SCAR REVISION:

Scar revision is surgery to improve or reduce the appearance of scars. It also restores function, and corrects skin changes (disfigurement) caused by an injury, wound, poor healing, or previous surgery. Scar revision surgery will attempt to minimize a scar so that it is less conspicuous and blends in with the surrounding skin tone and texture.

Description

Scar tissue forms as skin heals after an injury (such as an accident) or surgery.

How much scarring there is depends on:

• Size, depth, and location of the wound

• Your age

• Skin characteristics, such as color (pigmentation)

Depending on the extent of the surgery, scar revision can be done while you are awake (local anaesthesia), sleeping (sedated), or deep asleep and pain-free (general anaesthesia).

When to have scar revision done is not always clear. Scars shrink and become less noticeable as they age. You may be able to wait to have surgery until the scar lightens in color. This can be several months or even a year after the wound has healed. For some scars, it is best to have revision surgery 60 to 90 days after the scar matures. Each scar is different.

There are several ways to improve the appearance of scars:

• The scar may be removed completely and the new wound closed very carefully.

• Scar massage and pressure therapy, such as silicone strips.

• A laser may be used to soften the surface of the scar, and stimulate new collagen growth within the scar.

• Very large injuries (such as burns) can cause loss of a large area of skin and may form hypertrophic scars. These types of scars can restrict movement of muscles, joints and tendons (contracture).