Scar Revision

What is Scar Revision?

Scar Revision is a surgical or non-surgical procedure employed to improve or reduce the appearance of scars caused by an injury, wound, poor healing, or previous surgery.

Dr. Moulthrop and Dr. Jacob can assess facial scars and develop a treatment plan to improve appearance. Most often it is best to allow a scar to mature fully before consideration of a revision surgery and this can take up eight to twelve months. After approximately six weeks scars should be tending to remodel resulting in less fullness, tightness, and redness. Throughout the healing process application of topical scar creams, massage, and sun protection are important. We can also assess if the scar is tending to increase in size or width (hypetrophic scars) or even grow beyond the bounds of the original injury (keloid). In these instances, patients may benefit from injections of steroids or applications of silicone sheets to scars that appear to be “over healing”. Other non-surgical methods that we employ involve laser treatments that especially aid in improving scar color to allow them to better blend with the facial skin. When considering revision surgery it is important to remember that you are always trading an old scar for a new scar. The techniques we employ plan for the new scars to be less apparent by decreasing size, orientating in natural creases, and decreasing skin color changes.

What are the doctor qualifications and training for Scar Revision surgery?

As double board certified and fellowship trained in both Head and Neck Surgery as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Drs Jacob and Moulthrop have truly unique, advanced training in the complexities of scar revision surgery. There is no one template or road map for surgery. We have an advanced understanding of the face’s form and function. This helps us excel at scar revision procedures.

What is involved in Scar Revision surgery?

Consultation. During the consult, we will perform a detailed physical exam and then discuss the intricacies of the operation with you.

Surgical Procedure. There are many surgical techniques to improve the appearance of scars. Generally, the approach is trading an unsightly scar with one that is camouflaged in natural lines or will heal in a less conspicuous manner. Often, in addition, nonsurgical interventions are employed to improve scar healing.

Post-Op and Further Recommendations. Throughout the healing period which may take up to a year, patients will be monitored for the need of any additional interventions.

How long does it take to recover from Scar Revision surgery?

Many of our patients are curious about the recovery time and procedures for scar revision surgery. Scar revision surgery recovery involves the following steps:

In-hospital recovery. Scar revision surgeries can often be performed under local anesthesia or if they are more involved we can employ IV sedation or general anesthesia. In most cases patients will go home the same day.

In-home recovery. Patients will be required to limit their activity and perform local wound care. Typically, they experience minor discomfort.

Follow-up consultations. The patients will follow up in 5-7 days for suture removal. The next visit will be in 4-5 weeks after operation. The patient will then have follow-up at 2-3 months, 6 months, and 1 year monitoring the revised scar as it matures and becomes less conspicuous.

What are the side effects from Scar Revision surgery?

You may experience the following side effects:

• Bleeding, infection as with any surgical intervention
• Wound breakdown. If local tissue was transferred to revise the scar it may not survive and require follow up procedures.
• Minor pain and discomfort that usually are controlled with short term prescription medications and commonly OTC medications
• Poor cosmetic result. There are certain cases where the result and/or scarring are not cosmetically acceptable requiring further intervention/procedures

Please contact us at our New Orleans facial plastic surgery facility to schedule your scar revision consultation.