Scar Revision New York City

Scars resulting from injury or previous surgery can be reduced in appearance with scar revision. Scar revision refers to a variety of techniques which can help to narrow, fade or otherwise improve severe or unattractive scars. Scar revision is particularly attractive to individuals with scars on cosmetically sensitive areas like the face and hands.

Dr. Roland will evaluate your scar during your consultation in his Manhattan office. There are a number of factors which will help to determine the appropriate treatment and the effectiveness of scar revision including the nature of the injury, the body's healing potential, the size and depth of the wound, and the blood supply in the area. It's important for patients to understand that scars are permanent and that scar revision will not completely remove the scar but rather improve its appearance.

The scar revision procedure may be performed in Dr. Roland's Manhattan office or at one of the desirable hospitals or surgicenters in New York City. The type of anesthesia will depend on the particular technique but in general either local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia may be used. There are a variety of surgical methods which may be used including surgical excision in which the scarred tissue is excised and a new incision is made; skin grafts which involves the removal of healthy skin tissue from another area and relocating it to the scarred area; flap surgery in which an adjacent flap of healthy skin is lifted and moved over the scarred section; and Z-plasty, a technique in which the scar is repositioned to a less noticeable areas such as within a natural skin fold or crease.

Scar revision procedures may involve some swelling and bruising. If discomfort occurs it can be relived with medication. The new scar may appear more red and swollen at first but it will eventually fade into a fine line. Most patients find that they can return to work within one to two weeks following scar revision.

Commonly Asked Questions Concerning Scar Revision

What can a scar revision do for me?

Scar revision involves several techniques which can reduce the appearance of scars caused by injury or previous surgery. If you have a severe or unattractive scar, it may be possible to narrow, fade or otherwise improve its appearance. This can be particularly beneficial for scars on the face, hands or other cosmetically sensitive areas.

Am I a good candidate for scar revision?

The best candidates for scar revision wish to improve an unattractive scar, are generally healthy, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations that they have discussed with their plastic surgeon. Patients should be aware that scars cannot be completely removed but will be improved in appearance.

During consultation in his Manhattan office, Dr. Roland will evaluate your scar to determine the best approach to improve its appearance.

How is scar revision performed?

Some scar revision techniques are performed in Dr. Roland's Manhattan office while others will take place in one of the New York City area's hospitals or surgicenters. Some techniques will involve local anesthesia and sedation, others will involve general anesthesia. In some cases, the scar tissue may be surgically excised with a new incision made. Skin grafts and flap surgery are another option and these use healthy skin tissue from another area of the body or an adjacent area to cover the scarred section. Z-plasty repositions scars to areas that are less noticeable like natural folds or creases within the skin.

What is the recovery from scar revision like?

The recovery following scar revision will be determined by the particular technique that is used. Most techniques may result in some swelling, bruising and discomfort. In most cases, the scar will appear more red and swollen immediately after surgery but with time it will fade into a fine line. Many patients return to work within one to two weeks post operatively.

What are the risks of scar revision?

The possible complications of scar revision will vary according to the particular technique used. Dr. Roland will discuss all risks and benefits of your scar revision procedure prior to your surgery. In general, some possible risks may include bleeding, infection, anesthesia reaction, and poor healing.

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