Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely remove a scar (whether it is a surgical or post-traumatic scar). However, in most cases, scars can be surgically corrected, after which they become less noticeable. As a rule, it is possible to reduce the width, but it is almost impossible to affect its length. In any case, they can be made less noticeable and more cosmetic. In some cases, it is possible to move them (when moving skin flaps) to an area less visible to others (areas covered by clothes, underwear). With an excess of soft tissue, this is possible, but if the scar is located, for example, on the skin of the lower leg, then due to anatomical features, it is quite problematic to mask it.
Scars can be normal - hyper - and hypotrophic. All of them can be successfully surgically corrected. Keloid scars should be distinguished separately in people prone to keloid reactions to skin trauma. In such cases, the approach is purely individual and does not always involve surgical correction. Complex conservative treatment regimens are used for keloid scars, including compression therapy, corticosteroid therapy, the use of silicone creams and plates, the selection of individual therapy aimed at normalising folic acid metabolism, etc.
Post-burn dermatogenic contractures are a direct indication for scar removal or surgical plastic surgery. In some cases, long-term preoperative preparation is required for plastic surgery with local tissues and free skin flaps. Implantation of expanders, etc.
Laser resurfacing can also be used after surgical correction for an even greater effect.
Results of the operation
- The scar is less visible and more cosmetic
- Camouflaged scar (visible to others)
- Destruction of dermatogenic post-burn contractures (mobility of the limbs, neck, etc. returns)
- Solving functional and aesthetic problems in areas of gross scarring deformities
Work examples
Operation time
0.5 - 3 hours
Anaesthesia
General or local anaesthesia
Inpatient
1-3 days
Rehabilitation
7-14 days
Result.
A more cosmetic, less visible scar
Why you should do it
- dermatogenic contractures
- Gross scarring deformities
- Functional disorders caused by scarring deformities
- aesthetic indications
Contraindications.
- Severe somatic conditions
- decompensated diabetes mellitus
- Pyogenic diseases in the intervention area
- Insufficient microcirculation in the intended area of intervention
- Impossibility of complete closure of the defect
Preparation
2-3 weeks before the operation, it is necessary to pass the tests prescribed by the doctor
Stop taking medications that affect blood clotting
Passing drug compatibility tests
Consultation with an anaesthetist (for general anaesthesia)
You should quit smoking two weeks before the operation
If you are prone to keloidosis, you should additionally undergo a folate cycle study
Operation.
- preoperative marking
- Local or general anaesthesia
- Elliptical or complex incision, with flap relocation
- Matching flaps with their fixation with a multi-level suture
- Intradermal cosmetic suture
- Aseptic dressing, elastic bandaging
Stages of the operation
- The patient spends 1 to 3 days in the clinic
- Daily dressings in the hospital
- Restriction of physical activity for 14 days
- Sutures are removed for 7-14 days
- Wearing silicone plates on scars a month after surgery
Popular queries
Is it possible to completely get rid of the scar?
In most cases, it is impossible to completely remove the scar, because the correction involves a new scar. But it is possible to make it as invisible as possible
When scars and scars can be removed
In principle, surgical correction is possible at any stage of scar formation. However, conservative methods should be used with caution on immature scars
Can keloid scars be surgically corrected?
Each case of keloid is strictly individual. In most cases of keloidosis, an individual, complex scheme of therapeutic and surgical treatment of keloid scars is required. Everything is decided at a face-to-face consultation with a surgeon