Scar revision is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce the visibility of highly noticeable or distracting scars. Using advanced techniques to make scars as inconspicuous as possible, our plastic surgeons take every care to blend and smooth scar tissue to restore a healthy and natural look to the impacted area.
If you live in or around Los Altos, California, and are interested in learning about your scar revision options, please call 650-934-7020 to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons today. Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery welcomes scar revision patients from San Jose, Santa Clara, and all nearby areas of California.
Which Treatment Is Right For Me?
Depending on the location, thickness, and type of scar being treated, there are several options that may be utilized for revision. These include:
- Topical ointments and creams
- Laser treatments
- IPL Photofacial
- Chemical peel
- Skin grafting
- Surgical revision
Mild to moderate scarring often respond well to nonsurgical options such as laser treatments and topical creams, but thicker and more serious scarring may require surgical intervention. The best way to find out which option is best for you is through a one-on-one consultation with one of the board-certified plastic surgeons at Altos Oaks.
Surgical Revision
Surgically removing a scar is a good option, but it is the most invasive treatment option available. An evaluation with one of our doctors is a great way to see if this treatment option is the best option for you. This procedure helps reduce the appearance and texture of a scar, making it less visible.
Skin Grafting
Skin grafting is a surgical procedure that can help treat severe scars, and reduce their appearance and texture. This is done by transferring healthy, unaffected skin from a different part of the body and using it to cover the injured area or scar. Doing so can greatly improve how the scar heals and even speed up the healing process. It is important to note that since the skin graft is taken from another part of the body, the transferred skin may not perfectly match the area it is being transferred to.
Ointments, Creams, & Peels
There are other effective and safe treatment options such as ointments, creams, and peels. Ointments and creams are very effective in reducing the appearance and texture of minor scars. They can hydrate the area and improve your skin’s elasticity and structure giving it a boosted feel and look.
Chemical peels can also help improve the healing process of a scar. The solution is placed over the desired area where the scar is. When the peel is removed, with it a dead layer of skin is also removed. This helps reveal a smoother, glowing, fresh layer of skin underneath. For surface-level scars, multiple treatment sessions are needed in order to yield the best results.
Types of Scars
Scaring is a natural part of the healing process. The type of scar that develops depends on several factors including the depth and cause of the injury, the race, age, and sex of the injured person, and how well the wound is tended to during the healing process.
Scars that can be treated through revision surgery include:
- Hypertrophic Scars: These scars develop directly over a wound and are often raised and red in color. Hypertrophic scars may become wider and change color over time.
- Keloid Scars: These scars typically extend beyond the boundary of a wound and are often thick and noticeable. These scars develop when the body produces tough, thick, fibrous collagen protein, which can lead to a raised scar bump. Keloid scars can pucker, which can lead to limitations to movement.
- Contracture Scars: Typically following burns or substantial tissue loss, contracture scars restrict movement by pulling the skin together during the healing process. These scars can impact muscle, nerve, and joint function and often result in serious disfigurement and physical discomfort
Other scars, such as acne scars, fall under the above categories and are treated based on their type and cause.
Scar Revision Candidates
The best candidates for scar revision are nonsmokers who are in generally good health. Nicotine is a vascular constrictor that increases risks for thick and visible scars. Even smokeless products like vape pens will significantly increase risks for scarring. If you use tobacco, you will need to stop completely before your scar revision surgery.
In addition to being in generally good health, good candidates for scar revision should:
- Be free of skin diseases and conditions
- Have realistic expectations of scar revision outcomes
Scars can be revised, diminished, reduced, blended, and hidden, but cannot be completely erased. During your initial consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons, we will carefully evaluate your scars, provide you with honest information about treatment options and likely outcomes, and help you choose the best solution for your needs.
Contact Our Scar Revision Specialists In Los Altos!
At Altos Oak Plastic Surgery, our team of expert healthcare professionals strives to provide you with the best possible care and results. With state-of-the-art technology and equipment, we are dedicated to doing just that. We believe that everyone deserves to look how they feel, so we are here to help.
Please call Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery at 650-934-7020 to schedule a consultation. You can also fill out the form on this page or our contact page. We serve Mountain View, Palo Alto, and surrounding South Bay communities from our convenient Los Altos location.