(770) 458-4255
Scar Revision
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). No scar can be completely removed, but their appearance can be made less obvious. Because scarring differs for each person, a combination of a variety of treatment methods may be beneficial to achieve the least possible visibility.
Procedure
Some facial scars can be made smoother through a series of steroid injections, laser resurfacing, or a method called Z-plasty. Z-plasty is a technique where a “Z” pattern is excised and sutured with fine stitches to most effectively disguise the car. Depending on the location of the scar, Z-plasty may be used to relocate the scar so it closely reforms to the natural creases of the skin.
Post Treatment
Generally, scar revision is a procedure done in our office suite under local anesthesia. Patients 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. 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). 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.
