Scar Revision Surgery | London Facial Surgeons

WHY CONSIDER SCAR REVISION SURGERY

Scar formation is inevitable following skin injury, which may result from accidents, surgery, burns, acne and other forms of insult. Scars often compromise facial function including the movement of eyes, mouth, or nose and are often aesthetically displeasing. Most people are self-conscious of facial scars.

Scar once formed is permanent, however scars may be made less visible and more acceptable by surgically rearranging and/or relocating them, which also improves functional deficits, thus improve appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

AM I A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR SCAR REVISION SURGERY?

Patients in all age groups are suitable for surgery. Good general health including psychological stability and realistic expectations are prerequisites.

BENEFITS OF SCAR REVISION SURGERY

Scar revision surgery re-orients and camouflages scars, makes them less visible thus improving the aesthetic appearance of the face. Benefits also include improvement in function and other untoward effects.

LIMITATIONS OF SCAR REVISION SURGERY

Every patient considering facial scar revision must understand that scars cannot be removed completely. Surgery only seeks to improve the existing scars.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Skin type, colour, age, the type and depth of scar tissue and the original cause of the scar play an important role. Timing of scar revision is also critical and revision earlier than twelve to eighteen months is not usually recommended.

CONSULTATION FOR SCAR REVISION

Whether the surgery is desired for functional or aesthetic reasons, your choice of a facial plastic surgeon is of paramount important. During consultation the scarred area is examined in detail and a surgical plan is made. Photographs will be taken to aid this process. Additional procedures such as dermabrasion and laser treatment are also discussed.

HOW SUCCESSFUL IS SCAR REVISION SURGERY

In most cases of unfavourable scarring results of scar revision surgery are satisfactory with the majority of patients expressing happiness with the results. Keloid scars tend to do less well as they tend to recur.

HOW IS SCAR REVISION SURGERY PERFORMED?

Surgery may be performed either under a general (you are a sleep throughout the procedure) or local anaesthetic.

When a scar is of contracture type as in cases of burns scars, all the scar tissue is removed completely at surgery and the area is covered with local skin flaps containing healthy skin. Where a flap is not possible, a skin graft may be used. For other types of scars various strategies such as Z-plasty, W-plasty, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing are adopted as required.

Keloid or hypertropic scars are often treated first with injections of steroids to reduce their size. If this is not satisfactory, the scars can be removed surgically, and the incisions closed with fine stitches. This may be followed by steroid injections every six weeks to dampen the re-growth of the scar.

POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY

Some discomfort after facial scar revision surgery is expected, and adequate pain relief is given to keep you comfortable. Some swelling, bruising and redness are generally unavoidable. Stitches are usually removed within seven days of surgery. You will be advised regarding restricting activity, lying with head elevated and use of cold compresses. The end result of surgery is only evident after one year post surgery.

COMPLICATIONS

Complications are rare but include bleeding, infection and recurrence of scar tissue.