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Restoring Your Healthy Skin

Scars can form from injuries or trauma, acne, and incisions related to previous surgeries. And sometimes, they heal in a noticeable or displeasing way. They can also cause pain, impair function by limiting mobility, or create significant disfigurement. After surgical procedures, Scar revision surgery improves scars and the outer layers of skin. Surface scars form when skin cells die off and are replaced with scar tissue. This process happens naturally over time and on all skin types, but sometimes the scarring becomes too noticeable (like with acne scars). This surgery reduces the visibility of scars and restores the appearance of normal skin. Dr. Thompson has extensive training in concealing scars with proper surgical techniques, reorientation, laser treatments, and skin resurfacing.

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Is Scar Revision Right for Me?

Scar revision is highly personal; every patient will come to the procedure with a different motivation or goal.

With that in mind, patients who elect to have the procedure typically include the following:

  • Those bothered by any scars on your body.
  • Those in good physical health.
  • Non-smokers.
  • Those who are optimistic and realistic about their surgery.
  • Those without active acne or other skin conditions in the affected region.

Scar Revision FAQ

When should I have scar revision surgery?

What should I expect after scar repair surgery?

What types of scars are able to be addressed with surgery?

When should I have scar revision surgery?

Surgical scar repair is usually recommended when there is significant damage to the underlying tissues, such as keloids (large raised areas of scarring), hypertrophic scars (raised, thickened scars), or deep wounds. However, nonsurgical scar repair (such as laser scar treatments) may be used instead of surgery if the patient prefers this option, which is usually preferred for acne scar removal and cases of patches with uneven skin tones.

What should I expect after scar repair surgery?

After having plastic surgery, patients usually experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These side effects are normal and typically resolve within two weeks. Some patients may feel soreness or tenderness for several months following the procedure.

What types of scars are able to be addressed with surgery?

There are two main types of scars: hypertrophic and keloid. Hypertrophic scars are raised bumps caused by inflammation, while keloids are larger, thicker, and harder to treat. Both types of scars can be treated with surgery, which involves cutting down the scar and replacing it with healthy skin. While both types of scars can be successfully treated with surgery in Denver, each type requires different techniques. Keloid scars tend to grow faster and require more aggressive treatment methods. Hypertrophic scars usually heal slower and respond better to less invasive scar revision treatments.

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Your Initial Consultation

Dr. Thompson recommends a private consultation at his Denver offices to determine if a patient is a good candidate for scar repair. The patient’s questions, concerns, and treatment goals will be reviewed in detail during this evaluation. A complete physical exam will be performed, including a comprehensive facial analysis.

Day of Procedure

Scar repair involves removing scars and replacing them with healthy skin (which may include skin grafts). There are two types of scar revision treatments: surgical and non-surgical. Surgical scar repair requires cutting open the area where the scar is located, removing the deeper scar tissue, and sewing the wound closed.

Nonsurgical scar revision uses a variety of facial treatments, such as lasers, radio frequency devices, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other methods to reduce the appearance of all types of scars. It is usually performed as brown spots, hyperpigmentation, or acne scar treatments.

Recovery and Results

After the procedure, patients must wear compression garments until the incisions heal. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for at least six weeks after the procedure. Afterward, they should exercise regularly to prevent muscle atrophy. During the first few days after surgery, you might feel pain and redness at the procedure site. You might also notice some changes in skin texture and color. These effects usually last from one week to two months. After that time, the wound’s healing begins, and the skin becomes smoother and softer. As the new skin grows, it gradually fades away. Your final result from your scar revision procedure will last a long time, but it may require several months before you see any visible changes. It could even be a year before your scars disappear entirely.

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Why Choose Us?

Dr. Thompson completed his fellowship with Dr. Stephen Smith at Smith Facial Plastics and The Ohio State University. He is board-certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. As one of the best surgeons in Colorado, Dr. Thompson strives to ensure each patient feels seen, heard, and understood during their entire surgery journey and is committed to getting them the best results possible.

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