What is scar revision surgery?

Scar revision is plastic surgery performed to improve the condition or appearance of a scar anywhere on your body.

Scars are unavoidable results of injury or surgery, and their development can be unpredictable. Poor healing or improper wound care may contribute to scars that are obvious, unsightly or disfiguring.

Scars may be raised or recessed, different in colour or texture from surrounding healthy tissue or particularly noticeable due to their size, shape or location.

What you should know before scare revision surgery

There are different types of scars and each needs to be treated differently.

The types of scars include:
1. Discoloration
Surface irregularities and other more subtle scars can be cosmetically improved by surgery or other treatments recommended by your plastic surgeon. These types of scars do not impair function or cause physical discomfort and include acne scars as well as scars resulting from minor injury and prior surgical incisions.
2. Hypertropic scars
Hypertropic scars are thick clusters of scar tissue that develop directly at a wound site. They are often raised, red and/or uncomfortable, and they may become wider over time. They can be hyperpigmented (darker in colour) or hypopigmented (lighter in colour).
3. Keloids
Keloids are larger than hypertropic scars. They can be painful or itchy, and may also pucker. They extend beyond the edges of an original wound or incision. Keloids can occur anywhere on your body, but they develop more commonly where there is little underlying fatty tissue, such as on the face, neck, ears, chest or shoulders.
4. Contractures
Contractures are scars that restrict movement due to skin and underlying tissue that pull together during healing. They can occur when there is a large amount of tissue loss, such as after a burn. Contractures also can form where a wound crosses a joint, restricting movement of the fingers, elbows, knees or neck.

The type of scar you have will determine the appropriate techniques your plastic surgeon will use to improve your scar.

Be prepared to discuss:

• · Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• · Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• · Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• · Previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

• · Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• · Examine your scar in detail
• · Take photographs for your medical record
• · Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• · Discuss likely outcomes and any risks or potential complications

Important facts about the safety and risks of scar revision surgery

The decision to have scar revision surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo, the alternatives and the most likely risks and potential complications.

Important facts about the safety and risks of scar revision surgery

The decision to have scar revision surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo, the alternatives and the most likely risks and potential complications.

Some of the risks include:

• · Bleeding (hematoma)
• · Infection
• · Delayed healing
• · Anaesthesia risks
• · Change in skin sensation
• · Damage to deeper structures including nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs can occur and may be temporary or permanent
• · Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents
• · Skin contour irregularities
• · Skin discoloration and swelling
• · Skin sensitivity
• · Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• · Pain, which may persist
• · Possibility of revision surgery or staged procedures

Be sure to ask questions:

It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.