For patients who undergo plastic surgery, one of the main concerns in the recovery process is the scarring that will be left on their bodies post surgery. Below are some of the main concerns and questions regarding scarring that patients having surgery tend to have.

What Is a Scar?

A scar is a mark that is left behind on any damaged tissue. This mark is typically composed of fibrous tissues and collagen, the fibrous protein that gives your skin its strength and texture.

What Affects the Final Appearance of a Scar?

According to plastic surgeon, Dr. Randy Miller, many factors attribute to the overall appearance of a scar.

For example, the size and depth of the wound can affect the appearance of the scarring, as well as the blood supply flowing to the area where the wound was, and the patients skin type.

Age and general health are also important factors in whether a wound will or will not leave an obvious scar.

Getting Rid of a Scar

Although most scars will lighten as time goes on, your plastic surgeon will keep a close eye on the scar’s progress and make the decision to do scar revision therapy.

A popular procedure in scar revision therapy is called Z-plasty. In this procedure the incision line around the scar is repositioned and the new scar heals into the natural wrinkles of the skin.

Dermabrasion and peels are sometimes used to remove the top layer of skin using chemicals and machines.

Skin grafting, where the surgeon will transplant healthy skin from another part of the patient’s body to the scarred area, is often used as a last resort in scar revision.

(Source: The Miami Herald)

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