MONDAY MYTHS #2: Plastic Surgeons can remove all scars
July 19th, 2010
Myth #2: Plastic surgeons can remove all scars.
“Can you remove this scar?” Patients frequently ask this question and I wish that I could remove all scars, but it is simply not possible. Frequently, scars may be revised to be less visible.
Surgery by definition, involves an incision in the skin at the outset. Of course the last step is sewing the skin back together. Surgical procedures and skin trauma that requires stitches, is no different, the resulting scar is permanent, but usually becomes less apparent with time. Normal body physiology softens and lightens a scar, which often takes six months to a year.
Plastic surgeons design surgery to minimize noticeable scars. This is accomplished by using several strategies. Sometimes the position can be planned so that the scar is hidden. Other times, the direction, shape or orientation of the scar can be rearranged with z-plasty or w-plasty. Having an evaluation for possible scar revision is always an option.
Hiding Cosmetic Surgery Scars
May 20th, 2010
Visible scars are inevitable following most surgeries. Emergency surgery will unfortunately leave scars that are usually more obvious, due to having to react quickly to save a life. The trade-off is obvious. However, elective surgery does allow time for planning, so the telltale surgery scars are often minimized by the advantage of careful incision placement. This planning allows for specific design of scar placement and the application of technologies that contribute to reducing scar length.
Follow Us!
