Scar Revision

If you have an unsightly scar, or a scar that hinders movement, a procedure called scar revision may be right for you. Scar revision includes several techniques that can reduce the appearance of different types of scars. Most cases basically involve replacing the scar with a smaller, less noticeable scar.

Whether the scar was caused by injury or a previous surgery, a scar revision may improve your appearance and improve function of the skin. More than 160,000 scar revision procedures were performed in 2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Good Candidates for Scar Revision

Candidates for scar revision should ideally be healthy non-smokers. Scars can have an emotional effect on people, so it's important to discuss your goals with Dr. Levens and be realistic about your expectations. If Dr. Levens recommends excision for your scar revision, it will likely not be performed sooner than six months after the scar formation.

Some patients may benefit from simple skin resurfacing techniques or injections. It's not possible to completely restore a normal appearance to the skin during scar revision, but the procedure can have a very positive impact.

What to Expect from Surgery

Dr. Levens will recommend the proper scar revision technique, based on the type and location of the scar. The following are possible techniques to use during scar revision in Coral Springs.

• Fusiform: In a fusiform excision surgery, the doctor will make an ellipses-shaped incision around the scar and remove the tissue.
• Excision: In a partial or serial excision surgery, the doctor l will make an elliptical incision as noted above, but may not be able to entirely remove the scar in one procedure and follow-ups may be necessary.
• Local flap: A local flap surgery is performed when the surrounding skin can be used to cover the scarred area of skin. Using a Z or W-shaped incision, the doctor can break up the scar, restoring function and limiting its noticeability.
• Skin grafts: Small, round and depressed scars may be repaired with a skin graft. In this surgery, the doctor will take skin from a donor site on your body and use it to raise the scarred area to be level with the surrounding tissue.

For some scar revision procedures, including local flap surgery, Dr. Levens may perform tissue expansion techniques to help stretch the skin and reconstruction possible.If your scar is raised, Dr. Levens may gradually shave down the elevated tissue to match your adjacent skin.

After Scar Revision in Coral Springs

After a scar revision, it's common to feel like your skin is tight, or to experience some swelling and discomfort. Medications can help manage pain, if necessary. The scar and treatment area will be covered with a dressing and Dr. Levens may advise you to change it frequently to keep it fresh.

To Learn More About Scar Revision in South Florida

To find out more about scar revision with South Florida plastic surgeon David J. Levens, contact our office in Coral Springs. Our plastic surgery office is located just 20 minutes from Boca Raton and Ft. Lauderdale, and 40 minutes from Miami, FL.