Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get this procedure and what are the expected results?
Anyone with scar tissue that restricts movement, or causes pain or discomfort is an ideal candidate for this surgery to improve quality of life and appearance. Anyone with unsightly, visible scars can benefit from this procedure. Although results are highly variable depending upon the size, shape and particular skin, most people will see a reduction in the amount and appearance of scar tissue.
What should I expect before my procedure?
Depending on the type of scar, different approaches are used to improve its appearance or function. These include skin grafts or skin flaps that involve taking skin from one location on your body to another. Others include topical treatments, injections or tissue expansion. Schedule a consultation to see what approach works best for your situation. Most procedures can be done in an ambulatory or hospital setting under local anesthesia. Larger, deeper scars may require general anesthesia.
What should I expect after my procedure?
Typically, an overnight hospital stay is not needed, and you can go home the same day. Your specific recovery will depend upon the level of scarring being treated, but for most patients, expect some pain, swelling and bruising to occur around the scar site in the days after your procedure. Smaller revisions may take days to heal, while larger, more invasive revisions may take a week or more. It is important to keep the revision site clean, and if going outdoors, be sure to cover up and use sunscreen, as the healing tissue may be sensitive to sunburn.
Why should I consider surgery?
For scars that are large, noticeable or unsightly, this is a permanent solution to minimizing its appearance, such as breast reduction or c-section scars. Surgery is generally well tolerated for most healthy individuals.
What if I’m not ready for surgery?
For certain scars, topical treatments or injections and fillers may provide results. Please consult our dermatologists to see if this approach is right for you.
Can this be combined with other procedures?
Yes! Scar revision can be combined with other surgeries to help further your appearance or minimize the appearance of scarring. Common surgeries that include scar revision include a face lift, body contouring or breast reconstruction. Schedule a consult with one our surgeons to determine what is the best approach for you.