Scar Revision

A scar forms when a surgical or traumatic wound heals. Simple structures under the skin, such as fat and subcutaneous tissues, regenerate. The skin is a complex structure and heals by the formation of predominantly fibrous tissue, resulting in a scar. Sometimes scars form and are inconspicuous; other times, they may be disfiguring.

Treatment for facial scars: A custom approach

Examples of disfiguring scars include keloids, widened scars, and thickened hypertrophic scars. Both keloid and hypertrophic scars are wounds that heal in excess above the skin’s surface. The difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar is that a keloid continues to enlarge beyond the original size and shape of the wound, while a hypertrophied scar enlarges within the confines of the original wounded area.

Although both can be red and raised, keloids continue to grow, and hypertrophic scars tend to regress over time. Both can recur after surgical excision; however, the recurrence of keloid scars is more common. Widened scars are wounds that separate during the healing process, usually in response to excess tension on the wound edges. In New Jersey and the Philadelphia area, board-certified plastic surgeons are extensively trained in facial reconstructive surgery and have many tools as well as techniques at their disposal to provide revision.

Superior outcomes in scar revision: Dr. Corrado

Dr. Anthony Corrado is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in the New Jersey and Philadelphia area who is extensively trained in facial reconstructive surgery and has many tools as well as techniques at his disposal to provide excellent scar revision in South Jersey.

Types of facial scars

Various types of facial scars include:

Hypertrophic scars: Raised scars that often appear thick and red and form directly over the location of a wound. They may be darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.
Atrophic scars: Indented scars that come about when the skin is unable to regenerate tissue. They are often left from severe acne or chicken pox, or after surgical mole removal.
Keloid scars: These are clusters of thick scar tissue that extend beyond the location of the original injury. They may be uncomfortable, itchy, or painful.
Contracture scars: These scars restrict motion as the underlying tissue has contracted during the healing process, and often appear after a severe burn injury.
Acne scars: Acne breakouts can leave the skin surface appearing pitted, uneven, or discolored.
Widened scars: When a wound separates during the healing process, the resulting scar can be larger than the original injury, leaving an unsightly blemish.

Surface treatment options to remove scar tissue include:

Chemical peels: A treatment wherein mild acids penetrate the surface of the skin in order to soften distortions in texture and color.
Skin bleaching: A treatment where topical medications are applied to lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of scar tissue.

Dermabrasion: A common method of mechanically “sanding” and polishing the skin.
Laser therapy: A method that fundamentally causes surface changes that allow new skin to form over the scar.

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Non-surgical revision methods

Vitamin E therapy
Zinc oxide therapy
Antineoplastic agents
Immunotherapy

Silicone gel (proven to significantly decrease scar volume over time)
Steroid injections (proven to induce flattening and fading)

Surgical revision methods

The best method is prevention by utilizing proper multi-layer cosmetic closure of all surgical incisions, but other methods include:

Primary excision or serial excision
Excision with flap reconstruction
Z and W plasty techniques
Tissue expansion and serial excision
Fat grafting for depressed scars
Irradiation for persistent keloid formation

Dr. Anthony Corrado discusses his facial plastic surgery practice

Why choose Dr. Corrado for scar revision?

While many plastic surgeons offer scar revision treatments, few practices focus exclusively on facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Corrado is a dedicated, double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for his exceptional artistry and professionalism. Throughout his education and career, he has been recognized and awarded for his outstanding work in facial plastic surgery.

His awards and honors include being listed as Top Doc in Plastic Surgery, Top Doc for Women from South Jersey magazine, Top 10 Facial Plastic Surgeons in New Jersey, Leading Physicians of the World, and the Patient’s Choice Award for facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. We invite you to discover a luxury private clinic and a surgeon who is kind, compassionate, and dedicated to helping you live a happier, more confident life.

Scar Revision in Philadelphia