Scar Revision In Gainesville, FL
Scars can result from surgery, injury or even acne. Scars are manifestations of the body’s healing process after several layers of skin undergo trauma. While most scars are not problematic, certain scars may be painful, unappealing and take a toll on a patient’s sense of self-esteem. Whether your scars are the result of years of severe acne, an injury, a previous surgery, or another condition that created a disruption on the skin’s surface, it can be challenging to find a treatment that can effectively diminish their visibility or prominence. Although there is no way to completely reverse the formation of a scar, there are multiple scar removal and scar revision treatment options available for the body and the face. Our Gainesville plastic and aesthetic surgeon, Dr. Tyrone, with John W. Tyrone, MD, PLLC, Plastic Surgery offer patients a plethora of possibilities to transform their appearance for results that both look and feel more like them for improved self-confidence and self-esteem. Contact us today to schedule a scar revision consultation.
What Is Scar Removal?
Scar revision surgery, also commonly referred to as scar removal surgery and scar treatment, is a type of reconstructive surgery procedure that reduces the appearance, impact, or visibility of a scar. Once a person develops a scar, it becomes a permanent aspect of their skin. Thankfully, however, there are a number of different medical-grade methods designed to help make scars less visible and prominent. Scar revision surgery and non-surgical scar removal treatments may be performed alone or in combination, depending on the type, size, depth, and severity of the scar. Scar removal may be performed for a number of different reasons, including for cosmetic reasons as well as to help restore function to the affected area.
Common scar treatments recommended by our skin specialists may include surgical scar removal, laser scar removal, chemical peels, dermabrasion, injections, and topical medications, among other treatments. No two individuals heal the same way, which means that injuries and surgeries can leave unique marks on each individual. Just as no two scars are identical, no one treatment works for treating every scar. That’s why our plastic surgeon specialize in a number of different scar treatments designed to target tissue on virtually any area of the body. Contact us today to learn more about our scar revision techniques and available treatments.
Scar Revision Surgery
This form of scar revision involves the surgical removal or treatment of a scar. There are many options that can treat deep scars, depending on your particular case. A skin graft can help improve the appearance of a scar through the transplantation of skin from another area of the body to disguise the scar tissue. Other scar surgery procedures may include excision, dermabrasion, or laser surgery, among other surgical techniques. The skin graft technique is often used with patients who have scars from burns. For patients with scars that impair their function, surgery can help address functional issues. During a Z-plasty or W-plasty procedure, our surgeon repositions the original scar along the natural lines of the skin. A skin flap technique is similar to a skin graft and involves the moving of skin and tissue below the scar from another part of the body to cover the site of the scar.
Laser Scar Removal
A popular treatment method for surgical scars in particular, scar removal laser treatment is an effective, non-invasive option to diminish the appearance of scars. Our skin care specialists use intense lightwaves to reduce the scar’s size, color, and shape, diminishing the overall appearance of the scar. The type of laser best suited for treating one scar may not be suited for treating another scar, as each scar is unique. Different types and strengths of laser scar removal are more effective in treating one type of scar over another. Laser treatments can also help reduce pain, itching, and sensitivity of scarred skin. To find out which laser treatment might best treat your scar, please contact John W. Tyrone, MD, PLLC, Plastic Surgery.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can improve the appearance of mild scarring through the use of a medical-grade chemical solution applied to the outer layer of the skin. This treatment removes surface-layer tissue to promote new skin growth for a healthier complexion and a diminished scar appearance. The new skin that replaces it is typically smoother and less irregular in appearance than that of skin with scars. Chemical peels are best used in conjunction with more intensive procedures for deep and large scars or as a standalone procedure for skin with minimal scarring and with scars that are light and thin, such as acne scars. Chemical peels may not be the best option for severe raised or depressed scars.
Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are widely used skin care techniques that, when performed professionally, can gently sand the skin and reveal a softer, renewed layer of skin beneath. Popular acne scar treatments, microdermabrasion and dermabrasion soften and smooth the skin and they can improve the appearance of scars as well. Dermabrasion can be used to permanently remove various types of scars from the face and body, such as those from chickenpox, scarring from an accident or surgical procedure, raised scars like hypertrophic scars and keloid scars, or scars left behind from a previous skin condition. This medical-grade resurfacing procedure is performed to effectively remove damaged, outer skin layers.
Dermal fillers
Cosmetic fillers are a popular option for patients seeking a minimally invasive treatment to help fill in the area around depressed scars or raised scars. Injections containing cortisone or steroids can help soften and even shrink the appearance of scars on the face or body. Individuals with keloid scars and those with hypertrophic, or raised, scars often benefit from intralesional scar injections. This form of treatment, however, may require multiple injections spaced out over a period of weeks or months in order to yield optimal results. Steroids are injected directly into the scar tissue to help decrease itching, redness, and burning sensations that these scars may provide. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Scar Removal Cream
Over-the-counter scar removal creams are widely available for purchase, though these products don’t typically offer the dramatic results of professional scar removal techniques. Dermatologists can prescribe effective topical treatments, such as gels, wraps, and ointments to help diminish the appearance of scarring. When used alone, topical scar revision products can help treat the appearance of certain types of scars, such as surface-level, minor scars that don’t have a high accumulation of scar tissue, though they may likewise be effective when used in combination with alternative, professional scar revision techniques. Silicone-based sheets and gels are widely considered effective for facilitating beneficial scar diminishment.
What Is A Scar?
A scar is a natural part of the body’s healing process following skin trauma. Scars are typically composed of fibrous tissue and they can be formed as a result of many different causes, such as infections, surgery, injuries, or even an inflammation of tissue. Scars can occur anywhere on the body and can vary widely in appearance with a flat, lumpy, sunken, raised, or colored appearance. Some scars may even be painful or itchy. When multiple layers of skin sustain trauma, a scar begins to form and the final appearance the scar will take can depend on multiple factors, such as the person’s skin type, the location of the scar, the direction of the wound, the type of injury, the age of the person, as well as the person’s genes, sex, ethnicity, and the person’s health and nutritional status, among other factors. Scar tissue can even build up inside the body. Internal scar tissue can result from surgery and some health conditions. Scleroderma, a type of autoimmune disease and skin condition, creates changes in the skin that resemble scarring due to inflammation.
There are several different types of scars, including the following. Nearly everyone develops some type of scar, whether due to an accident, a surgery, acne, or an illness such as chickenpox. Scars affect people of all ages and genders. Contact our reconstructive surgeon to learn more.
Acne Scars
Patients with severe acne often have the scars to prove it. There are many different types of acne scars, also commonly called depressed or atrophic scars, that range from deep pit-like scars to scars that are angular in shape or wavelike in appearance. Acne scars can become more noticeable with age, as the skin loses collagen and elasticity. Available treatment options for acne scars depend on the types or type of acne scarring a patient has.
Keloid Scars
Keloid scars result from a highly aggressive healing process Over time, depending on the location of the keloids, these scars can diminish movement. These thick clusters of scar tissue grow much larger than the original wound or incision that caused the scar. Keloids can be itchy or painful and they usually develop on the face, neck, ears, chest, or shoulders, though they may occur elsewhere. Individuals with deep skin tones are more likely to develop them
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised, red-colored scars that are similar in appearance to keloid scars, but do not surpass the boundaries of the initial injuries. You can feel a hypertrophic scar when you run your finger over it. These scars can become smaller over time, but they never completely flatten out to become level with the surrounding skin. Treatments may include steroid injections, which can reduce inflammation, or silicone sheets, which help flatten the scar.
Contracture Scars
Contracture scars usually result from skin that has been burnt. These types of scars are an abnormal occurrence that happens when a large area of skin is damaged and lost, resulting in a scar on the affected area of skin.These scars tighten the skin and cause the skin to contract, which can sometimes impair a person’s ability to move. Contracture scars may also descend deeper within the skin’s layers, possibly affecting muscles and nerves.
Flat Scars
Although flat scars can appear slightly raised at first, this type of scar flattens out to the level of the surrounding skin over time and as it heals. Flat scars are typically pink or red in color. Over time, flat scars may become slightly lighter or darker in tone than that of the surrounding skin, though they may appear pale as well. The vast majority of scars on the skin are flat and thin in thickness. Flat scars may also appear matte, though many have a shiny appearance.
Stretch Marks
When the skin shrinks or expands at a fast rate, the connective tissues located under the skin may become damaged. Stretch marks commonly develop during pregnancy, puberty, or after a person gains or loses a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. The most common areas of the body for stretch marks to occur include the breasts, stomach, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks, though they may likewise appear on other areas of the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
In order to determine the best treatment options for a scar, patients attend an initial consultation, during which they discuss a number of different details with their plastic surgeon and skin specialists, such as their expectations for scar excision or non-surgical treatments, any previous surgeries, their medical history, and which alternative or additional procedures may best benefit their aesthetic and functional goals. Patients should check with their surgeon to see what type of anesthesia might be used in their procedure and, if anesthesia is to be used, they should arrange to have someone drive them home afterward.
During the consultation with your plastic surgeon, a physical exam of the scar and the surrounding skin, and an assessment of the scar’s placement, size, shape, depth, and overall scope will also be conducted. If the patient is deemed a candidate for their scar procedure, they will then be instructed about which preparation protocols to follow. In preparation for their procedure, patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions regarding diet, fitness, rest, medications, supplements, and hygiene. For additional information regarding pre-operative instructions for reconstruction surgery, contact us.
Most scars fade over time and don’t cause long-term health problems. The way a scar develops depends on a number of factors, such as its location, size, and type, among other. Some scars can cause issues months or years after it develops and as nerve endings grow back. This can cause the scar to become painful or itchy. Skin cancer can develop in scars, especially in scars from burns. Other scars may be unsightly or cause the individual to feel emotional distress or a lack of self-confidence. No matter your reason for seeking scar revision from our plastic surgery office, we are dedicated to helping facilitate the most innovative treatments possible using state-of-the-art equipment for your benefit. Scar revision can be used for a variety of reasons. In addition to diminishing a scar’s appearance, the procedure can also help treat areas where tissue contraction results in a loss of mobility or range of motion. It may also be used to treat painful scars, reducing overall discomfort in patients. If you seek to remediate functional issues caused by a scar or you seek to remove a scar due to an emotionally traumatic event or to reclaim a greater sense of self-confidence (or for any other reason), we are happy to help!
Following their scar revision procedure, patients should follow all instructions in order to maximize their recovery and healing. Patients will receive specific preoperative and postoperative instructions before their procedure and during their initial appointment with our plastic surgeon and skin care specialists. These instructions may include information about how to care for the surgical sites during the recovery process, medications to apply or take to help with healing and to reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to be wary of with general health or at the surgical site, and when to follow up with our plastic surgeon. Following scar-revision surgery, post-operative pain is a common side effect. Your physician will instruct you on which medications to take to minimize any discomfort following the procedure. Patients should continue to follow their plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled. For additional aftercare information, please contact us.
The cost of a scar removal procedure varies, depending on the exact treatment plan chosen, any additional procedures to be performed in combination with the procedure, and the extent of the procedure, among other variables. Please refer to our scar revision cost page for breast reconstruction surgery cost estimates. For additional information about pricing for plastic and reconstructive surgery, please contact John W. Tyrone, MD, PLLC, Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon.
The decision to have a scar professional removed is a personal one. Your plastic surgeon and our skin care staff will explain in detail all the relevant risks associated with your specific procedure during your initial consultation. The possible risks of scar revision are more or less the same as any procedure involving an incision, including the risk of bleeding, infection, and wound separation, among other potential risks. Additional risks can include anesthesia risks, asymmetry, bleeding, cardiac complications, seroma, fat necrosis, infection, numbness or other changes to skin sensation, pain, poor healing, possibility of revisional surgery, skin discoloration, and skin loss.