Scar Revision in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale, AZ board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. John Williams, performs scar revision surgery to diminish the appearance of an existing scar. At John Williams MD, Plastic Surgery, we have an excellent record of improving the appearance of scars by using precise surgical techniques to help the scars lie flatter and blend better with the surrounding skin. Dr. Williams carefully repairs and enhances the affected location to result in a natural, smooth look. Every surgery that involves a skin incision results in a scar. While plastic surgeons, especially Dr. Williams, are experts at placing incisions in inconspicuous areas and closing them with precise surgical techniques, sometimes they heal in a way that is thick, red or visible. Some patients are prone to thick, visible scars because of their genetics. Some scars heal poorly due to infection during the healing process or because they were formed following a traumatic injury. These scars may need to be revised with a small surgical procedure. If you have a scar that troubles you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our office today.

The type of scar a patient has will determine the appropriate techniques our doctor will use to improve its appearance. Listed below are various scar types.

• No impairment of function
• Does not cause physical discomfort
• Examples: Scars from acne, minor injuries and prior surgical incisions

• Cluster of scar tissue that develops directly at a wound site
• Thick, raised, red and/or uncomfortable
• May become wider over time
• Can be hyperpigmented (darker in color) or hypopigmented (lighter in color)

• Larger than hypertrophic scars, more common in the African-American population
• Can be painful or itchy
• Extend beyond the edges of an original wound or incision
• Can occur anywhere on your body, especially on the face, neck, ears, chest or shoulders

• Scars that restrict movement
• Occur when there is a large amount of tissue loss, such as after a burn
• Often form where a wound crosses a joint, restricting movement of the fingers, elbows, knees or neck

Our talented physician will evaluate the overall health of the existing scar. The degree of improvement that can be achieved with scar revision will depend on the severity of the scarring and the type, size, and location of the scar. In some cases, a single technique may provide significant improvement. However, our team may recommend a combination of scar revision techniques to achieve the best results. Scar revision may include:

• Including gels, tapes, or external compression

• Used to fill depressed or concave scars
• Can be steroidal-based compounds

• These methods can soften surface irregularities and reduce uneven pigmentation
• Microneedling cans often the appearance and help flatten a raised scar
• Laser or light therapy allows new, healthy skin to form at the scar site
• Chemical peel solutions soften irregularities in texture and color
• Skin bleaching agents or medications applied topically to lighten the skin

• Used with deeper scars
• Requires layered closure
• May require complex flap closure to reposition a scar or improve flexibility of a contracture

• Used if ample healthy tissue is not present
• More likely with revision of severe burn scars

• An inflatable balloon is placed under the skin near the scar site
• Over time, the balloon is filled with sterile solution to expand the area of healthy skin
• Once the skin has been stretched sufficiently, the expander and the scar are removed and the stretched skin is moved to replace the scar tissue

At the completion of a scar revision procedure, patients will be placed in a surgical dressing. Sometimes a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. This tube will be removed early in the healing process. Patients will be given specific wound care instructions in order to allow for the best possible healing and outcome. Swelling and bruising are expected after scar revision. The swelling and bruising will start to resolve about a week after surgery, although this will vary between patients.

If you have a scar on your body that you consider too large, too wide, uncomfortable or unsightly and would like to understand what options exist to create a better scar appearance, please call our office today. During a private consultation with our dedicated staff, we will evaluate the existing scar and provide you with an honest and realistic approach for correcting the appearance.