Facial Scar Removal
Initial scarring from injury or surgery can appear large and unsightly, but may diminish and become much less unnoticeable with time. Most surgeons will suggest waiting a period of up to a year after the incident to attempt improvement. There are different types of scarring (e.g., keloid, hypertrophic, contractures) and no scar can be completely removed, but their appearance can be made less obvious through steroid injection/topical medication, dermabrasion, or scar revision surgery. Because scarring differs for each person, a combination of a variety of treatment methods may be beneficial to achieving the least possible visibility.
Technique
Some facial scars can be made smoother through dermabrasion, controlled sanding of the top layers of skin, or by surgically removing the scar and finely stitching the area to leave a thinner, less visible scar. Depending on the location of the scar, a method called Z-plasty may be used to relocate the scar so it more closely reforms to the natural creases of the skin. In this procedure, the scar is removed and a “Z” pattern incision is sutured with fine stitches to most effectively disguise the scar.
Post-surgery Expectations
Patients will be provided with detailed instruction for post-operative care at the time of surgery. Generally, scar revision is outpatient surgery and the patient will be able to return to normal activity within a day or two. Minor discomfort, swelling, bruising, and redness are common with this type of surgery and can be alleviated with head elevation, cold compresses, and pain medication. Scarring is unpredictable, even after revision surgery, and the degree of improvement depends on many variables (e.g., size and depth of wound, nature and quality of the skin, direction of the scar, and wound care following surgery), so it is extremely important to strictly follow the physician’s post-surgery instructions. Optimum effects may not be completely evident for a year or more following surgery.
Dr. Kim is committed to combining your goals and realistic expectations with his skilled expertise for a safe and positive outcome. For more information about scar revision or to schedule an appointment for a consultation, please use our contact form above or call our office at (770) 458-4255.