Scar Revision Surgery In Gainesville, FL

Scars form when an injury, a burn or a surgery affect multiple layers of the skin. Depending on the size, shape, and color, scars can cause significant levels of dissatisfaction and insecurity for patients. Though the development of scars on the body is inevitable for most people, some scars may be more visible than other scars. If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of a scar, consider scar revision surgery at our Gainesville plastic surgery center.

What Is Scar Revision Surgery?

Scar tissue forms as a natural part of the healing process. The extent of the scar may be affected by the size, depth, and location of the injury as well as by a person's age, hereditary factors, and characteristics of the skin. The appearance of scars can be significantly improved through cosmetic body surgery, such as scar revision surgery.

By surgically removing layers of damaged tissue, this procedure softens the edges of the surface irregularities and leaves the skin with a smoother, more desirable appearance. For patients with scars as a result of burns, the scar revision procedure can be performed to increase the level of function regarding injured muscles and tendons within the affected region of the body. 

Scar Revision Surgery Procedure

Some scar revision surgeries only require local anesthesia. However, the majority of patients require general anesthesia, while allows patients to sleep during the surgery. The specific procedure used to reduce the appearance of scarring on the body may differ depending on the type of scar and the patient's medical requirements.

For puckered skin caused by burns, our surgeon will remove a flap of healthy skin from one area of the body and transferred to the affected site. Z-Plasty is a technique that is used to move a scar to a natural fold or crease so that the scar is less noticeable. During the procedure, new incisions are made on either side of the scar creating flaps, which are then rearranged to cover the initial scar.

Types Of Scars Treated With Revision Surgery

With regard to the manner in which a scar was acquired, the skin’s ability to heal from the initial trauma, and a number of other environmental and medical factors specific to the patient, scars may be categorized within the following four scar categories. To schedule scar revision treatment for these common types of scars or another type of scar, contact us today.

  • Keloid scars: During the healing process, wounds may produce an abundance of collagen which results in large, red growths that extend beyond the wound's natural edges. Treatment typically involves a combination of steroid injections and surgery.
  • Hypertrophic scars: Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloid scars in that they are large and red, but they do not grow outside of the edges of the wound. While some hypertrophic scars improve on their own, others must be treated with surgery.
  • Facial scars: To minimize the prevalence of scarring and to improve the appearance of scars on the face, our experienced surgical team can reduce the size of the incision site, align the scar with natural facial folds, and even perform laser skin resurfacing.
  • Burn scars: Severe burns cause the skin to appear puckered and may result in reduced mobility to the surrounding muscles and tendons. Skin flap procedures have proven effective in improving the appearance and texture of burn scars.

Ideal Candidates For Scar Revision

Ideal candidates for scar revision surgery are healthy, non-smoking patients who do not have any pre-existing conditions. It is also important for candidates to have realistic expectations. While the scar will be less noticeable, no scar can be removed completely. Additionally, final results may vary depending on skin color, ethnicity, age, and individual healing rate.

Results Of Scar Revision Surgery

A significant portion of patients who undergo scar revision surgery with Poser Plastic Surgery Center report increased self-confidence and improved self-esteem following the procedure. Regarding the results of surgery, patients can expect a smaller and a less apparent scar; an improved appearance to the skin; a higher degree of comfort around the affected skin; and improvement in the range of motion to the muscles and tendons around the affected area.

Scar Revision Recovery Time

Following scar revision surgery, patients may experience a mild degree of temporary bruising and soreness to the affected portion of skin. Our Gainesville plastic surgeon will provide patients who undergo scar revision surgery with specific post-care instructions prior to the procedure. Patients should be able to return to work within one to two days following the surgery. Best results are found in patients who protect scars from sunlight and smokers.