If you have scars or keloids that you want to eliminate, come to our office, led by plastic surgeon Dr. Lisa Bootstaylor, where scar revision and other reconstructive procedures are available for residents of the metro Atlanta area and surrounding communities in Georgia.
What is Scar Revision surgery?
Scars, caused either by accidents or surgery, may be unsightly and respond unpredictably. The development of scar tissue in the body depends on several factors, including the extent of the original injury, the skill of the surgeon, and your body’s natural propensity for healing. A scar’s appearance also depends on many factors, such as wound size and depth, blood supply to the area, the direction of the scar, and the type of skin you have. Scar revision removes all or part of a scar or diminishes its appearance to improve your self-confidence and comfort level.
Can Scar Revision remove scars completely?
While no scar can be completely erased, surgery can definitely improve a scar’s appearance by means of certain injections or steroid medications, or by means of surgical procedures known as scar revisions.
When should I consider Scar Revision treatment?
Many scars that at first appear large and bothersome may become naturally less noticeable over time. Some may respond to steroid treatments that may relieve symptoms such as soreness and itching. Most plastic surgeons recommend holding off on scar revision surgery for as long as a year or more after the original injury or surgery. This will allow for a more thorough and appropriate treatment.
What should I do if I have an ugly scar?
If you want to eliminate a scar from anywhere on your body, it is imperative that you consult a plastic surgeon such as Dr. Bootstaylor who will examine you and discuss your options for scar revision treatment, the risks and advantages of each treatment option, as well as typical results of each. It is important that you keep your expectations realistic.
Can Keloids be reduced or eliminated?
Keloids are thick, raised bumps composed of scar tissue that typically develops beyond the edges of the original wound or incision. They may appear red or darker than the surrounding skin. Keloids are caused by the body’s excessive production of collagen after a wound has healed, and may appear anywhere on the body, although they appear most frequently over the breastbone, near the throat, on the earlobes, and on the shoulders. Keloids are more common in darker-skinned people than in those with lighter skin and may be more common among those with African genes. The tendency to develop keloids normally decreases with age, as the body’s natural production of collagen is reduced. Steroid injections directly into the scar tissue may reduce redness, itching, and burning and in some cases, may also shrink the appearance of the scar. To control future recurrences of keloids, treatment may combine scar removal with steroid injections, direct application of steroids during surgery, or radiation therapy. A pressure garment worn over the area for up to a year may be recommended. Nonetheless, keloids often return, requiring follow-up procedures every few years.
What about Hypertrophic Scars?
Hypertrophic scars may be mistaken for keloids because both may appear as thick, red, raised bumps. But unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars are typically contained within the boundaries of the original wound. Hypertrophic scars are known to improve on their own in many cases, although the process may take a year or more. In some cases, steroid applications or injections may be useful in speeding up the healing process. In cases where the scar doesn’t resolve on its own, surgical improvement is possible. Scar revision surgery may be performed using local or general anesthesia, depending on the scar’s location and the doctor’s recommendation. Many patients receive steroid injections during the actual surgery with follow-up treatments for up to two years afterward.
How are Facial Scars treated?
A facial scar is typically considered a cosmetic issue, whether the scar is hypertrophic or not. There are several cosmetic treatments that may be used to diminish the appearance of a facial scar. In some cases, the scar is simply excised and closed with tiny stitches, producing a thinner, less visible scar in its place. If the scar is positioned across the natural creases in the skin, it may be repositioned to make it appear less conspicuous. Some facial scars may be softened by means of dermabrasion, a procedure that gently scrapes away the top layers of the skin. Dermabrasion may improve the surface of the skin and diminish the scar’s appearance, but it will not erase the scar completely.
How quickly can I expect to heal after Scar Revision?
As with any surgical procedure, always follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions meticulously to make sure you heal properly and completely. Although most patients are able to get back to work very quickly, Dr. Bootstaylor will recommend the best way to gradually resume normal activities depending on your procedure.
Dr. Bootstaylor performs surgical procedures at Emory University Hospital Midtown and Northside Hospital.
We have a comfortable office for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, led by plastic surgeon Dr. Lisa Bootstaylor, emphasizing total wellness enhanced by natural-looking results. Our facility is most convenient for residents of the metro Atlanta area and surrounding communities in Georgia. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
4042392660