective treatment when it comes to restoring function, improving range of motion or easing tension that scar tissue may be causing.
3. Recovery can take some time
Recovery following scar revision surgery will depend on the type and extent of the procedure that your surgeon chooses to perform. Your surgeon will let you know how to take good care of your surgical wounds, and what you can do to aid a smooth healing process.
It is completely normal to experience some bruising and/or swelling around the site of surgery for a couple of weeks after your procedure. As your new scar begins to heal, it will gradually refine and fade. It is important that you avoid exposure to the sun during this time, and that you adhere to any other instructions that your surgeon gives you. Try to avoid applying excessive force or pressure to your surgical incisions while you heal, and limit motion at the site of treatment as much as you can.
How can we help?
Dr Sally Ng is an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon who offers a comprehensive range of services, including scar revision surgery. If you would like to improve the condition or appearance of a scar anywhere on your body so that it is more consistent with your surrounding skin tone and texture, we encourage you to come in for a consultation. Dr Sally Ng will take the time to learn about your concerns and aesthetic goals before recommending a treatment plan that will work for your particular needs.
If you would like to find out more about scar revision surgery and what it involves, please have a look here.
Dr Sally Ng also offers a comprehensive range of other procedures — to learn about her full scope of treatments, please have a look here. If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Sally Ng, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9587 2048.