Scar Revision

Background

Scar tissue is created when the skin heals from a traumatic cut or tear; the extent of the scarring may range from nearly imperceptible to very obvious or disfiguring. Your scar may may vary in color, texture, and size; they may be wide, sunken or raised, and may be discolored from your natural skin tone. Dr. Reilly will make his recommendations for minimizing the appearance of your scars based on your specific concerns.

In the vast majority of patients, the desired aesthetic result is readily achieved. However, the possible complications of scar revision include but are not limited to the following:
Infection, bleeding, swelling, scarring, pain, numbness, skin discoloration, asymmetry, displeasure with the cosmetic outcome, and allergic or other negative reactions to one or more of the medications or substances used in the operation.

After surgery, your surgeon may choose to apply a dressing for a day or two. 48 hours after surgery, you may wash in the area with soap and water. Your scar may feel tight with some aching, but this is usually very easily controlled by medication. It is crucial that you follow the instructions for post-operative visits and care. Swelling in the treatment area is likely but should not last for more than a few days to a week at most. Cold compresses may be recommended by the surgeon. Sutures are typically left in place 5-7 days and are removed at a post-operative visit. The maturation process for a scar takes a total of one year. You should expect redness and/or darkness around the scar for about 6 weeks after surgery. At that time, the color will fade and the scar will soften and begin its process of blending in with the surrounding normal skin.