Scar Revision: The First Step

Scar Revision Surgery is a cosmetic surgery aiming to minimize the appearance of a scar so that it blends in with surrounding skin tone and texture. Because every person’s skin heals and reacts differently to scarring, every case is unique. Your treatment options will vary greatly based on the size, shape, and location of your scar. The first step in Scar Revision Surgery is to identify what type of scar you want to have surgery on. The most common types of scars are: • Surface Irregularities and Discoloration. These types of scars can be more subtle and can usually be treated with plastic surgery. They do not impair function or cause physical discomfort on a day to day basis. Examples could include acne scars or a small scar from a minor injury or previous surgery. • Hypertrophic Scars. This type of scar is usually a thickened, wide, and often raised scar that develops after an injury to the skin. A hypertrophic scar is an abnormal response to healing and may cause discomfort. Examples may include scarring over an infected or inflamed wound, a wound that endures a great deal of tension or motion while healing or a large cut left to heal without stitches. • Keloids. Keloids are larger in size and may commonly be painful or itchy. They extend beyond the edges of the original wound/incision. A keloid scar commonly forms on the face, neck, ears, chest, or shoulders and is more common in patients with darker skin. • Contractures. This type of scar restricts movement due to the skin and underlying tissue pulling together during healing. Contractures are common after a burn to a large area or a wound that crosses a joint. Scar revision can be performed on people of any age that have a scar they are looking to improve. It may be an ideal option for you if you are bothered by a scar on your body, would like to improve movement over a scar, and you do not have active acne or other skin diseases in the area to be treated. As each type of scar is unique, the board-certified surgeons at Annapolis Plastic Surgery will recommend an individualized treatment strategy to optimize the appearance of your scar.