As a very common skin issue, scars can be located anywhere on the body and face. In some cases, a scar is a reminder of a wound that once existed or another condition that caused a disruption to the skin’s surface. While most scars are not a problem, some scars are unappealing and unsightly. They can be too big or too wide, bumpy, dark, raised, or recessed. Depending on where the scar is located and its condition, scar revision surgery may be needed to improve its appearance. Our Chicago, IL board-certified plastic surgeons offer scar revision surgery, which is an elective treatment that works to reduce the size and improve the appearance of your scar.
There are several types of scars that can exist on the body that patients wish to improve through cosmetic treatment. The type you have can dictate the best technique to address it. The most common types of scars Dr. Gutowski treats are:
Adults or children who have a scar that is bothersome, unsightly, or causes self-consciousness and insecurity may be good candidates for scar revision treatment. It is important for patients who get this procedure to be aware that while this treatment is meant to improve the appearance of the scar and reduce its size, it will not make it fully disappear. The type of surgery selected will be contingent on where your scar is located, the type of scar it is, and the size, shape, and depth of it. There are a number of methods that can be used and combined to greatly reduce and improve the overall appearance of your scar.
Surgery to revise scars is typically done using a local anesthetic, depending on the extent of the procedure. For thick or bumpy scars, a shave excision can be done to level and even out the scar. IPL can usually be used in these cases to lighten the scar and make it less noticeable. Scars that are larger and raised may be reduced in size using an elliptical incision, which removes the scar and some of the tissue and skin around it. The skin is then stitched close with a new, clean line. For scars that were caused by poor closure, this can create a dramatic improvement. Large scars or contracture scars sometimes will include a skin graft or tissue expansion so that the old scar can be eliminated, allowing healthy skin to be sewn together. In some cases, it is not the size or shape of the scar that is the concern, but instead, the color or texture. There are many state-of-the-art noninvasive laser treatments that can improve the color and visibility of a scar without a surgical procedure. Also, if you have a recessed scar or one that appears “pitted,” our surgeons may also discuss an injectable dermal filler product to create a more natural, even skin texture.
After a scar revision procedure, wound care is the most important component of the post-treatment process. Our surgeons will give very specific rules and suggestions to help you take care of your incision so that the new scar is smaller, lighter, and thinner. Keep in mind that the scar won’t be fully removed, but most scar revision surgeries can create a natural, softer appearance.
Scar revision surgery can significantly improve the appearance of an existing scar. It is important to have realistic expectations. The scar may not completely disappear, but it will look dramatically improved. Post-surgery care is very important when it comes to scar revision. Patients must adhere to the proper wound care protocol to promote better healing of the new wound resulting in a less visible scar.
Not all scar revision treatments need surgery. Some scars that are smaller and that reside flat on the surface may be improved with a laser treatment, such as IPL. In addition, a scar that is pitted or recessed could look much better with an injectable filler. Surgery is only used for larger scars to recreate the incision and make it a cleaner, thinner, less noticeable line.
Since some form of a local numbing ointment or anesthesia is used, patients generally experience little to no discomfort during treatment. After the procedure has been completed, you may feel itchy or experience minor swelling as the area heals, but overall, discomfort is usually not a factor.
It is critical that once your scar has been treated to aesthetically look better to avoid sun exposure. Using a high-grade SPF is important when your skin is exposed to the sun so that discoloration of the treated area does not occur.
If you have an unattractive scar that bothers you, Dr. Gutowski offers many procedures to make it less obvious. After assessing the size, shape, depth, and type of scar you have, a revision treatment will be created to help improve its appearance. Using surgical and nonsurgical treatments, Dr. Gutowski will adjust the scar area and skin around it for a more normal and natural appearance. We invite you to call our office to schedule your scar assessment and consultation.