Scar Revision – Baton Rouge, LA

Overview

Baton Rouge plastic surgeon, Dr. Erick Sanchez, uses a skilled, precise surgical approach for scar revision, where he carefully repairs and enhances the affected location for natural-looking, smoother skin. After any surgery, flesh wound, or closure of a surgical incision, a scar can follow. Diligent plastic surgeons, like Dr. Sanchez, are generally extremely considerate with incision placement for aesthetic and healing purposes. Since some surgeons are not as careful or skilled, unsightly scars can appear. Scar revision surgery can ensure that the scar is minimized and becomes less noticeable over time. Dr. Sanchez has an extensive history of excellence in scar revision. Please schedule a consultation with our front office today if you would like to know how scar revision surgery could benefit your skin.

Types of Scars

The type of scar a patient has will determine the appropriate techniques our doctor will use to improve its appearance. Listed below are various scar types.

DISCOLORED, IRREGULAR SCARS

No impairment of function
Does not cause physical discomfort
Examples: Scars from acne, minor injuries and prior surgical incisions

HYPERTROPIC SCARS

Cluster of scar tissue that develops directly at a wound site
Thick, raised, red and/or uncomfortable
May become wider over time
Can be hyperpigmented (darker in color) or hypopigmented (lighter in color)

KELOID SCARS

Larger than hypertropic scars
Can be painful or itchy
Extend beyond the edges of an original wound or incision
Can occur anywhere on your body, especially on the face, neck, ears, chest or shoulders

CONTRACTURE SCARS

Scars that restrict movement
Occur when there is a large amount of tissue loss, such as after a burn
Often form where a wound crosses a joint, restricting movement of the fingers, elbows, knees or neck

What to Expect

Dr. Sanchez wants his patients to be as healthy as possible before undergoing surgery. He performs cosmetic surgery on candidates with a BMI under 32 or a body fat percentage of 35% or lower. This reduces risk of complications and ultimately gives the patient better results.

Our talented physician will evaluate the overall health of the existing scar. The degree of improvement that can be achieved with scar revision will depend on the severity of the scarring and the type, size, and location of the scar. In some cases, a single technique may provide significant improvement. However, our team may recommend a combination of scar revision techniques to achieve the best results. Scar revision may include:

TOPICAL TREATMENTS

Including gels, tapes, or external compression

INJECTABLE TREATMENTS

Used to fill depressed or concave scars
Can be steroidal-based compounds

SURFACE TREATMENTS

These methods can soften surface irregularities and reduce uneven pigmentation
Dermabrasion, a mechanical polishing of the skin
Laser or light therapy allows new, healthy skin to form at the scar site
Chemical peel solutions soften irregularities in texture and color
Skin bleaching agents, medications applied topically to lighten the skin

SURGICAL INCISION

Used in deeper scars
Requires layered closure
May require complex flap closure to reposition a scar or improve flexibility of a contracture

TISSUE SUBSTITUTES

Used if ample healthy tissue is not present
More likely with revision of severe burn scars

TISSUE EXPANSION

An inflatable balloon is placed under the skin near the scar site
Over time, the balloon is filled with sterile solution to expand the area of healthy skin
Once the skin has been stretched sufficiently, the expander and the scar are removed and the stretched skin is moved to replace the scar tissue

Scar Revision Recovery

At the completion of a scar revision procedure, patients will be placed in a surgical dressing. Sometimes a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. This tube will be removed early in the healing process. Patients will be given specific wound care instructions in order to allow for the best possible healing and outcome. Swelling and bruising are expected after scar revision. The swelling and bruising will start to resolve about a week after surgery, although this will vary between patients.

Expected Cost

The cost for scar revision surgery will depend on the type, location and severity of the scar. It could be as little as $500 or as high as $4,000 if grafts, expanders or any other reconstruction process needs to occur to attain the best result.

Correct an Unsightly Scar

If you have a scar on your body that you consider too large, too wide, uncomfortable or unsightly and would like to understand what options exist to create a better scar appearance, please call our office today. During a private consultation with our dedicated staff, we will evaluate the existing scar and provide you with an honest and realistic approach for correcting the appearance.