Common Scar Revision Treatment Techniques


Defined Tag: Cosmetic Scar Revision.

Scar revision can be performed using a variety of techniques and treatments. Treatments may be staged or used in combination.

Topical treatments:

Silicone sheeting and special tapes, ointments, and gels can be used to improve the appearance and texture of newly formed scars. Silicone sheeting and tapes compress the scar and hold in moisture. Thick scars thus may be reduced or even prevented. In addition, these tapes and gels can refine the color and texture of scars to more closely match surrounding healthy skin.

Injection therapies:

Injecting various forms of cortisone may flatten a raised, firm scar. Injectable fillers can improve the condition of recessed scars or depressions of the skin.

Skin resurfacing:

This technique can improve the appearance of mild acne scars and other surface scars. Ablative lasers, chemical peels, and dermabrasion are generally effective for scars that are mildly raised or depressed from the skin surface.

Excision of scars:

Excision means cutting out scar tissue. The wound can then be repaired in one or more layers. If the direction of the scar needs to be changed or if healthy skin is not available for direct repair, then flap procedures or skin grafts may be required. If there is not sufficient tissue available for flap coverage of the wound, a staged procedure using tissue expansion may be necessary. Tissue expansion is a technique that can produce healthy skin near the site of the scar before excision. Tissue expansion surgically places a balloon-like device under the skin with a small valve near the surface of the skin. Over time and multiple visits to your plastic surgeon, the balloon will be filled with sterile liquid. This will stretch and increase the overlying tissue. Once ample tissue is available, the scar can be excised with either a direct or flap closure from the nearby healthy tissue that has been expanded.

As there is a wide selection of scar revision techniques that you can choose from, it is important that you make an informed decision and discuss with your doctor before deciding on the appropriate scar revision treatment.

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