Scars on your face or body can be embarrassing, and you may feel self-conscious when people look at you. Plastic surgery is a great solution to repairing and minimizing scarring, giving you back your confidence and courage.
Whether your scars are from injuries, accidents, or even acne, you can get help by consulting a specialized plastic surgeon like Dr. Joel Aronowitz.
What Scar Removal Can Plastic Surgery Offer?
Plastic surgery techniques, including skin grafts, can remove or minimize most types of scars. In these grafts, donor skin (often sourced from one’s own body) is surgically grown on the scar to minimize rough texture and poor coloring.
In consultation with your board-certified plastic surgeon, you will discuss your expectations, techniques, desired outcomes, and budget to formulate a surgical intervention plan.
Who Can Get Scar Removal?
Not all scars are suitable for cosmetic surgery. Fresh scars are still healing, which means you may have to wait until these have healed, so you can then consider cosmetic procedures. If you have a history of poor healing and wound management challenges, you may also not be a great candidate for cosmetic surgery.
The depth of the scar tissue will also significantly impact what cosmetic techniques may be safely used to treat the scarring. Scar types that best respond to cosmetic procedures include hypertrophic scars, keloids, and some acne scarring.
The location of the scar also influences the surgical options. For instance, a scar on your cheek may heal better than one on your eyelid. Large scars also take more time and multiple procedures to recover.
If you have diabetes or have health challenges like poor circulation, you may also not be suitable for surgical scar treatments.
Scar Management Steps
The steps from when you decide you want to get scar management help look like this:
- Consult with a cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Joel Aronowitz to discuss your medical history and expectations. The surgeon will also discuss the procedures available for your type of scarring.
- Implementing a surgical plan may include methods like dermal peeling, laser treatments, and documentation of the scar during the process. Surgical scar removal isn’t a one-step process.
- Scar tissue excising includes making small cuts to remove damaged skin, which is often combined with grafting of skin to give your body a chance to heal and form healthy skin.
- Post-operative care is vital for successful healing. Your surgeon will instruct you on how to care for the new skin grafts and which skin medications to use to nourish your skin and minimize the risk of further scarring.
Do Scars Come Back?
Some skin scars will return after treatment, mainly if you don’t correctly apply post-operative care. Scar types like keloids may return, and these require treatment with steroids and even radiation therapy.
It’s vital to keep in touch with your plastic surgeon, even when you think that your skin has healed. You should also take great care of your skin with a careful dermatologically approved care plan and by wearing sunscreen to minimize the risk of sun damage disrupting old scar tissue.
Daniel J. Morgan is the founder of Invidiata Magazine, a premier publication showcasing luxury living, arts, and culture. With a passion for excellence, Daniel has established the magazine as a beacon of sophistication and refinement, captivating discerning audiences worldwide.
