Scar Revision

find out everything you need to know about your scar revision options

Gartner Plastic Surgery Center offers scar revision as a cosmetic solution to help patients address long-term skin problems. Scarring is a natural process that occurs when the body synthesizes collagen fibers to repair and protect injured tissue. Scars can form from various injuries, such as burns, acne breakouts, surgical procedures, and other traumas to the skin.

Although scars naturally fade over time, they can remain visible, raised, depressed, or darkened for many years. Scar revision treatment can improve the appearance of scars by reducing their size, changing their shape, or minimizing their visibility. Scar revision procedures are customized to meet the unique needs of each patient, depending on the location and severity of the scar.

In addition, scar revision surgery can be a satisfying cosmetic solution for those seeking to improve their skin’s appearance and boost their confidence.

Remaining issues like loose, excess skin can be extremely frustrating and uncomfortable. Sometimes, hanging skin can cause discomfort and affect your movement or ability to exercise. Please know that you are not alone. These are common problems and though there is no quick, easy solution do have options and cosmetic surgery in the skilled, experienced hands of a board-certified Plastic Surgeon can accomplish dramatic, transformative changes for your body.

Procedure

at Gartner Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, we specialize in performing scar revisions.

Raised or elevated scar tissue is often the most visually prominent and it is difficult to achieve good results with standard surgical excision. In these situations, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion can be used to remove the uppermost layers of the skin which is believed to stimulate the regeneration of healthy skin and then to produce a less prominent scar. Scars that have developed excess pigment can appear darker than the surrounding skin.

This is a common problem for Asian and darker skin types. They are exposing a scar to UV rays while healing can also cause scar tissue to become pigmented. Laser treatments may help to reduce pigment and reduce the visibility of these scars. The results are usually seen a few weeks post-procedure. Laser skin resurfacing and dermabrasion are not effective for treating scars that are deep or have a depressed surface. The surgeon will have to use a laser light or abrading tool to address these types. Depressed scars, depending on the size and location can also be filled with dermal fillers to help smooth the texture and fill space. The effects could last between 9-12 months.

The scar will still technically remain but its smoother appearance and flat surface will make it difficult to be seen.

YOUR CONSULTATION: During your consultation, Dr. Gartner will allocate time to discuss the various treatment options that are available for your specific situation.

Because it can take up to 18 months for some scars to heal completely, it is generally recommended that patients wait for 1 year or more to undergo revision surgery because results may not be reliable on changing scar tissue.

Dr. Michael Gartner is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience performing various cosmetic procedures including scar revision.

HYPERTROPHIC AND KELOID SCARS

Hypertrophic and keloid scars are some of the most prominent raised scars. In some situations, the two are practically indistinguishable, however, differentiation is important because the hypertrophic scar is generally more responsive to treatment and will shrink over time, while the keloid scar will spread. Keloids are more commonly seen in women as well as individuals with African ancestry.

Genetics has a major role to play in the development of keloids. The primary approach to treating these scars is to reduce their size by directly injecting steroid medications. If it is found that the steroid-based injections are ineffective, then surgical excision may be an alternate option to reduce the scar. It is common for patients to undergo a combination of these two procedures to obtain optimal results.

ACNE

Acne is the most common dermatological condition affecting teens and young adults. It is estimated that more than 80% of this demographic is affected by acne at some point in time. It is caused by the clogging of hair follicles and in most situations, is treatable with topical and oral medications, however, in some rare instances, it can leave behind long-term texture and color changes in the form of acne scarring on the face.

For most teenagers, it will be a somewhat distressing condition because the scarring not only disfigures their face but can affect their interpersonal relationships and self-image negatively. Often adults who have finally, successfully moved out of an active acne phase, are disappointed to find that the scars remain long after the condition.

For most teenagers, it will be a somewhat distressing condition because the scarring not only disfigures their face but can affect their interpersonal relationships and self-image negatively. Often adults who have finally, successfully moved out of an active acne phase, are disappointed to find that the scars remain long after the condition. Your surgery will be performed at our state-of-the-art surgical facility. Our facility is fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). AAAASF medicare certification is considered the gold standard in accreditation and one of the highest certifications any ambulatory center can obtain in the country.

Results

It is important to let your surgeon know if you have taken the medication Accutane within the past year as it may affect the outcome of some procedures.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A SCAR REVISION TREATMENT

however, the only way to really know if you’re a suitable candidate for surgery is by talking to dr. gartner during your private medical consultation.