Surgical Scars/Traumatic Scars

Any visible mark left after a wound has healed is considered a scar. Often, scars are minor and temporary, such as the mark left behind when a scratch heals. However, major skin injury can leave large, highly visible, sometimes permanent scarring. Although severe scars typically cannot be eliminated, they can usually be reduced to make them much more inconspicuous.

Types of scars

Anytime the skin is broken or significantly damaged, there is the potential for a scar. Some of the most common causes include surgery, traumatic injury, body art/piercing, and skin diseases. Depending on the nature of the initial skin injury, and any complications that may have occurred during recovery, scars may be raised, depressed, white, red, or have other characteristics. The most common types of scarring include:

• Superficial scars – Minor surface irregularities, discoloration, and other subtle marks are usually associated with more minor injuries. This type of scarring responds well to many different treatments.
• Hypertrophic scars – These develop at the site of the wound, forming lumps of scar tissue in clusters. They may appear darker or lighter than the surrounding skin, and sometimes they are red. Hypertrophic scars can become uncomfortable.
• Keloids – Often itchy or painful, keloids tend to spread beyond the margins of the original wound, and they may continue growing over time.
• Contractures – Caused by the contraction of deep tissues during the healing process, these scars tend to restrict movement.

Scar revision treatment

Dr. Z begins with an in-depth evaluation, to determine the best scar revision technique. Every situation is unique, given the many types of scars, and potential causes. Some of the most common treatments include:

• Resurfacing – Techniques such as microdermabrasion, chemical peeling, and light therapy are often beneficial for minor scars.
• Dermabrasion – A more aggressive technique than microdermabrasion, this treatment removes the upper layer of scar tissue.
• Dermal fillers – Injectable soft tissue fillers may be used to raise the surface of a depressed scar to the same level as the surrounding skin.
• Cryotherapy – A topical formula is applied, causing the scar tissue to freeze. This is effective for removing excess tissue, such as keloid scars.
• Injectable medication – In some cases, medication may be injected into the affected tissue to improve comfort or reduce the scar.
• Grafting – If skin is absent from a large area, a small amount of healthy skin tissue may be removed from an inconspicuous location for grafting.
• Z-plasty – This technique does not remove a scar entirely, but makes it less noticeable, often hidden in natural skin folds.
• Scar revision surgery – Various other surgical techniques may be used to remove scar tissue, release bound tissue in a depressed scar, or alter the location and size of the scar.

Dr. Zedlitz is a preferred scar treatment provider in the Baton Rouge, LA area. To arrange a consultation, call today.