SCAR REVISION IN BATON ROUGE
Scar Revision
Scar revision is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of any type of scar, on any part of the body. Scars are a result of wound healing after skin injury. They are made up of fibrous tissue consisting of proteins and collagen. Scarring can manifest as shiny raised ridges, discolored red bumps, recessed skin, or dark and sunken divots. While most scars resolve well over time, others are unappealing and don’t tan normally – negatively impacting on one’s appearance, and sense of self-esteem. Scar revision surgery repairs the affected area to minimize visibility and improve skin quality.
LA plastic surgeon Dr. Ruston Sanchez has helped numerous men and women from Baton Rouge and surrounding Louisiana areas of Lafayette, Hammond, and New Orleans get over ugly scars. Dr. Ruston works individually with each one of his patients to find a treatment plan that will produce the desired outcome.
Common types of scars
Scars come in all sorts of shapes and sizes:
Irregular superficial scars – result from minor injuries or acne-causing blemished skin. They are typically subtle and do not cause any physical discomfort.
- Hypertrophic scars – form on the wound area. These appear as raised, thick, large, and may become stretched over time. They may be dark or light in color.
- Keloid scars – often occur on the upper part of the body. They are bigger, itchy, painful, and stretch beyond the wound area.
- Contracture scars – occur after the loss of a large amount of tissue. Often form in joints like the elbow, fingers, or knees thus restricting movement.
Dr. Ruston will examine the appearance and location of your scar to help determine the appropriate scar revision technique.
Who is an ideal candidate for scar revision?
Scar revision is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to improve the appearance of various types of scarring. Dr. Ruston recommends this procedure for patients of any age who have healthy skin, no active acne or skin disease in the area of treatment, and who are looking to address the following concerns:
- A scar that impairs normal muscle function
- A generally bothersome scar
- A scar that creates insecurity on appearance
- A scar that arouses emotional trauma
Dr. Ruston reminds his patients that all scars are permanent, and that the goal of scar revision is to make them less obvious over time. During your initial scar revision consultation in Baton Rouge, LA, the surgeon will listen to your concerns and evaluate to establish whether this procedure is for you. Dr. Ruston takes each patient’s case as unique and works to create an individualized treatment to alleviate your scar worries.
Scar revision procedure
Scar revision is an outpatient procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Ruston will examine the scar’s location, type, and elasticity of the skin to help determine the most appropriate surgical approach. Dr. Ruston creates an oval incision and excises part of the tissue to address raised scars, and then closes the incision with a smooth clean line. The surgeon may use an excision shave to level a bumpy scar. For very deep and large scars, Dr. Ruston will use dermal fillers, skin grafting, or tissue expansion methods. The surgeon utilizes advanced laser treatments to improve the appearance of darker scars. Regardless the type of scarring that is giving you a hard time particularly in social situations, Dr. Ruston uses advanced surgical techniques to achieve optimal results while minimizing the risk of complications.
Surgical Techniques
Dr. Ruston has a range of surgical techniques to choose from, after understanding the patient’s dissatisfaction and functional limitations as a result of the scar – as well as their expectations from this procedure.
- Z- plastic- this procedure is used to correct contracture scars. Dr. Ruston will reorient the scar by cutting the skin around it in Z-shaped flaps. He will then reposition the flaps along the natural lines and creases of the skin. This procedure helps to relieve the pressure on the affected scar and leaves a less noticeable scar.
- Steroid injection or application – This procedure is used to correct hypertrophic and keloid scars. Dr. Ruston will inject or apply the steroid on the affected area which breaks down the collagen in the skin. This will help flatten and reduce the redness, itching, and pain associated with the scar.
- Skin grafts – this procedure corrects a very large scar. Dr. Ruston will remove the skin from the healthy part of the patient’s body and use it to transplant it on the severely scarred area to restore it.
Collagen injection -this procedure is used to correct deep or sunken in scars. Dr. Ruston will inject collagen made of natural protein in the affected area to raise it. An allergy test is done to ensure that the patient is not allergic to the collagen. The results are temporary as the body absorbs the collagen over time. - Tissue expansion – this procedure is commonly used to correct a burn. Dr. Ruston will create a patch on the healthy skin near the scar and insert a balloon filled with saline solution to stretch the skin. He will then remove the previous scar and pull the balloon-stretched skin over it and carefully close it.
- Dermabrasion – this procedure corrects bumpy scars. Dr. Ruston will use a rotating wire or diamond wheel to carefully sand the surface until the skin smoothens. Anesthetic is inflicted on the affected area before the procedure is done.
- Silicone gel sheets – Dr. Ruston will place a silicone gel sheet on the affected area and recommend the patient to wear it 24 hours a day. This will help flatten hypertrophic and keloid scars.
- Laser therapy – depending on the type of scar, Dr. Ruston will use the preferred laser and light devices to heat the topmost skin layer and redistribute the collagen to allow new smooth skin to form.
- Surgical incision – Dr. Ruston will make an inconspicuous oval incision around the affected area and cut the scar out. He will then close it with sutures with a smooth clean line.
After surgery
Scar revision typically takes 1-2 hours to complete after which Dr. Ruston will closely monitor the patient before allowing them to go home. Scar removal patients can expect to experience swelling and bruising – which usually dissipates after a few days. In case of severe discomfort, the surgeon will prescribe pain medication. Detailed instructions will be provided on how to take care of the wound to ensure that the revised scar is thinner, smaller, and lighter. A post-operative appointment will be scheduled so that Dr. Ruston can assess your recovery progress. Most scar revision patients can get back to their daily routine after 1-2 weeks. They will ask you to desist from strenuous activities until you get a go-ahead from him.
Plan your Scar Revision in Baton Rouge
Meet Dr. Ruston Sanchez
Dr. Ruston takes each patient case as unique and works diligently to achieve the best procedure outcome with faster surgery time, smallest scar possible, and minimal risk of complications. Get in touch with Dr. Ruston’s office today to schedule a consultation visit for your scar removal procedure.
Dr. Ruston Sanchez performs scar revision in accredited health facilities or his in-office operating room, supported by a full-time anesthesiologist and highly qualified support staff. Because this is an outpatient procedure, the surgeon will require that you have someone to drive you home and help out with chores over the first few days.
Average Cost
$1,000 – $4,000