Reasons for Scar Revision
While it is not possible to entirely remove an unwanted scar, scar revision can significantly improve the size, shape, color and texture of your scar.*
Scar Revision Methods
Injectable Treatments
Injectable treatments can be used to flatten raised scars or to fill in depressed scars.* Collagen (a natural bovine product) injections blend well with the skin’s own tissue makeup. Unfortunately, the main disadvantage with most injectable treatments is that they are not life-long and require maintenance sessions.
Steroid injections can’t shrink the size of an unwanted scar, but they can make it appear less noticeable. Steroid injections are ideal for raised scars – particularly keloid and hypertrophic scars. They soften and flatten an unwanted scar so that it blends more naturally with adjacent skin.
Surface Treatments
Surface treatments such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and chemical peels can be used to reduce skin irregularities associated with scarring. This involves the abstraction of superficial layers of skin to flatten raised scars and to stimulate the growth of new tissue.
Certain surface treatments such as laser resurfacing can also improve the appearance of hyperpigmented (red) scars. Surface treatments can be combined with other scar revision techniques to enhance final results.
Surgical Revision
Surgical revision is typically used in more extreme cases. Surgery can be used to reduce the size of a large scar, or reposition it. Often it involves physically cutting out (excision) an unwanted scar and replacing it with new tissue from a healthy part of your body. The exact details of your surgery will depend on the size and type of scar.
Scar Revision Results & Recovery
The details of your recovery will depend on the type of scar revision you elect. Injectable treatments rarely require downtime from work or other daily activities. More invasive surface or surgical revisions may require a week or more of recuperation.
Oral pain medication may be provided to minimize discomfort. Additionally, some treatments will require more than one session to achieve or maintain desired results.
No matter which treatment method you undergo, it is important to note that the treated area will be very sensitive to sun exposure. Ideally, you should protect your scar from direct sun exposure during the weeks and months after your procedure to ensure a healthy recovery.
Smooth Out Your Scars Today!
If you’re interested in scar revision, this Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice encourages you to contact us and set up a consultation. Dr. Aboolian will be happy to discuss all aspects of scar revision with you during a one-on-one consultation.
