Scar revision surgery can be described as a type of cosmetic surgery or a type of reconstructive surgery. This surgery can be performed on burns, old scarring and other types of skin trauma. It’s considered a form of cosmetic surgery if the main goal is improving the patient’s appearance, but it’s considered a type of reconstructive surgery if it is done to restore the function of the scarred body part.
How Would a Scar Interfere with Function?
Scars can cause contracture, a situation in which the skin and underlying muscles shorten or become abnormally tight. Not only can contractures deform the affected body part, but they can also interfere with the patient’s range of motion and other movement issues. A contracture on the face, for example, can limit or distort the patient’s facial expressions by affecting the muscles involved.
A contracture scar is most likely to develop if the injury caused a lot of skin damage or loss. As the scar forms, it pulls the edges of the skin together and creates an abnormally tight area. Burns are the most common cause of a contracture scar. They can also form if the scar crosses a joint.
What Does Reconstructive Surgery Involve?
The details of each scar revision procedure vary from patient to patient, since each situation is unique and everyone has different goals. During scar revision, the surgeon may excise or remove the scar tissue and then cover the area with a skin flap or skin graft taken from the patient’s body.
A skin graft is a thin layer of skin carefully chosen to match the skin at the operating site. A skin flap contains all of the layers of the skin and has its own blood supply, and it is generally taken from a place near the wound.
Dr. Sands uses a variety of different techniques in his reconstructive surgery procedures. The technique used during your procedure will be discussed during a consultation at our office.
Addressing Your Old Scarring
Even if you have been living with your scars for a long time, it doesn’t mean you have to continue to live with them for the rest of your life. Consult with the team at Metairie Plastic Surgeons to see how reconstructive surgery can help you. A simple procedure at our office in Metairie may be able to restore both appearance and functionality in the area with the scarring. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more.
