Whether the skin has been injured by a burn, surgery, traumatic injury, or acne, it will form a scar, and skin revision is one way to address that problem. A scar is simply your body's response to healing any damaged tissue. When collagen is produced by your body, a scar forms, and organizes itself directly on the wound to repair and protect it from elements and infection. Unfortunately, the way a scar is seen depends as much on the way your body heals as it does on the type of skin it's on, the presence of infection, the tension of the wound, and at times the technique and skill of the physician.

No scar can be removed completely; though plastic surgeons may often improve the scar's appearance, making it substantially less obvious through skin revision. This can be done by injection or application of certain medications or by surgical correction. Surgical scar revision involves scar excision and approximating the tissue back together, Z-plasty or reconstruction with a flap.

Many scars that appear big and unattractive at first can become less obvious with time. Most plastic surgeons advise waiting as long as one year or more after an injury or surgery that causes a scar before you choose to have scar revision. The physician will examine you and discuss the various methods of treating your scar, the benefits and risks involved, and the possible outcomes. Be honest when discussing your expectations with your surgeon, and ensure that they're realistic.

Facial reconstruction following injury

Surgery, or skin revision, following facial trauma could take as long as 4 to 14 hours, because the goal is to repair as much as can be done in one operation. The doctor may use bone grafts, taking bone from other areas of the body to repair facial bones, or fill in tinier areas of missing bone with prosthetics and implants. Broken facial bones get held in place with titanium mini-plates as well as surgical screws. This technique is coined rigid fixation. Lacerations (tears) in the face usually are simply closed with stitches. If large parts of skin are missing, the surgeon can use a flap, which is a part of living tissue carrying its own blood supply, from another part of the patient's body and then transplants it to the face. Some facial injuries could require the assistance of an oral surgeon, neurosurgeon, or ophthalmologist.

Scar Revision Candidates

There are many aspects that can affect scarring severity. This includes the depth and size of the wound, the direction of the scar, the thickness and color of your skin, the blood supply to the area, and the tension of the wound. How much the look of a scar bothers you is a personal matter.

If conservative treatment does not work or if your scar cannot be improved with medication alone, you may be considered for surgical skin revision. First and foremost, a person must be in good health, not have any pre-existing medical conditions or active diseases which can increase your operative risk. In addition, you need to have realistic expectations of the outcome of the procedure. Communication is critical in reaching your goals. Discuss your goals with your physician so that you can reach an understanding of what can be achieved realistically.

Take your time finding someone you can trust, and feel comfortable with, to perform this procedure for you. Make sure it's a highly qualified health professional with expertise in the specialty you are interested in.