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Facial Scar Revision FAQs

What is facial scar revision?
Facial scar revision involves a variety facial plastic surgery procedures and techniques intended to camouflage facial scars in order to make their appearance less conspicuous. Some procedures include surgery to remove scar tissue, skin flap surgery, graft surgery, z-plasty, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and steroid injection.

Who is the best candidate for facial scar revision?
The best candidate for facial scar revision is a man or woman who is physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and looking to minimize the appearance of facial scars. Patients should understand that most facial scars cannot be completely removed but rather minimized in appearance.

What can I expect during consultation before facial scar revision?
The surgeon should examine the facial scar and discuss your options. He or she should also discuss your goals, your medical history, and all details of the procedure.

Where can facial scar revision procedures be performed?
The location of the facial scar revision procedure will depend upon the actual procedure or technique being performed. In general, procedures may take place in a surgeon's office, surgical center, or hospital. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 62% of cosmetic surgery procedures performed by their member doctors in 2004 took place in an office, 21% in a hospital, and 17% in a free-standing ambulatory surgical facility.

Is anesthesia used during facial scar revision?
Anesthesia will be used with some procedures for facial scar revision. They type of anesthesia will depend upon the particular procedure being performed.

How is the actual scar revision procedure performed?
There are several different techniques and procedures that can be used for facial scar revision. Surgery can be used to remove the scar tissue. For skin flap surgery, an adjacent area of healthy, unscarred skin is lifted and moved over the old scar area and a new incision is made. Skin grafts involve the removal of a section of skin tissue from another area which is then attached where the scar was. Z-plasty is a procedure which moves a scar from one area to another, typically in a natural fold or crease of the skin. Dermabrasion and laser resurfacing remove part of the upper layers of skin where the scar is using an abrading tool or laser light, thus making the scar smoother and less visible.

Is facial scar revision a painful procedure?
Whether or not you experience pain and the degree of pain will depend upon the actual procedure and technique performed. Some amount of discomfort is common after facial scar revision surgery.

What is the recovery like after facial scar revision?
The recovery will vary according to the particular procedure and technique performed. Patients can generally expect some swelling, bruising and redness following facial scar revision surgery. Decreased activity will be required for some time, and the head may need to be kept elevated when lying down.

Does insurance cover the cost of facial scar revision?
Facial scar revision performed solely for cosmetic purposes is typically not covered by insurance, though procedures performed to correct or improve scars caused by injury may be covered to some degree. Be sure to check with your own insurance carrier regarding the degree and/or availability of coverage.

Is it possible to get financing for facial scar revision?
Financing is available for facial plastic surgery procedures. Your plastic surgeon should be able to provide you with further information about financing.

What should I look for in a surgeon to perform facial scar revision?
It's important that you do your homework and carefully choose the surgeon to perform your procedure. First, make sure that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). This ensures that they've completed the proper training to safely conduct your procedure according ABPS standards. You can visit the ABPS's website at www.plasticsurgery.org to locate a certified plastic surgeon in your area. You should also ask any potential surgeon the following questions:

• Does the surgeon have privileges to perform surgery in an accredited hospital and, if so, which hospitals?
• How many facial scar revision procedures has the surgeon performed?
• Where and how will the procedure be performed?
• Is the surgical facility accredited by a nation or state-recognized accrediting organization?
• What are the risks of your particular procedure?

Are there any medications that need to be avoided before surgery?
With any surgery, it's important that you monitor your medication and vitamin intake beforehand because some medications can interfere with anesthesia, inhibit recovery, or lead to blood loss or other circulation issues. Make sure that you tell your doctor prior to surgery about all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that you take. Some medications that you may be required to stop taking may include aspirin, MAOIs, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin K, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, St. John's Wort, echinacea, melatonin, and others.

Information about facial scars and treatments.