What is scar revision surgery?

Scar Revision surgery aims to improve the appearance of a scar, making it less noticeable and blending it more naturally with the surrounding skin. The technique used to address the scar can vary depending on the type and severity of the scar. Surgical approaches include direct excision, tissue repositioning, and tissue expansion. Non-surgical approaches include Laser Resurfacing, Dermabrasion, Steroid Injections, and Topical Treatments.

Are there Factors that can affect the Success of my Scar Revision Surgery?

Yes, several factors can influence the success of Scar Revision surgery. Depending on the scar type, special techniques may be used. Additional key factors include scar size and location, age of the scar, skin type and color, overall health, smoking habits, lifestyle, and post-operative care.

Will scar revision completely remove the scar?

Scar Revision surgery can often make a scar less noticeable, and smoother, and blend it more naturally with the surrounding skin, however, it may not completely remove the scar. The degree of improvement varies depending on scar type, size, location, and an individual’s skin healing response.

Scar Revision Risks & Safety

Although Scar Revision surgery is generally safe, there are some possible risks associated with the treatment, much like any surgery. These complications can include: Bleeding Blistering Increased sensitivity to sunlight Infection Redness Scar recurrence Swelling To avoid these, we encourage you to follow the pre-and post-operative instructions that are provided for you. If you have any concerns about long-lasting reactions throughout your recovery process, please contact Wilmina Landford, M.D. at Landford Plastic Surgery.

Are there any special post-operative care instructions for scar healing?

Although each individual’s healing process is unique and instructions may vary based on your specific Scar Revision surgery, at Landford Plastic Surgery in Washington DC and Baltimore, we have a holistic process for treating scars. General scar management includes maintaining a clean incision site, keeping the incision moisturized, limiting physical activity to prevent strain on the incision, and protecting the scar from sun exposure.

Scar Revision

In Washington D.C. &. Maryland

Scar Revision is a transformative experience that allows you to reclaim ownership of your body and cultivate a newfound sense of self-love. Scar Revision is best understood by the different kinds of scars that form, as each occurrence may require a different approach to the procedure.

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What is Scar Revision?

Scar Revision can be accomplished by either a surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedure that reduces a scar’s appearance on your body. The treatment not only alters the look of the scar, but can also improve mobility in scars that are restricted, or reduce symptoms of pain and itch that come from within the scar tissue.

It’s important to keep in mind that scar revision most likely won’t completely eradicate the scar, but should greatly lessen its appearance.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Scar Revision?

At Landford Plastic Surgery, we believe good candidates for a Scar Revision are those who are dissatisfied with the appearance of a scar and who seek improvement in its overall appearance. Potential candidates for a Scar Revision have:

A mature, well-healed scar
Realistic expectations of the outcome
No current active skin disease, acne, or inflammation
An overall healthy lifestyle

How Much Does a Scar Revision Cost in Washington DC & Maryland?

The cost of a Scar Revision with Wilmina Landford, M.D. in Washington DC & Maryland will vary from patient to patient and is primarily affected by the technique as well as the number of sessions Dr. Landford needs to lessen your scar’s appearance. After having your Scar Revision consultation, your treatment plan will be created and our team will be able to provide you with a breakdown of the total cost.

What Should I Expect During a Consultation for a Scar Revision?

After scheduling your Scar Revision consultation with Wilmina Landford, M.D., you will come into our Washington DC or Maryland clinic where you will undergo scar analysis and be placed on a treatment plan.

How Do I Prepare for a Scar Revision?

Every patient will have their own needs, so the instructions we give you on how to prepare for a Scar Revision may slightly vary from another patient’s. Some of the common tips that we suggest include:

Avoid taking anticoagulants (medication that prevents blood clots).
Eat a diet rich in minerals and vitamins, especially zinc and vitamins A, C, and E, to help with wound healing.
Stop smoking, as tobacco use can prevent wound healing.

*Diabetic patients or those currently taking immunosuppressants may need to follow additional special instructions before Scar Revision. Additionally, if you’re taking Isotretinoin or other medications for severe acne, you may need to delay treatment.

What are the Different Scar types?

Scar types include Normal/Flat Scars, Hypertrophic Scars, Keloid Scars, Atrophic Scars, Stretch Marks, and Acne Scars. Hypertrophic Scars are raised, thick, and often red scars that remain within the boundary of an original wound while Keloids are thick, raised, and dark scars that extend beyond the original wound. Acne scars vary in appearance, including shallow depressions, deep pits, or raised scars.

What are the Steps to a Scar Revision?

There are several different techniques that Dr. Landford can utilize to treat your scars. Please keep in mind that not every method will be suitable for every patient. Surgical techniques include a direct excision of the scar with re-approximation of the skin or local tissue rearrangement. Scars that are removed surgically may also receive laser or medicated treatment to support an improved appearance. Surgical techniques are also combined with nonsurgical approaches to give you the best care.

What Scar Types are Treated in a Scar Revision?

Scar Revision can address various scar types, depending on the individual’s needs and the scar’s characteristics. Some common scar types that can be treated through a Scar Revision include:

Hypertrophic scars & Keloid scars
Depressed scars
Contractures
Acne scars
Surgical scars
Traumatic scars

What are Non-Surgical Options for a Scar Revision?

Non-surgical options for a Scar Revision can be effective in improving the appearance of certain types of scars. They may be used in conjunction with surgery or standalone. Non-surgical treatments are generally less invasive, and have shorter recovery times, but may need several sessions. Here are some common nonsurgical options for a Scar Revision:

Topic treatments, such as silicone gel sheets, ointments, or gels can help hydrate the area and create an optimal healing environment
Pressure garments or dressings have been found to help flatten and soften scars, especially hypertrophic or keloid scars
Dermal filler is an excellent way to help elevate the skin in depressed scars
Dermabrasion or chemical peels may be used to exfoliate the top layers of skin, encouraging new growth and reducing the appearance of certain types of scars
Microneedling uses a device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin, promoting collagen production and helping to improve scar texture
Laser treatments, such as fractional laser or pulse-dye laser, can be used to target scar tissue and stimulate collagen production. Laser treatment is frequently combined with topical medications to produce an enhanced effect on the scar.
Intralesional treatment with corticosteroid and/or 5-fluorouracil injections for raised and thickened scars like hypertrophic or keloid scars are used to reduce the size of these scars.

Scar Revision Recovery

After your treatment, you will be able to go home and return to your day, however, depending on the severity of your scar revision, you may need to take the rest of the day to rest and relax.

Recovery after a Scar Revision depends on the type of treatment you receive. For example, topical treatments can take several months to produce results, with most patients requiring multiple injections or resurfacing treatments to achieve their goals. Full recovery after surgery may take weeks or months.

Why Choose Us?

Wilmina Landford, M.D. is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with expertise in wound healing and skin of color. Dedicated to understanding the mechanisms of wounds, she conducted research at Weill Cornell in New York and received her M.D. with scholarly recognition at Stony Brook Medicine for her work on scarless healing. Scar Revision in individuals with diverse skin tones requires specialized knowledge and understanding of how different skin types respond to treatment. As a surgeon focused on scarless healing in the skin of color, Dr. Landford extends her passion into her treatment regimen for patients seeking a Scar Revision.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in a Scar Revision in either Washington DC or Maryland, we encourage you to call Landford Plastic Surgery and schedule your surgery with Wilmina Landford, M.D.. You can request a consultation by giving us a call or by filling out a form through our website, and one of our team members will quickly get in touch with you. You don’t have to live with unwanted marks on your body and we can’t wait to help you live a life that’s a little more free from worry and improved confidence.

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Scar Revision FAQ’s

Scar Revision surgery aims to improve the appearance of a scar, making it less noticeable and blending it more naturally with the surrounding skin. The technique used to address the scar can vary depending on the type and severity of the scar. Surgical approaches include direct excision, tissue repositioning, and tissue expansion. Non-surgical approaches include Laser Resurfacing, Dermabrasion, Steroid Injections, and Topical Treatments.
Although Scar Revision surgery is generally safe, there are some possible risks associated with the treatment, much like any surgery. These complications can include:
- Bleeding
- Blistering
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Infection
- Redness
- Scar recurrence
- Swelling
To avoid these, we encourage you to follow the pre-and post-operative instructions that are provided for you. If you have any concerns about long-lasting reactions throughout your recovery process, please contact Wilmina Landford, M.D. at Landford Plastic Surgery.
Although each individual’s healing process is unique and instructions may vary based on your specific Scar Revision surgery, at Landford Plastic Surgery in Washington DC and Baltimore, we have a holistic process for treating scars. General scar management includes maintaining a clean incision site, keeping the incision moisturized, limiting physical activity to prevent strain on the incision, and protecting the scar from sun exposure.

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