Plastic surgery to correct a scar is designed to repair changes in wound healing anywhere in your body, such as cuts, burns, or previous surgery, such as a C-section or appendectomy.
The purpose of this surgery is to correct skin defects, such as irregularities in texture, size or color, providing a more uniform skin, and it is performed only on more severe scars or when other types of cosmetic treatments do not work, such as the use of silicone plates, radiotherapy or pulsed light, for example. Find out about your scar treatment options before surgery.
- The procedure carried out to remove the scar depends on the type.
- Size.
- Location and severity of the scar.
- And is chosen by the plastic surgeon according to the needs and tendency to heal of each person.
- Who can use techniques that use cuts.
- Removal or reorientation.
- Of parts of the affected skin.
To perform the surgical procedure, your doctor may order preoperative blood tests, as in any surgical procedure, an 8-hour fast is recommended and the type of anesthesia performed depends on the procedure to be performed and may be local, mild or general.Sedation.
In some cases, a single procedure is sufficient to ensure satisfactory results, however, in more complicated cases, a recurrence or new treatments may be recommended.
After surgery, you may notice swelling and redness of the site, so the result of the procedure is not seen until a few weeks later, and total healing can take months or even a year.it is recommended:
In addition, to help optimal healing after this surgery, preventing the scar from getting ugly again, your doctor may recommend other topical treatments such as applying silicone plaques, applying healing ointments, or performing compression dressings, for example.Learn about the main recommended treatments after any plastic surgery to facilitate recovery.
Scar correction surgery is indicated by the plastic surgeon in situations of scarring defects, which may include:
The goal of surgery is to improve the appearance and even the skin, not always ensuring complete removal of the scar, and the results may vary depending on the individual skin.
Other possible treatments, which are recommended as a first choice before surgery, include:
There are several techniques, such as chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, laser use, radiofrequency, ultrasound or carboxytherapy, which are very useful for improving the appearance of lighter scars, such as granites, or for standardizing skin color.
These treatments may be performed by the plastic surgeon or dermatologist in milder situations, however, in case of larger scars and difficult treatment, they may not be effective and it is necessary to choose other treatments or surgeries.See, in more detail, some of these cosmetic treatment options to improve the appearance of the scar.
This is done with the installation of silicone plates, bandages or compression dressings, indicated by the dermatologist or plastic surgeon, which can be used for weeks or months. Massages with special products may also be given, which help reduce thickening, fibrosis or change the color of the scar.
To improve the appearance of depressed or atropified scars, substances such as hyaluronic acid or polymethylmethacrylate can be injected under the scar to fill the skin and soften it.The effect of this treatment may be more temporary or lasting, depending on the type.the material used and the condition of the scar.
In hypertrophic scars, corticosteroids may be injected to reduce collagen formation, reduce the size and thickening of the scar.