Scar Revision/Removal in Dallas, TX

At the International Craniofacial Institute in Dallas, Texas, we’re committed to providing you with the best possible treatments available. Whether you’ve experienced a facial burn or dog bite, we’re your #1 choice for scar revision/removal. 

What Is a Scar?

A scar is a blemish left behind after the skin has suffered some form of trauma. Burns, either from fire or caustic chemicals, can leave behind a scar that looks as if the skin melted while scars from cuts or abrasions can cause raised, bumpy or mottled scars. Scars are comprised of fibrous connective tissue and can be difficult to obscure with makeup, facial hair, or tattoos.

Common Types of Scars

Keloid scars

The human body produces vast amounts of proteins, and over-production of these proteins may lead to the formation of keloid scars. The body produces a protein known as collagen, which is mainly found in bones and tendons. Overproduction of this protein leads to growth beneath the skin. Physicians treat keloid scars through the injection of steroids to reduce their size; if results are not satisfactory, then the doctor surgically removes the scar. Suturing incisions neatly guarantees less prominent scars.

Hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars are quite similar to keloid scars as they all form due to large deposits of collagen protein beneath the skin to produce a raised scar. They often form due to body piercing, cuts, and burns. They will often look red and thick in appearance; since they contain blood vessels and nerve fibers, they can be painful or sometimes itchy. Such a scar may restrict movement if it’s located near a joint. It is also known to be passed down from generation to generation.

Burn scars

If the skin is exposed to a very hot temperature, it starts to pull together forming a contracture; this happens to victims with second or third-degree burns. Burn victims should receive treatment immediately to avoid the skin tightening as this will often restrict movement around the burned area.

Facial scars

We are living in a world where both genders take huge precautions to prevent facial scars. Not only do facial scars compromise facial expressions but they also lower the self-esteem of the victims. Having a professional plastic surgeon perform reconstructive surgery to hide the scars may create natural results.

What Is Scar Revision/Removal?

Scar revision or removal is a surgical procedure that helps reduce or eliminate the scars. Depending on the size and placement of the scar, a wide range of surgical techniques can be employed to this end. If there is sufficiently unaffected tissue around the scar, a skilled surgeon can remove the scar and use surgical glue or tiny sutures to close the resulting wound. For larger scars, grafts or tissue expanders may be necessary to create sufficient normal skin.

Benefits of Scar Revision/Removal

Scars, especially those on the face or neck, can reduce self-confidence and lead to feelings of self-disgust or self-hatred. This can be especially true for those who work with the public and deal with stares or questions regarding their scar. If a person’s scar is disfiguring, their eyesight or ability to speak properly may be impacted by the skin pulling against their eyelids or lips. A scar revision can help lessen both the physical and emotional impact of the condition and improve the patient’s quality of life.

• Positive change in appearance
• Improved self-esteem
• Minimal discomfort

Am I a Good Candidate for Scar Revision Surgery?

After a close examination, our experienced specialists will inform you if you qualify for surgical removal of your scar.

In 95% of cases, surgical treatment shows substantial improvements in the appearance of scars after surgery; however, it is important to note that the incision created during surgery will take time to heal correctly and may leave a scar of its own.

Once a surgical treatment plan has been agreed upon by you and the surgeon, our staff will inform you of costs, insurance qualifications, preoperation protocol, anesthesia, surgical facilities, what to expect in the healing process, and how to treat the wound in the best way possible. You will be scheduled for a post-operation check-up shortly after your surgery.

Preparing for Scar Revision/Removal

Consult with one of our surgeons to determine which method of surgery is the best route for you. Once you’ve determined which type of surgery you will have, speak with your surgeon about which type of anesthesia will be used and how much it will cost. If you’re a smoker, you will be asked to quit six weeks ahead of your surgery to ensure your healing isn’t compromised. You will also need to refrain from drinking alcohol the entire week before surgery. If you are having general anesthesia or are being sedated, do not eat or drink anything after midnight of the night before your surgery.

Recovery from Scar Revision/Removal

Your surgeon will explain what you need to avoid based on the location of your incision. You may experience some discomfort, swelling, bruising, or redness. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid activities that cause stress on the area of your incision, and keep your head elevated when lying down. Scars need a year or more to heal and provide you with optimal results.

Scar Treatment

Many methods are available for treating a wide range of scars. Our doctors weigh several factors before determining how to address scar treatment for each patient in order to deliver the best outcome possible.

Our physicians may suggest techniques such as the following:

Scar Revision Techniques – using advanced techniques and the best technology

• Extraction of all scar tissue, incision secured with taut sutures
• Folds of undamaged skin surrounding the affected area could be elevated to lay over the scar
• Z-plasty is a procedure utilized to reposition a scar into a naturally existing line or fold on the skin’s surface to reduce its appearance
• Skin grafts involve removing skin from one location and fastening it to another
• Free tissue transfers are most commonly recommended for reconstructing skin damaged by burns

Minimally Invasive Procedures – laser therapy, injections, skin resurfacing, and radiotherapy

• Corticosteroid injections: designed to diminish swelling and assist in smoothing hypertrophic and keloid scars. This method does not remove a scar, but it can result in reduced appearance. This approach is usually used in conjunction with a surgical procedure.
• Laser or light treatment: can minimize the red coloring in scars by attacking blood vessels existing within the scar tissue
• Dermal fillers and fat transfers: are used to treat scars with pit-like characteristics. Artificial fillers can provide temporary concealment. Fat transfers involve using a patient’s own body fat to smooth these kinds of scars, and this method is a better option for those seeking more permanent results.

Topical Treatment

• Silicone gels or sheets: aid in the reduction of redness and soften tissue in hypertrophic and keloid scars. This treatment should be used for 12 hours daily for a duration of several months.
• Pressure dressings: are used to smooth and soften extensive burn scars and are sometimes used following skin grafting procedures. Patients wear the dressings over the affected area for 24 hours a day for a span of between six and 12 months, and it can be paired with silicone gel sheets to reduce the look of scars for the long term.
• Make-up: cosmetic camouflage can be an effective option for concealing facial scars. This type of heavy-coverage cosmetics is akin to what some people have used to cover up unwanted tattoos.

Why Choose International Craniofacial Institute?

Since its founding by Dr. Kenneth Salyer in 1971, the International Craniofacial Institute has gained worldwide recognition as being one of the most advanced facilities in the treatment of craniofacial disorders. The complexity of the field means we understand our patients have an array of dental, medical, psychosocial, and surgical needs. To address these issues, our team consists of many dedicated professionals who represent more than 15 disciplines of specialty. Our physicians have successfully treated more than 17,000 patients from more than 30 different countries. We additionally train surgeons from many world locations in the advanced techniques required for craniofacial diagnosis, surgical correction, and repair.

If you have a child or another family member who is suffering from a genetic syndrome or has a cleft lip, cleft palate, or craniofacial complication, the staff at the International Craniofacial Institute can help. Contact us today to talk with the doctors and staff about your options and how we can help.