Scars form when the skin is broken in some fashion and then heals, forming scar tissue in the process. This could be the result of an accident, severe acne, or a planned surgery. The size of a scar is dependent on the depth, width, and length of the break in the skin, your genetic traits, and your skin’s qualities (thickness, skin tone, etc.) Some people form more noticeable scars than others, so it’s best to seek the advice of a surgeon who deals with scars when the skin is cut. Otherwise, if a scar bothers you, you may need to visit a cosmetic surgeon for a scar revision procedure.
There are numerous ways a plastic surgeon can repair a scar. Here are three of the most common techniques:
Surgical Scar Revision
Facial plastic surgeons generally use one of two techniques for scar repair. The shape and size of the scar dictates the best method and the number of procedures required to reduce a scar’s appearance. The surgeon may excise all of the scar tissue and then stitch the wound up carefully to avoid leaving a scar. An alternative option is to perform a z-plasty. This involves cutting two equal triangle flaps over the area of the scar and then stitching the new incisions closed without creating tension that can lead to scars. The z-plasty is also useful in helping the surgeon to move the scar to a natural crease in the skin.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is an effective, yet aggressive technique that is used on scars, including acne scars. During this procedure, the skin is buffed away using a handheld rotating device. This removes the upper layers of tissue, including scar tissue. After the procedure, your face is red and crusts may form over the treatment areas. After these scabs fall away, the new skin appears and is much smoother and the appearance of the scar is minimized. You may need up to two weeks off work or social activities following dermabrasion.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments involve the use of lasers to remove the dull, upper layers of skin and scar tissue. While this does not get rid of the scar, it makes it less noticeable. It’s best performed on scars that are in the upper layers of skin tissue rather than deep scars.
It is important to protect the treated area from sun while it heals.It could take a number of weeks to fully heal. During this time your skin may appear red, similar to that of a skin burn.
You might be surprised by the improvement scar repair can make. Check out these pictures of patients with scars and the pictures of that same scar after a treatment with Dr. Williams, a New York facial plastic surgeon. The scars go from being extremely visible to barely noticeable. Talk to Dr. Williams about a scar repair in his Albany or Manhattan office. Call 1-800-742-2797 to arrange a consultation.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.