Scar Revision
Why Have A Scar Revision?
Procedure Details
Preparation and Recovery
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Why Have A Scar Revision?
Scar Revision attempts to reduce and minimize a scar, so that it blends in with the surrounding skin and is less conspicuous. Scar revision aims to correct the size, shape, colouration and elevation of unsightly blemishes, so that as far as possible, normal appearance is restored.
The way a scar develops depends as much on how the patient's body heals as it does on the original injury or on the surgeon's skills. Many variables can affect the severity of scarring, including the size and depth of the wound, the blood supply to the area, the thickness and color of the skin, and the direction of the scar.
Procedure Details
While no scar can be removed completely, plastic surgery can often improve the appearance of a scar, making it less obvious. This can be obtained through the injection or application of certain steroid medications or through surgical procedures known as scar revisions.
For example, the scar crossing the natural line, or crease, between the nose and mouth, resulting from cleft palate surgery is removed and repositioned using a technique called Z-plasty. Another example is a forehead scar, located in the natural lines, that is excised with tapered ends. The skin is then loosened and brought together with stitches. The repaired scars will lie partly within the natural skin crease, where they are less visible.
Preparation & Recovery
Each patient will be given specific and tailored instructions regarding preparation for surgery.
Those who smoke run a greater risk of chest infection and the healing wounds in smokers may be slower. For patients who smoke it is advisable to cut down for a week before surgery and to stop smoking completely for three days immediately before the operation. Assumption of Aspirin or blood thinning medication should be avoided before the procedure as it can reduce natural blood clotting after.