Scar Management
Scarring is a natural part of the body’s healing process following injury or surgery. While the appearance of scars may change over time, some can result in cosmetic or functional concerns for patients. In such cases, management options may include steroid injections or scar revision surgery. Dr Taylor can discuss appropriate treatment options based on your individual presentation and goals.
Interventions during the scar formation process, including wound massage and the application of silicone products, can assist in softening scar tissue. Dr Taylor has a good working relationship with a team of experienced Occupational Therapists who have extensive experience in scar management. He may refer you to this team if he believes it would support your recovery.
What are Steroid Injections?
This procedure is performed in Dr Taylor’s rooms during a clinic appointment. You will be provided with a prescription to fill at your pharmacy and must bring the medication with you to your appointment. Steroid injections are typically administered over a series of appointments (commonly between 2 and 4 sessions). These injections may help to soften scar tissue and reduce redness, which can improve the overall appearance of the scar for some patients. Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure.
What is Scar Revision Surgery?
Wounds healing under tension can worsen and stretch scars. Surgical revision of a scar involves cutting out the old scar, releasing formed scar tissue and suturing the skin back together again. In some cases, this may involve a ‘Z-Plasty’ to help release tissue nearby.
In many cases, when scar revision surgery is performed, the surrounding skin has stretched since the original injury or surgery. This can result in less tension on the wound, which may support improved healing. Surgical techniques, such as careful suturing, are used to help reduce tension further. In some cases, specific dressings may also be recommended during the healing process to support the wound and assist with scar management.
What is a Keloid Scar?
A keloid scar is a scar that becomes raised and thick and grows beyond the original wound site following an injury, piercing or surgery. Keloid scars are caused by the overproduction of collagen during the healing process.
Keloid scars can also be revised during a surgical procedure. Revision of keloid scars usually involves an 'intra-lesional' excision of the scar. This leaves a very small rim of the keloid scar behind - not cutting into the healthy surrounding tissue to prevent recurrence. The area is then injected with steroids during outpatient appointments to help prevent recurrence and to soften down the remaining small rim of keloid scar remaining.
Recurrence can still occur; however, in most instances, this is an effective treatment to flatten/ soften keloid scars significantly.
What Can I Expect with Scar Revision Surgery?
A Quick Overview
Surgery time: 30 mins - 1 hour
Length of stay in hospital: Day surgery
Recovery time: (The following are approximate times.)
Driving 24 hours,
Office work 24 hours,
Strenuous work/exercise 6 weeks if the movement will affect this area of the body during healing.
Incision and scar: Incision around the old scar (the same size)
Other Things to Consider
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Often, an injection of steroids and scar revision surgery are combined therapy.
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To prevent poor scarring from reoccurring, it is important to prevent stretching of the skin in the area of the body during the healing process.
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If you are prone to hypertrophic scars, there is no guarantee that this won’t reoccur.
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Depending on the size and location of the scar, this surgery can potentially be done under local anaesthetic if you would prefer.
You can find more information on the procedures at plasticsurgery.org.au