What Is A Scar Revision?

Nobody wants to feel singled out because of a scar they feel is too prominent. San Diego men and women with noticeable scars on their face or body may feel emotional stress about their appearance. Whether the scar is from an accident, acne or previous surgical procedure, such as a C-section scar that is above the bikini line, or a vertical emergency scar on the abdomen, these marks often make people feel embarrassed. Scars from these types of surgeries, trauma or cases of severe acne may be jagged, pitted, red, bumpy or otherwise so distorted that the patient feels it is the first thing that people notice about them.

Luckily, there are some cosmetic procedures that are recommended for scar revision. And while individual results do vary, with a proper treatment plan in place, scar revision techniques may revise scars for good. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be the recommended approach for minimizing the appearance of the scar as much as possible.

Scar Revision Treatment Options

Treatment options begin with the removal of the old scar and might include:

  • Injectable fillers

Though individual results vary, substances like Restylane is an amazing filler that works wonders on certain types of facial scarring, such as acne scars or other shallow scars on the face. Restylane, for example, is a hyaluronic acid-based formula that typically produces long-lasting, natural results. Bellafill, is indicated for deep icepick acne scars, unlike hyaluronic acid fillers in creates a lasting improvement in skin with tiny polymethyl methacrylate microspheres suspended in collagen gel. Once injected, The body uses these microspheres as a scaffold to build collagen for up to 5 years.

  • Skin resurfacing treatment

Various laser resurfacing or microneedling options can be used in conjunction C scar revision to change the appearance of an unwanted, unsightly scar. With these treatments, collagen production – your body’s natural rejuvenation and skin healing process – is stimulated to make the scar less noticeable.

  • Incision closure techniques

Some scars are so deep or jagged that they need layered closure to look more natural and fade into your skin. For these types of scars, incision closure is usually a good option. With incision closure, absorbable or non-removable sutures are placed below the skin. As layers of skin continue to build, the surface scar begins to fade into the skin.

  • Tissue expansion

Tissue expansion is a viable option for revising certain very large scars, particularly burn scars, loss of hair, and contractures. A surgical balloon is placed underneath the scar and expanded, causing good skin to expand. Once this happens, the old scar is removed and the good skin is rotated into the area.

  • Microfat grafting

Microfat grafting is another option for removing scars such as those caused by acne. With this scar removal technique, Harvest of fat is performed to retrieve donor fat, which is then grafted into your scar to plump it up and fill it out. Many San Diego men and women like the microfat grafting scar revision option because it combines liposuction of problem areas on their bodies with scar revision.

Is Scar Revision Right For You?

While many potential scar revision patients research options before coming into Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery, there is no way for the untrained eye to know which scar revision technique is most ideal for a particular scar. Only a consultation and examination by Dr. Kaweski, one of the West Coast’s most sought-after plastic surgeons, will determine the proper course of treatment for individual patients and their unique needs. When San Diego men and women come in for a scar revision consultation, Dr. Kaweski will examine their scars, listen to the patient’s concerns and desires and come up with a personalized treatment plan for him or her. Most of the Southern California patients that Dr. Kaweski consults with are candidates for scar revision, although those undergoing surgical treatments must be in good overall medical and mental health, have realistic expectations for their treatment and be non-smokers, as smoking can complicate both scar revision surgery and healing.

How is Scar Revision Performed?

In most cases, scar revision is performed by Dr. Kaweski at Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Large scar removal is typically performed under general anesthesia at a surgical center. Discomfort after either type of procedure is usually minimal and sufficiently managed with oral pain medication – just make sure that you take every dose of your painkiller as prescribed to stay on top of your pain. Depending on the type of scar revision procedure you have performed, you may be given instructions to use a specific medicated cream, sunscreen or avoid the sun altogether during your initial healing process. San Diego patients can usually return to work or regular activities after scar revision within a few days and, depending on the treatment, can also begin wearing makeup a few days after their procedure.

What about results?

When it comes to researching scar revision techniques, most potential candidates want to know what type of results they can expect. It’s important to remember that cosmetic scar revision is a process, not an event. Immediately following the procedure, the new scar will be red and noticeable.

Over time, the color and appearance of the scar will fade, which may take 12-24 months. Results of scar revision are considered permanent although subsequent procedures may be recommended to further reduce the visibility of the scar. Whether or not you will need additional procedures will all depend on your unique case, including the type of scarring you have, its severity and your skin pigmentation.

Schedule A Consultation

If you are unhappy with the look of a scar, the plastic surgery staff at Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery in the San Diego area can help.

Our staff loves to speak with prospective patients about their procedures, answering questions, and addressing their concerns.

Contact our office at (619) 464-9876 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Dr. Kaweski can help you say “Goodbye!” to that unsightly scar for good.