Scar Revision

Definition. The scar is the result of some injury to the skin.  The body reacts to scarring by producing scar tissue, known as collagen, in order to “patch” up the resulting hole.  Sometimes the scar tissue continues to grow, however.  Other times scars can be extremely deep, long, or otherwise unsightly.  Sometimes scars can cause further damage to the skin or surrounding tissue.
Since scars are often difficult to shrink or cosmetically modify through traditional surgical means, the laser is a welcome addition to medical advancements. Properties of laser light make it an effective choice in skin related surgeries like scar revision.  Early laser treatments were tested in their effectiveness in reducing the growth of some hypertrophic and keloid scars.  These types of scars are ones that continue to grow scar tissue after the affected wound has already been filled.  The best results came from laser surgery to remove the expanding scars, rather than reducing their collagen production. Surgical related scars were found to be especially receptive to laser treatment when the laser was applied shortly after the original scar-producing surgery was performed.  There are many types of lasers that can be used in laser scar revision. 

Is it right for me?
You must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and you must have realistic expectations of the outcome of your surgery. No scar can be "erased" permanently.

Advantages. Scar revision minimizes and improves the appearance of unsightly keloids, facial and hypertrophic scars. It can also relieve the discomfort of contractures, caused by burns or other injuries, which can restrict movement of muscles and tendons.

Disadvantages. You can expect some discomfort, swelling, bruising and redness in and around the area treated.

Results. The degree of revision depends on the wound site and individual circumstances. Some individuals will only require simple revision and others are encouraged to have a combination of surgical revision plus skin resurfacing treatment.