A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY
Regain confidence and minimize the appearance of scars
After an injury, such as an accident or surgery, injured skin forms scar tissue as it heals. How the scar forms will depend on many factors, such as the depth and size of the wound, age, general health, skin condition, and type.
No matter where it’s located or how big it is, a scar can make anyone feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. If you are troubled by the appearance of a scar, you may want to consider scar revision surgery at Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center in Homosassa, a leader in Citrus County plastic surgery.
Whether it’s a facial scar, c-section scar, or a scar that’s long-healed, we pride ourselves on our commitment to personalized care for every patient, and we can help you regain your self-confidence and poise!
Types of scars
Scars vary in appearance almost as much as people do. Their coloring, shape, and size all are unique characteristics to each person’s scar. Scars may also be raised or depressed, depending on location and type.
- Hypertrophic Scar. Hypertrophic scars are usually raised and located directly on the injury site. They are often red in coloring and hyperpigmented (dark), but they may also be hypopigmented (light). They are usually caused by burns, cuts, piercings, or acne.
- Keloid Scar. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloid scars often grow beyond the area of the injury, forming thick clusters of scar tissue. Keloids may be painful or tender and are often itchy. While generally not harmful to your health, thick clusters may restrict movement, depending on location, and are often a cosmetic concern due to their large size.
- Contractures. A contracture scar happens when a large area of skin is damaged, usually from a burn or surgery. The wide area of scarring pulls the skin tighter, affecting muscles, joints, and tendons. This decreases the ability to move and can be aesthetically unpleasing given the large area of scarring.
What to expect
With scar revision surgery, our scar revision surgeons will remove the excess scar tissue, possibly repositioning the scar to make it less noticeable and then suture the area to create a thinner, less obvious scar. Scar revision surgery can be done under local anesthesia, leaving you awake and aware during the procedure or it can be done under general anesthesia.
The optimal timing of scar surgery after an accident or injury is not always easy to determine. Scars do diminish as they age, becoming less noticeable over time. However, some scars are best operated on 60 to 90 days after the injury has completely healed. Every scar is unique, and board-certified Homosassa plastic surgeons like Dr. Nesmith are qualified to make an informed judgment on your individual case.
Scar treatments
There are many options for scar removal and revision depending on the type of scar that is being treated. Surgery for keloid scar removal is often an option, but less invasive procedures such as steroid injections, cryotherapy, and pressure therapy are available. However, these treatments may take longer for noticeable changes to be seen. Laser surgery is also an available treatment option.
Hypertrophic scars have similar treatment options, though treatments might be required for up to two years to ensure that the scar does not return. Surgery for Contracture scars often requires a skin graft or skin flap to alleviate the constriction. Your cosmetic surgeon should review your options and potential side effects during your consultation.
Who is a good candidate for scar revision?
Scar revision can give you the confidence boost that you need while restoring the natural beauty of your skin. If you are bothered by a scar and are considering scar revision surgery, you’re likely to be a candidate if you:
- Are physically healthy
- Are a non-smoker
- Do not have acne or other skin diseases in the treatment area
Scar revision surgery recovery
Recovery time depends on the type of scar and surgery. Pressure dressing after keloid scar revision is common to prevent a recurrence, and a light bandage will most likely be used in other types of revision surgery. Usually, stitches are removed three or four days after surgery on the face, and five to seven days after revision on the rest of the body. Dr. Nesmith will likely recommend that you avoid any activities that pull at or put pressure on the healing scar.
Results of scar revision
You can expect a smaller, less noticeable scar with scar revision plastic surgery. Other benefits of scar revision surgery are improved appearance and comfort, and possible improvement in range of motion for scars that interfere with normal movements.
Risks and side effects of scar revision
There are risks with any kind of surgery as well as risks specific to scar revision procedures. These include:
- Allergic reactions to anesthesia
- Breathing problems
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Scar recurrence
- Separation of the wound
- Keloid scarring (or the recurrence of keloid scars)
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Board-certified plastic surgeons
If you are unhappy with your breasts and considering plastic surgery, stop by our office in Homosassa, Florida.
We offer a variety of facial plastic surgery procedures so that you can be happy with the skin you’re in.
We perform body contouring procedures on men and women for a variety of aesthetic and health reasons.
If you prefer the non-surgical route, we have many options that can help you look young and feel more confident in your appearance.
Plastic surgery is not a gender-specific industry. At Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center, we often find that men have unique concerns.