Q - What is facial scar revision?
Facial scar revision procedures are procedures which improve the appearance of facial scars, making them less visible and sometimes even relocating them surgically. Scar revision may be performed on a variety of scars including those resulting from accidents, surgery, burns and acne. There are many different techniques for scar revision.
Q - How do I know if I’m a good candidate for facial scar revision?
If you are physically healthy, realistic in your expectations, and looking to improve the appearance of an unsightly facial scar, you may be a good candidate for facial scar revision. There are certain factors which will help to determine the scar revision technique that is right for you, including your skin color and type, your age, and the type of scarring. If you have a scar which has resulted from an injury, you may be advised to postpone surgery for up to a year to allow your body sufficient time to heal. Patients must understand that facial scar revision procedures cannot completely remove a scar but rather make them less visible.
Q - What will happen during a consultation for scar revision?
During your consultation for scar revision, the surgeon will talk to you about your goals. A thorough medical history will be taken and your scar will be examined. The surgeon will recommend the most appropriate treatment and explain all aspects of the procedure including the technique, the facility, the anesthesia, the recovery, the risks and the associated costs. Photographs of your scar may be also be taken at the time of consultation.
Q - Where does the scar revision procedure take place?
The location of the scar revision procedure will depend upon the particular technique. Skin resurfacing procedures are often performed in a surgeon’s office while surgical procedures may take place in an outpatient surgery center or a hospital.
Q - What type of anesthesia will I receive for my scar revision procedure?
Scar revision procedures may be performed with a freezing agent, local anesthesia with or without sedation, or general anesthesia.
Q - How are scar revision procedures performed?
There are several different techniques for scar revision, including surgical removal of scar tissue, skin flap surgery, skin grafting, Z-plasty, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing. For skin flap surgery, scar tissue is removed and an adjacent flap of healthy, unscarred skin is lifted and moved to for a new incision line. For skin grafting, a section of skin tissue is taken from another area of the body and reattached to the area of the scar. With Z-plasty, the scar is repositioned to a natural crease or line of the skin. Dermabrasion uses a high speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin, while laser skin resurfacing also removes the top layer of skin but with a carbon dioxide laser.
Q - What should I expect of the recovery after my scar revision procedure?
The recovery will vary according to the particular scar revision procedure. Some swelling, bruising, redness and discomfort may occur after surgical procedures, and patients should expect a period of decreased activity. Stitches may be removed within several days.
Q - How much time should I plan to take off from work after my scar revision procedure?
Depending upon the particular scar revision procedure, patients are generally able to return to work within one to two weeks.
Q - When will the stitches be removed after my scar revision procedure?
For surgical scar revision procedures, the stitches may be removed within a few days.
Q - Will my scar revision procedure be covered by insurance?
Scar revision procedures performed on scars resulting from accident or injury may be covered to some degree. Patients should be sure to check with their own insurance company.
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Rhinoplasty
