Scar revisions are procedures designed to improve the appearance of scars. Scars can develop as a result of trauma, burns, injuries, infections, or surgery. The nature of the injury or disease that caused the scar has a lot to do with how it heals. There are other factors, however, which play an equally important role in healing scars. The color of the skin, the location of the scar, and genetic ability to heal can all influence the appearance of your scar. Once the scar has developed, it cannot be completely eliminated. However, there are ways to make the scar less visible. The treatment of unsightly scars is one of the most common problems referred to plastic surgeons. The purpose of scar treatments in Virginia is to make the scar less noticeable, reduce the pain associated with scars, or to improve the function of the body part that has lost its normal mobility as a result of scarring.
Scars are treated in a variety of ways from simple injection of steroids to complicated surgical procedures. For example, a minor scar may be treated with compression using silicone gel sheets. Raised keloid or hypertrophic scars that are sometimes seen in certain skin types may need injection of steroids, surgery, radiation, or a combination of these techniques. Certain contracting and deforming scars may need geometric repositioning of surrounding skin to release this pulling effect (z-plasty procedures).
Scar revision treatments in Virginia may be performed in the office setting or the outpatient surgical facility. This depends on the extent of surgery and the health of the patient. Some scars are small and can be anesthetized with local numbing solutions. These minor procedures are easily done in the office. More complex repairs and extensive revisions must be done under general anesthesia in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center.
Recovery after scar revision will depend on the extent of the procedure. Extensive surgical revisions may require 7-10 days of recovery. Most sutures are removed in about 1 week, and you can begin your routine daily activities shortly after surgery.
Dr. Marefat and the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery would be happy to help you set up a private consultation to discuss scar revision treatments in Virginia. Schedule an appointment online or call one of our locations at 703-516-7600 (Arlington area) or at 703-560-9583 (Woodbridge).
Dr. Marefat offers a number of financial assistance programs and payment programs to cover the cost of scar revision treatments in Virginia. Please visit the patient financing section of our website for more details or ask the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery about these options so that you can get started with scar revision treatments today.
