Scar Management Gold Coast & Toowoomba
Scars are the body’s natural response to injury and trauma and there is a wide range of normal. While the majority of scars will settle to an acceptable outcome with time, some scars can be visually obvious or impair function. There are a number of factors that modify the quality of scars, some of which we can manipulate and others are beyond our control such as genetics, skin type, tension in the area of the scar, cause of the scar and scar location.
Further surgical complications can modify the outcome from any procedure including scar revision. Fortunately, there are a number of surgical and non-surgical options for reducing the obvious visible nature or reducing the functional impact for many scars.
A/Prof Magnusson utilises a variety of standard scar management techniques following his surgery and employs others if needed on an individual basis as a routine part of post-operative surgical care.
Scar revison procedure – dr magnusson
The scar revision procedure The scar revision options will depend on the type of scar, may be surgical or non-surgical and commonly a combination. Surgical procedures may be performed under either general or local anaesthesia. There are standard modalities that we apply to all patients to maximise the outcome of their scar revision procedure.
The most common procedures include:
- Laser – Various lasers are utilised to flatten, smooth or remove unusual discolouration of the overlying skin of the scar.
- Z-Plasty – This revision technique utilises a z-shaped incision that lengthens scars that are causing tight bands when the area is stretched and is used to minimise the skin ‘pull’ in case of a contracture. Z-Plasty can also be used to blend the scar into the natural folds and creases of the surrounding skin. Commonly used across joints, on the neck and around the eyes or mouth. A Z-Plasty is a particular type of flap surgery.
- Skin Flap Surgery – Skin Flap surgery is where the skin, blood vessels, underlying fat and even the muscle is moved from a healthy part of the body to the location of the scar.
- Skin Grafting – The skin grafting procedure replaces the damaged skin with a healthy area of skin taken from another part of the body. This is especially common on the lower eyelid when sun or traumatic damage pulls the lower eyelid down exposing the eye or causing constant watering (epiphora).
Surgical Scar Tissue Removal – This surgery precisely excises the keloid tissue and a skin graft may be used to conceal the area.
Almost all scar revision procedures are day procedures, which means patients can go home on the same day as surgery.
Scar Revision:
Scarring is an inevitable part of surgery and life. Everyone scars differently, with some blemishes being more visible than others. Different people will not have the same scar from the same procedure and all scars require time to settle to their best outcome. The management of adverse scars requires the guidance and expertise of a professional. When consulting with A/Prof Mark Magnusson, he will take all of your concerns as well as your personal preferences into account before assisting you with a tailored treatment plan.
Suitable candidates
To determine whether you are a suitable candidate for scar revision, you will need to schedule a consultation with A/Prof Magnusson. The best time to schedule a consult is when your scars are noticeable after the wound heals. Initial management is usually with non-invasive measures such as massage, pressure, silicone or less commonly steroid injections.
A/Prof Magnusson may recommend surgical procedures after considering a number of factors, such as:
- Maturity of scars
- The overall health of the patient
- Distortion, pigment and alignment of scars
- Scar orientation and location
- Healing ability
Types of adverse scars There are 2 main types of adverse scars. The commonest is a hypertrophic scar where the scar itself thickens, becomes lumpy and pink. It starts to develop often despite normal initial healing at about 6-8 weeks. They are more common in areas of tension such as the back, across joints on the limbs or shoulder an in the centre of the chest. They are also common if there is a healing delay with 4 out of 5 scars having some degree of issue if healing takes more than 3 weeks. They are more common during adolescence than at other times and become less frequent as we age. They are easier to manage than keloid scars and settle with time but commonly as a wide scar and this may talk a few years in the most significant cases. There are a number of non-invasive and surgical options that can be considered.
Keloid scars are not common however most people who have an adverse scar have been told they have “keloids”. This type of scar occurs from an innocuous injury and the scar grows into the normal adjacent tissue. An example might be a scar the size of a 20 cent piece from a mosquito bite or acne. They are difficult to resolve, are resistant to treatment and the degree of improvement is less certain. Further surgery carries the same risk so non-invasive measures are often key and the best outcome may take months or years.
A particular type off keloid scar that does respond more reliably is one in the ear lobe in response to piercing. A combination of excision, steroid and compression we usually lead to a satisfactory outcome.
Candidates for Scar Revision usually have one of the following:
- A scar that is excessively pink and thickened/lumpy.
- A scar that is excessively wide.
- A scar that is tight or creates a band when stretched which may impact movement.
- A scar that is significantly lighter or darker in colour than the surrounding skin.
- A scar that is irregularly shaped.
- A scar that notably protrudes or is indented from the surrounding skin.
Scar revision results
Scar Revision procedures may improve the appearance and functional disturbance caused by scars. In some cases, it can even enhance the treated site by alleviating the stiffness of the skin to improve movement. The primary goal of these procedures is to minimise the scar, ensuring it is more consistent with the surrounding texture and skin tone. The extent of improvement that can be obtained is usually proportional. While the aim is always to achieve maximum benefit, there will usually remain some residual impact from the original scar due to those elements we can’t control such as genetics, tension and location. The amount of improvement will depend on the degree of scarring, location, size and type of scar. For some patients, one technique may provide significant improvement but in other circumstances, a combined approach will be required.
frequently asked questions
How much does scar revision cost?
Scar revision can be a complex procedure because every patient has slightly different requirements. Fees are generated by the surgeon, anaesthetist and potentially hospital fees into consideration, the specific approach that will be used will also affect the overall cost of your procedure. In certain instances, ongoing scar management will be required to achieve the desired outcome. Scheduling a consultation with A/Prof Magnusson is the best way to obtain a more accurate quotation because it will be based on your specific needs. There is also a chance that patients can benefit from a Medicare rebate but specific criteria will need to be met first. During your consultation, you can find out more about what’s possible and how much of the total cost will need to come out of your own pocket.
Are there any risks and complications associated with scar revision?
All procedures, surgical or not, have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications associated with scar revision procedures include bleeding, infection, haematoma, allergic reactions to anaesthetic, excessive pain and further scarring. A/Prof Magnusson will take you through all of the potential complications and risks associated with the procedures you have in mind. By choosing a qualified surgeon and following the necessary aftercare instructions your outcome will be maximised.
What can I expect during my recovery?
Localised swelling, discomfort and some discolouration are all common after most scar revision procedures. These effects shouldn’t last longer than two weeks for most patients but full wound strength takes 3 to 4 weeks so there will usually be some modification of activities during your recovery. When wound healing is uneventful, the outcomes are usually maximised however all wounds still have a residual risk of hypertrophy or keloid formation and the scar will thicken or develop lumps and many will still require ongoing scar manipulation until scar has matured and become pale to achieve the maximum outcome. Multimodality (non-invasive and surgical combined) management is frequent. If you’ve undergone any procedures such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion or chemical peels, the treated area will also be sensitive for a week or two however these changes are usually settled more quickly than surgical changes although they still have their own specific risks including a reduction or increase in pigment in the treated area. A/Prof Magnusson will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that are specific to the treatments you’ve chosen.
How long before I see results?
As the wound heals, the scar usually looks good for the first 6 to 8 weeks before becoming pinker due to the normal increase in blood vessels and blood supply in the area. This can be an entirely normal process. Depending on the nature of the wound, tension and location this pinkness may increase for 4 to 6 months before slowly fading and is usually the last visible component of the scar to improve. While the results of scar revision procedures are long-lasting, it can take several months to see the final results. In some cases, it can take a year of more before the scar has faded. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important for patients to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved before they pursue any kind of treatment.
Book an appointment for scar revision in Brisbane, Toowoomba or the Gold Coast
A/Prof Magnusson can discuss a scar revision procedure with you and provide you with information regarding risks and recovery times at your initial consultation. He has assisted patients in Brisbane and throughout Queensland. Request an appointment by contacting reception at either his Toowoomba or Gold Coast clinics today.