Scar Revision


 

SCAR REVISION IN NEW YORK, NY

Scar Revision is a minor procedure performed to improve the overall look of a scar from previous surgery or an injury. It usually involves cutting out the old scar and closing it carefully. I have been performing Scar Revision surgery for over 20 years and I offer various alternatives to address whatever scar condition exists.

 

SCAR REVISION CONSULTATION

The consultation process includes an in-depth discussion about your desires with regard to Scar Revision surgery. It is the surgeon’s task to explain all aspects of the operation, the pros and cons, and most importantly, the concept of realistic expectations with regard to your postoperative result. Many people have the incorrect perception that plastic surgery means “no scars.” In reality, any time an incision or an injury to the skin is made through the outer layers, a scar is formed by the body’s own healing process. Plastic surgeons try to hide or camouflage the scars in portions of the body that do not reflect light and are not easily seen.

 

CANDIDATES FOR SCAR REVISION

If you have concerns about thickened or disfigured scars, then Scar Revision Surgery is an excellent option for you. This type of surgery can enhance and improve the quality of your scar, but it will not disappear. The best candidates for Scar Revision Surgery are healthy individuals who are realistic about what the surgery can afford after a complete consultation. The best results are usually achieved in patients who are diligent with regard to their scar care after surgery.

 

 

SCAR REVISION PROCEDURE

Scar Revision Surgery involves direct excision of the scar, and either careful direct closure, or closure by rotating nearby skin, called a local flap, or changing the direction of the scar, called a Z-Plasty. Depending on the location, this procedure can be done under straight local anesthesia in less than one hour. Sometimes, health insurance policies cover the scar revision, especially if it is causing functional deformity such as preventing the eyelid form closing correctly or the mouth from opening properly, or even the finger from moving correctly. It should be known, however, that performing a Scar Revision does not guarantee that the new scar will be better than the previous one. However, in a large percentage of cases, the final result is far superior.

Sometimes it is necessary to inject a mild steroid into the incision site at the time of surgery, and within the new scar at 6 week intervals after excision of much thickened scars called keloids. These injections are helpful in prevention of keloids forming again.

 

SCAR REVISION RECOVERY

After surgery you will be discharged with explicit wound care and subsequent scar care instructions. The scar care instructions include massage of the scar daily with moisturizer and use of a scar treatment cream. The Scar Revision surgery is performed in my state of the art, fully certified operative suite in my office located on the Upper East Side in New York. You will be given a follow-up appointment with me in 5-7 days.

Most of my patients return to work the next day, and pain after surgery is well controlled with mild pain medication or Tylenol. My staff and I will counsel you regarding all aspects of scar care to achieve the best possible, least noticeable scars. I have a great deal of experience with all aspects of Scar Revision Surgery, and comfortably possess the required expertise to allow me to achieve the best possible results for you. If you have an unsightly or painful scar, Scar Revision surgery may be something for you. Give me a call to schedule your consultation!

 

SCAR REVISION FAQS

WHY WON’T MY SCAR DISAPPEAR AFTER SCAR REVISION?

Anytime the skin is cut, a scar is formed, a fact of life! Scar Revision Surgery will hopefully decrease the size and intensity of your scar, or possibly positioned in a better, less obvious position, but you will still have a scar. Every individual scars differently, and that is the X-Factor.

 

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW YOUR SCAR CARE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER MY SCAR REVISION SURGERY?

Scar care instructions after Scar Revision Surgery include massaging the scar with moisturizers and application of scar care creams. This scar care regimen gives you the best chance to get the best possible result.

 

WHY IS MY SCAR SO UGLY AND WHY DO I HAVE TO GO THROUGH SCAR REVISION SURGERY?

Everybody heals and scars differently. We don’t know why this occurs, but it does. It is my job to treat your scar in the best fashion possible, to make it as least noticeable as possible.

 

IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO PREVENT A BAD SCAR?

If you are injured and sustain a laceration, the best chance of obtaining the best possible scar is appropriate closure of that laceration. In my opinion, that means seeking out a board certified plastic surgeon to close the laceration. If you have to go to an Emergency Room, insist that they call in the plastic surgeon on call. Your scar will thank you!

 

CAN I TREAT MY SCAR WITH PILLS AND SUPPLEMENTS?

Unfortunately the best treatment for bad scars is minor surgery. Research documents this approach, and it does not support claims that pills and supplements will “make your scars disappear”! Do your homework!

Location

Madison Plastic Surgery
815 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212-628-7600
Fax: 212-628-5799

Office Hours

Get in touch

212-628-7600