The popularity of plastic surgery has taken the world by storm. Technology and new innovative ways to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures are fueling the demand for procedures that lift breasts, flatten abs and thin unsightly cellulite from thighs. One major target of plastic surgeons is the skin. Between blasting wrinkles and correct discoloration, advances that promise to take years off the face, hands and neck are gaining in popularity. Another popular request is to zap unsightly scars off of the skin. Take a look at ways surgeons handle scar revision procedures.
Scars are remnants of prior injuries or procedures that have left a mark on the skin. These malformations are usually noticeable either due to size, shape, color or location. The more visible a scar, the more a candidate may push to have a plastic surgeon take care of it. This may be after a topical cream failed to erase the mark.
Almost everything in medicine is categorized, so it should come as no surprise that scars are. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, each type of scar has physical distinctions needing consideration before a plastic surgeon can help.
Sometimes a scar grows more substantial than the injury that leaves it behind. A keloid scar is aggressive and spreads far beyond the original bounds. The tissue it builds may eventually impede movement of the area, and it may require surgical removal under the skin. A plastic surgeon may recommend a series of injections and cryotherapy to help get the scar flatter. If a doctor believes a patient may be susceptible to developing a keloid scar, pressure treatment after injury may be warranted.
Some people develop a red scar that is elevated above the injury point. While this can appear similar to a keloid scar, it is hypertrophic if it does not widen beyond the site of the original injury. These kinds of scars develop along an incision point after surgery. Plastic surgery correction may include steroid shots and flattening sheets.
When acne strikes some, it may leave behind deep pitted scars. Cystic acne, which can develop on the face or torso or both, consists of deep cysts that tend to leave discoloration and even pockmarks in the skin. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for these types of scars, but some options include laser therapy to burn the upper layers of the skin off to minimize the pitting.
Burns leave behind a special kind of scar that tightens over muscle and tissue. These can cause pain deep into the muscle and constrict movement. Contractures also pop up along joint lines where a cut or other injury crosses it. A plastic surgeon has to determine how to best fix a contracture scar because of its unique characteristics.
As far as plastic surgery goes, scar revision procedures are unique and may require special handling. While the skin may never be perfect again, the appearance of many scars can be improved.
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