Scar revision

A scar is natural part of the wound-healing process. The extent of scarring may vary depending on factors like the depth and the size of the wound or incision, the location of the injury, your age and heredity. Although they cannot be completely erased, there are several ways to make them less apparent. The list of techniques includes laser scar removal, dermabrasion, chemical peels, and surgical scar revision.

The surgery

Laser scar removal may be used to treat wrinkles, scars from acne or chicken pox, and blemishes caused by aging or sun exposure. During this procedure, a laser is used to vaporize or remove the flawed skin layer, which is then replaced by new, more natural looking skin. This procedure is not suitable for people with certain skin disorders (e.g. psoriasis, cystic acne, dermatitis).

The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. Laser scar removal is usually preformed under local anaesthetic. Most patients do not experience pain or bleeding during this procedure. The regeneration of the skin begins about four days after the treatment. The time of recovery depends on the type of laser used and individual skin characteristics. Patients can typically resume normal activities immediately after the treatment.

Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are the most common side effects of laser scar removal, which can be worsen by sun exposure. Infection and allergic reactions may occur, but they can be treated or prevented with medication. The risks of laser scar removal also include crusting, swelling, redness or oozing. Ointment and bandages are often applied to keep the treated area moist. Patients are advised to avoid direct sunlight for about 3 months.

Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planning, is a method in which the skin is frozen and than "sanded down" with a special instrument. This procedure improves the skin contour, because the new skin that replaces the skin on the treated area has a smoother appearance. Dermabrasion is used to remove acne scars, age spots, wrinkles, tattoos, blemishes from sun damage, broken blood vessels, and pre-cancerous lesions. Following the procedure the skin is pink for a short time, but it gradually returns to its normal colour. Patients usually can resume their normal activities within two weeks, but they should avoid direct sunlight for 3 to 6 months after the procedure.

Chemical peels use chemical solutions that remove the outer layer of skin on the face, neck, or hands to improve the texture of the skin. Peels can diminish facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation There are more types of chemical peels. A superficial peel does not remove scars or wrinkles, but it can improve the skin's appearance for a couple of weeks. Deep peels can diminish imperfections of the sun-damaged, unevenly pigmented, or coarsely wrinkled facial areas and they have a long lasting effect. After a chemical peel patients should avoid direct sunlight. The healing period after a superficial peel is normally a week, but deep peels heal slower and the recovery may be painful. Swelling, crusting and discolouration of the treated are may occur after the procedure.

Surgical scar revision may also be used to make a scar less visible. During this procedure the surgeon tries to adjust the scar or redirect it toward a natural line or wrinkle. The scar may also be excised in such a way that after the healing process a less noticeable scar remains.

TIME OF STAY

7 days