Scar is a common problem and is usually caused by accidents or surgery. The commonest presentation we come across is a wide ugly looking scar with prominent hatch marks. Development of a scar is not only dependent on healing process of the body but also in the original injury or on the surgeon's skills.
Treatment: The goal of the surgery is to improve the appearance of the scar either by disguising it, relocating it or minimizing its prominence. Different treatment modalities are available for treating the different type of scars. The surgical treatment of scars is to convert it to a thin fine line preferably along the natural creases. Generally the operation is done as a day case under local anesthesia.
Scar revision may take one to three hours to complete, depending on the techniques used and the extent of the areas to be treated. Smaller scars and areas can be treated under local anesthetic, but larger scars or those in very sensitive areas may require general anesthetic. Many patients are able to go home on the day of the surgery but some remain in the hospital for one or two days after scar revision surgery.
When to have scar revision done is not always clear. Scars shrink and become less noticeable as they age. You may be able to wait for surgical revision until the scar lightens in color, which can be several months or even a year after the wound has healed. For some scars, however, it is best to have revision surgery 60-90 days after the scar matures.
Is it a safe Procedure?
While scar revision is normally safe, there is always the possibility of complications. These may include infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anesthesia, or the recurrence of an unsightly scar.
You can reduce your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and closely follow his or her advice, both before surgery and in follow-up care.