What techinques are used during scar revision surgery?
In the case of keloid and hypertrophic scars, the doctor may opt to inject the affected area with steroids. These work to break down the excess collagen that may have developed outside a wound, reducing pain, discoloration, itchiness and raised textures. Silicone gel sheets may also be employed to help soften, even out and fade hypertrophic scars.
When dealing with more severe contracture scars, skin grafts are often a preferred solution. This involves removing the scarred tissue and replacing it with healthy skin from another area of the body. A “Z-Plasty” can be used to reposition a scar so that it blends in better with the body’s natural contours. Lastly, the doctor may choose to perform tissue expansion. This is where healthy skin tissue is stretched via a balloon filled with saline and then used to hide a scar from view.
Other scar revision techniques are dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, dermal fillers and vascular lesion therapy, which may be used alone or in conjunction with the aforementioned approaches. Dr. Kwak will determine the best course of action based on your consultation.
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