| |
 Scar Care / Scar Revision
All scars are permanent, but in many instances the appearance of scars can be improved using special methods known to plastic surgeons. What is the underlying cause of a thicker or raised scar? There are several factors which play a role: the depth or thickness of the wound, the amount of contamination at the time the wound was caused (surgical wound versus injury from falling on gravel), the patient’s genetic predisposition to forming scars, the location of the wound, and the orientation of the scar on the skin.
Scar formation is a one to two year process, which begins on the day the wound was created. This means that it takes time for scars to heal and look their best. If your scar is flat, but a little red during this time, that is the normal appearance of an “immature” scar.
So what am I supposed to do?
Massage your scar for 5 minutes four times a day for the next one to two years.
Stay out of the sun. It is a known fact that immature scars tan and tan very easily. Unfortunately, once that tan (pigment) is placed in an immature scar, your body has a really difficult time getting rid of the pigment in your scar, and your scar will, in all likelihood, stay tan permanently. |
|
|
What if my scars are thick and red and I've been massaging and it’s been less than a year since the scar was first formed?
Continue massaging.
I would recommend a product called “mederma”. This topical liquid is applied to your scars two times daily. It has been demonstrated to decrease the appearance of scars.
If after several months of topical scar treatments, there has been no improvement, then I would recommend the use of “oleeva” brand silicone sheeting to the scar. Silicone sheets can be purchased online at www.silon.com. They are applied to the scar and left on at all times, except when showering or performing scar massage. Usually, with several months of use, a significant improvement can be seen.
If you still are unhappy with the appearance of your scar, I would recommend steroid injections into your scar. This is the most effective method of scar management and can be repeated as often as every 3 months. Although, it can be slightly painful, it can give excellent results.
What if my scars are thick and red and I've been massaging and it’s been more than a year since the scar was first formed?
This may be a scar that can be improved with scar revision surgery. There will always be some scarring even with revisional surgery, but many times the appearance of the scar can be improved. The procedure is usually not very painful, and recovery typically takes just a few days. As with all scars, the process of scar maturation will take one to two years after the revision.
Click here for more information on Scar Revision
Return to Cosmetic Procedures Index - Top of Page
Skin Lesion
| Skin lesions are growths on the skin. They can be either benign (non-cancer) or malignant (cancer). For those lesions which are benign, excision is all that is necessary for their removal. Sometimes, they can be simply shaved off, and sometimes the size of the lesion makes the use of sutures necessary. If the lesion to be removed is benign, then the removal of the lesion is considered cosmetic, and your insurance company will not cover the excision procedure. Please feel free to contact the office for more information. |
|
|
If a lesion appears to be malignant, a biopsy is usually performed first. With this procedure a small piece of the lesion is removed and sent for microscopic examination, during which time the pathologist will determine if the lesion is malignant. If it is malignant, then a full excision would be planned. Depending on the location and size of the lesion, this excision would be performed either in the office surgical suite or at an outpatient surgery center. In some instances, the procedure might be performed along with a dermatologic Mohs surgeon. For these procedures, insurance is billed.
Click here for more information on Skin Lesion Removal
Return to Cosmetic Procedures Index - Top of Page
|
|
