Body Procedures

Scar Revision

Surgery and injuries leave constant reminders on our skin in the form of scars. While it is impossible to erase a scar completely, there are ways we can minimize its appearance using surgical or nonsurgical techniques. And we can do so virtually anywhere on the body!

If you are concerned about a scar that is thick, raised, discolored or located in a visible area, our experts at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery have extensive experience performing complex scar revisions on a wide range of patients. Our state-of-the-art facility was designed and equipped with our patients in mind — so expect to feel comfortable and at ease as soon as you enter for your scar revision consultation.

What Is a Scar Revision?

Scar revision is a cosmetic treatment to reduce the appearance of scars. Scars are marks on the skin that appear after a wound has healed. While scars are a normal part of the wound-healing process, some patients find them bothersome. 

Scars can be minimized for a multitude of reasons: 

  • The scar is prominent and makes the patient feel self-conscious
  • The location of the scar makes it difficult to move 
  • The scar is a constant reminder of a traumatic event 
  • The scar is itchy or painful

 

How Scar Revision Is Done

Scars can be treated surgically, nonsurgically or with a combination of different techniques. At Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery, our approach is to first opt for less invasive solutions before moving to surgical scar revision. The scar revision options offered at our center include: 

Non-surgical Options 

Steroid injections

Keloid and hypertrophic scars are normally treated with steroid drugs, such as triamcinolone. Patients receive injections every four weeks until the scars shrink and blend with the surrounding skin. Steroids work by breaking bonds between abnormal collagen fibers found in scar tissue, reducing the size of the scar. 

Skin resurfacing 

We can also treat unwanted scars with laser therapy. CO2 and erbium lasers are both effective in this regard, as is fractional laser resurfacing. Laser technology sends brief pulses of high-energy light into scar tissue. This vaporizes it layer by layer while stimulating collagen remodeling at the same time. 

Dermabrasion

If your problem is scars caused by acne, smallpox or superficial injury, then you may benefit from this popular cosmetic procedure. Using specialized instruments to “sand” the skin, dermabrasion removes the top layer of the skin, revealing a more even texture as the skin heals. 

Fillers

Soft-tissue fillers can reduce the appearance of most depressed scars quickly, effectively and with no downtime. During this treatment, your specialist injects a gel-like substance directly into the scar with a thin needle. The effects are noticeable immediately and may improve over time as the filler stimulates collagen remodeling over three to six months. 

 

Surgical Options

Excision

Wide and rounded scars can be surgically removed and the surrounding skin stitched together to create a thinner scar. Our surgeons are trained in various techniques, such as fusiform elliptical excision and serial excision. In all cases, our aim is to preserve as much healthy skin as possible. 

Z-plasty

Z-plasty is the most common surgical technique for scar revision. It gets its name from its “Z” shaped incision and is used to create a thinner-looking scar. The horizontal incisions help reduce tension in the original scar and adjust the orientation of the scar to the natural tension points of the surrounding skin. 

W-plasty 

With this technique, we break up the scar’s margins with zigzag incisions. These incisions remove all of the scar tissue and some of the healthy skin by creating triangles on both sides of the skin that align with closure. This technique helps camouflage straight scars and scars on rounded areas.

Flaps and grafts 

Sometimes, it is not possible to create a thinner scar with adjacent skin, so we use flaps or skin grafts to make up for this lack. Our surgeons make sure to use donor areas and materials that match the color of the skin seamlessly when utilizing this technique.

What Scar Revision Achieves

Scar revision cannot erase a scar, but you should expect improvement. The degree of improvement depends on how severe your scar is, its location and how well your skin recovers following treatment. In general, our patients can expect: 

  • A thinner, less noticeable scar 
  • Evened out skin tone and texture where the scar was
  • Less itching, pain and tension when removing keloid and hypertrophic scars

During your initial consultation, we will speak with you about the goals you have for your scar. We want to make sure that you have completely realistic expectations and will be one hundred percent honest with you at all times. We want to exceed your expectations and provide you with the most comfortable and stress-free experience possible.

Schedule Your Consultation With Our Revision Experts at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery 

While scars are inevitable following an injury or surgery, you do not have to live with prominent scars for the rest of your life. Scars can be safely and effectively minimized using a range of advanced techniques offered at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery. 

To schedule your consultation with our board-certified surgeons, click here to contact us today or call our office at 706-494-7700. Our surgeons are proud to serve all residents of Columbus and the surrounding cities of Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to get a scar revision?

The ideal time to schedule scar revision is 12 to 18 months after the scar has formed. It takes time for scars to mature, and immature scars are known to lead to poor results following revision. 

How long does a scar revision procedure take?

Scar revisions are quick treatments, usually taking a couple of minutes to up to two hours to complete. Some forms of revision may require multiple visits before you can see results.

Do I need to take time off work?

In most cases, no. However, some patients may require up to two weeks’ leave to allow their scars to completely heal following a revision.

What are the risks of getting a scar revision?

There is minimal risk involved in getting scar revision. That is simply because the treatments are less invasive than other forms of cosmetic surgery. Complications, while rare, may include bleeding, pain, allergic reactions, infections, and flap necrosis.

Is a scar revision covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans do not cover scar revisions; however, when deemed medically necessary to increase functionality (e.g. when a scar limits movement), your insurance provider may cover some of the costs involved.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

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