Treatments that can be combined with scar revision include dermabrasion, dermaplaning and a chemical peel. Many specialists will combine these treatments in an effort to produce a greater quality of results. You will also be able to save time and money by combining these treatments.
Scar Revision
One of the techniques that is used for scar revision is Z-plasty. Local anesthesia is typically administered for this treatment. Your scar will be repositioned so that it adheres to the natural creases in your skin. Your old scar will be removed and new incisions will be made by creating triangular flaps out of the skin. The flaps are arranged in a Z pattern in an effort to make the scar less noticeable.
The other scar revision technique combines the use of skin grafts and flap surgery. General anesthesia will be administered. This treatment is complicated and requires that some of the healthy skin be removed and transferred to the appropriate area. Your healthy skin will then be used to cover the area that is scarred.
The flap surgery portion of this treatment will help to provide greater cosmetic results. Blood vessels, underlying fat and even muscle tissues may be transferred from the healthy part of your body. If possible, the blood vessels will be reattached to the vessels at the scarred area.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is one of the most common ways to improve the appearance of facial skin if you have scars which are due to prior surgeries. In most cases, your surgeon will make sure that you are administered a local anesthesia as well as a sedative to reduce the amount of discomfort that you experience.
The surgeon will attempt to remove the outermost layer of the skin until the scar becomes less visible. This treatment is often performed with the use of a surgical laser. Dermabrasion is safe enough to be performed on the entire face.
Dermaplaning
This treatment is performed in a very similar manner to dermabrasion. Instead of using a local anesthesia, a numbing spray may be used for the dermaplaning treatment. This treatment may also be performed in stages depending upon the depth of your scars.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is often used to improve scars or blemishes that are superficial. It can also be used if you have uneven skin pigmentation, which could develop depending upon the types of scars that are present on your skin.
One of the most effective types is the phenol chemical peel. There is no anesthesia required for this chemical peel. Sedation may be used in an effort to help you relax. This type of chemical peel is usually painless, but you may experience a tingling sensation during the application. This sensation may disappear after a few moments.
If you have a phenol chemical peel applied to your entire face, it will typically take approximately 1 or 2 hours. The severity of your scars will determine whether or not you will need multiple chemical peel treatments.
