Scar Revision in Washington D.C.

Scar revision is a surgical or non-surgical procedure to improve or reduce the appearance of scars. It also restores function & corrects skin changes – disfigurement – caused by injury, burns or previous surgery.

Scars form during the healing process – when the skin is trying to recover from an accident, burn, surgery or acne. Multiple layers of skin are usually affected. Once a scar forms it is permanent, usually disfiguring and can diminish function as with contracture scarring. Facial scarring of the eyes, mouth or nose, for example, hinders normal functioning as well as reduced self-confidence. All scars – no matter the location can and typically do affect people in one way or another. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell can perform Scar revision surgery to make it less visible and restore function and a more pleasing appearance.

MOST COMMONLY TREATED SCARS:

Hypertropic scars – occur within the boundaries of the incision or wound and are generally thick, red and raised in appearance.
Keloid scars – are somewhat similar in appearance to Hypertropics – but Keloids generally grow beyond the boundaries of the incision or wound – commonly on the earlobe, shoulder, and over the breastbone. Keloid scars are most common in dark-skinned people.
Contracture scars- are the most severe form of scarring and usually occur as the result of a loss of skin over a large area. Burn patients typically experience Contracture scarring as the edges of the skin “pull together” affecting the adjacent muscles and tendons. This in turn causes restriction of normal movement.

SCAR REVISION PROCEDURES:

Based upon the type of scarring – your surgeon may use one of the following for Scar revision:

Steroid Applications and Injections – can help to reduce itching and/or pain and flatten and reduce the redness of hypertropic and keloid scars. Steroids are applied or injected into the scar to break down the skin’s collagen. Both Hypertropic and Keloid scars are resultant from collagen that continues to produce after the wound has healed.
Silicone Gel Sheets – help flatten hypertropic scars. These clear sheets are place on the scar and worn 24 hours a day.
Z-Plasty and Related Tissue-Rearrangement Techniques – are used to reorient scars. This is achieved by cutting the skin around the scar into small triangular flaps following a Z-shape. The flaps are then repositioned to follow natural liens and creases of the skin making the scar less noticeable and relieving pressure of contracture scars.
Dermabrasion – smoothes out surface irregularities by removing the top layers of the skin. This works well for deep lines or scars.
Vascular Lesion – works by shrinking the blood vessels that feed the scar, thus improving coloration of scars.
Tissue Expansion – employs a saline filled balloon that is inserted under a patch of healthy skin near a scar – to stretch the skin. This may take several weeks and the balloon is then removed. The scar is surgically removed and the stretched skin is pulled over the previously scarred area.
Skin Grafts – involve using skin from a healthy body area and transplanting it to the injured area. Grafts are not always cosmetically pleasing – but they are safe and effective and restore function to a severely scarred area.
Dermal Fillers – are used to fill in sunken scars. Hyaluronic is a naturally occurring substance in our body that acts as a scaffolding to support the skin. Dermal fillers are safe and effective and used in millions of treatments worldwide.

BENEFITS OF SCAR REVISION:

Scar Revision can improve or reduce the appearance of scars
Scar Revision can restore function & correct form (disfigurement)
Scar Revision treats hypertropic, keloid & contracture scarring
Scar Revision employs surgical & non-surgical procedures
Scar Revision enhances physical appearance & self-confidence

“All cosmetic surgery should be functional – and all reconstructive surgery should be aesthetic – and look as natural as possible.” Dr. Davison

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR SCAR REVISION?

A good candidate for Scar Revision is anyone with raised or depressed scars, contour irregularities, poor lines of orientation and/or color mismatch and scars produced by blunt trauma. You should be in otherwise good health and have realistic expectations.

Your surgeon should invest the time to sit down and talk to you face-to-face during your consultation. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell listen carefully to each patient – every time

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can A Scar Be Removed Completely?
NO. No matter what kind of revision is chosen – scars are permanent. They can be reduced and made to look better and function can be restored. Our surgeons have much experience in scar revision with wonderful, natural looking outcomes.

How Do I Know Which Procedure Is Best For My Scar Revision?
The purpose of your initial consultation is to determine what is best for you and to personalize your treatment. He will evaluate your condition, make recommendations and then help you choose the right option.

If I Require Surgical Scar Revision – What Downtime Is Involved?
Typically, patients are up and about in 1-2 days – this, of course, depends upon the extent of your surgery.

Are Activities Restricted After Scar Revision Surgery?
YES. We will advise you on what to and what not to do based upon your condition and the type of treatment used for correction.

Will Insurance Cover Scar Revision?
Insurance may cover scar revision if it is medically necessary as with contracture scars. Ask your surgeon about this during your consultation – then check with your insurance company.

Is Financing Available For Scar Revision?
YES. Financing is available for cosmetic procedures today. Ask about it in our business office.

Schedule Your Consultation at DAVinci Plastic Surgery

The initial consultation with your surgeon is critical! It should always be face to face with your surgeon, during which time he/she listens closely to your concerns. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell believe this time spent with you is critical to both you and him/her. It is during the consultation that your surgeon comes to fully understand your concerns, evaluates them correctly, and is then able to make the recommendations and develop the treatment plan that is right for you. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell invest the time to sit down and talk to you face to face.

3301 New Mexico Ave. Suite 236

Washington D.C.

Call Us Today: 202.966.9590