Reconstructive Surgery

Scar Revision & Removal Houston

Scars are unpredictable, whether they’re caused by accidents or by surgery. Scar development depends as much on how your body heals as it does on the original injury or on the surgeon’s skills. While no scar can be removed completely, Dr. Rappaport can improve the appearance of the scar by making it less obvious through the injection or application of certain steroid medications, or through surgery.

Scar revision offers the following benefits:

  • Improvement in the appearance of a scar
  • Enhanced movement in the area of the scar
  • Elimination of discomfort caused by scar rubbing against clothing
  • Better self-confidence in knowing your scar is less visible to others

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Scar Revision Houston

Options in Scar Revision
Dr. Rappaport can perform scar revision on the following types of scars:

Keloid Scars – These are thick, puckered, itchy clusters of scar tissue that grow beyond the edges of the wound or incision. They are often red or darker in color than the surrounding tissue. Keloids can appear anywhere on the body and occur most often in dark-skinned people. Keloids may be treated with steroids or surgically removed (excised). Keloids do have a high recurrence rate and sometimes radiation is necessary to treat them.

Hypertrophic Scars – This scar resembles a keloid scar, but tends to remain within the boundaries of the original incision or wound. They often improve with topical steroids or steroid injections. When steroids do not produce the desired result, these scars may need to be removed surgically.

Contractures – These types of scars often occur after a burn or other injury. The scar can pull the edges of the skin together in a process called contraction. Contractures may affect adjacent muscles and tendons and restrict normal movement. Dr. Rappaport may surgically remove a contracture and replace it with local tissue rearrangement or a skin graft. Some patients may require physical therapy after treatment to restore range of motion to the area.

Facial Scars – Facial scars can cause some of the greatest concern for patients because they are the most visible. Dr. Rappaport will discuss several ways to make your facial scar less noticeable. He will take into consideration the location and direction of your facial scar when determining your treatment options.

How is Scar Revision Performed?
Scar revision is performed on an outpatient basis at Dr. Rappaport’s Houston office. Local anesthetic is usually sufficient to ensure your comfort during the procedure. More complex revisions may require a general anesthetic. Duration of the procedure will depend on the size of the scar and the technique required for effective revision.

What is the Recovery Like?
Patients can usually return to regular activities the day after scar revision. Localized swelling or redness around the scar will usually disappear within 1-2 weeks. Any discomfort after the procedure can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Full results of scar revision may not be evident for a number of months as the scar gradually fades and blends in with the surrounding skin.

Dr. Rappaport Answers Questions about Scar Revision

Do over-the-counter topical ointments work well to reduce scars?
There are a number of products sold over the counter that promise to minimize the appearance of scars. I do not believe most of these products provide the results patients are hoping for. Through cosmetic procedures like surgical excision or skin rejuvenation, we can effectively reduce the appearance of most types of scars, with results that far surpass those offered by products found in your local pharmacy. Typically, local massage and silicone gel sheeting is recommended following initial would healing.

How long will it take for my scar to look better?
You may be discouraged to find your scar actually looks worse instead of better immediately following your scar revision procedure. However, the appearance of the scar should start to improve within a week after treatment and continue to improve in the days, weeks and even months following the procedure. Usually by 12 months patients will see a significant improvement to the look of their scar.

Will my results be permanent?
Scar revision is usually permanent, with the exception of treatment for keloid scars. Because these scars have a high recurrence rate, you may need more than one treatment session – or even more than one type of procedure – to finally say goodbye to these scars.

Are there other options for reducing the appearance of a scar?
Some scarring, such as acne scars, can be effectively reduced through non-surgical cosmetic procedures like laser resurfacing or even injectable treatments. To learn more about these options, contact our SUBTLchanges skin rejuvenation clinic.

Dr. Rappaport understands the embarrassment some types of scarring can cause. He will work with you to find treatments that will effectively minimize the appearance of your scar so you can regain your self-confidence. To learn more about options in scar revision, contact Houston Center for Plastic Surgery at 713-790-4500.

Houston Center For Plastic Surgery

6560 Fannin Street, #1812
Houston, Texas 77030

Phone: (713) 790-4500
Fax: (713) 793-1299
Email: info@hcps.cc