Reconstructive Surgery
Scar Revision
The information provided is generalised and comprehensive patient-specific advice can only be given at individual Consultation.
Scar Revision Surgery
Scarring can be caused by previous surgery, infections, or accident/trauma such as burns. As all individuals have differing skin healing capacities, the eventual appearance of scars is often difficult to predict. In addition, certain parts of the body produce worse scars. Scars on the face and neck tend to heal well however the central part of the body such as the chest area is associated with the formation of more noticeable scars.
The majority of scars do mature and fade well with time; however some individuals find the appearance of scars distressing and unacceptable, and seek improvement in the form of scar removal treatment. Hypertropic scar removal and keloid scar removal can be particularly irritating, and are notoriously difficult to treat.
Treatment usually consists of one or a combination of the following:
- Surgical revision
- A course of steroid injections and dressings
- Application of silicone
- Use of a special pressure garment over a period of months
- Use of steroid tape
Laser treatment for scars is also regularly employed.
A Z-plasty may occasionally be used to reduce the tightness of the scar making it more comfortable and less noticeable and improve movements. During the procedure two adjacent skin flaps are raised and transposed (each flap is put where the other once was)
Surgical revision of scars may be indicated when:
- Sub-optimal outcome from a previous surgical procedure has resulted in uneven scarring
- Post-operative complications such as infection and wound separation have affected long term scar healing
Genetic tendency to produce hypertrophic or wide spread scars has resulted in these types of scars forming following surgery or trauma