Scar Reconstruction

Poor quality scars may occur as a result of wounds (surgical or not) whose initial healing was not smooth and short (due to infection, poor suturing, puling of the wound, foreign body, etc.) or an inherent problem in the healing of each patient.

Depending on the case, patients will be offered a number of treatments, both invasive, such as immediate excision of the scar and re-suturing with a special plastic surgery technique (Z or W-plasty), and non-invasive as for instance the latest Laser Fractional technology Erbium Glass 1540nm by Palomar, steroid injection, placement of silicone gel patches as well as application of a pressure bandage on the scars. Our doctors will discuss with you the best treatment for your particular case.

The two most common types of problem scars are hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Hypertrophic Scars

They appear as affected scars which usually take one to five years to completely subside. The end result is a slightly wider, but flat and pale scar that can become thinner and is slightly absorbed.

Keloid Scars

It can appear as a swollen and red scar, with its borders extending beyond those of the original scar. This type of scarring tends to occur more frequently in black patients however it is not limited to this skin type. Over time the scar will not shrink or flatten, but will become much firmer, elevated, hard and will show symptoms of itching.

When a keloid scar is removed, the area will initially look better. However, it is important to note that scarring may recur over time at a rate ranging from 20% to 100%. For this reason, other treatment options should be carefully considered before the patient undergoes keloid correction surgery. Treating keloid scars is one of the most difficult problems in plastic surgery. Combination therapies such as topical steroid injection, Laser Fractional Erbium Glass 1540nm, pressure therapy or surgical excision with intraoperative cortisone injection are some of the options offered for the most complete treatment of the problem.

Postoperative or Post-Traumatic / Post-Burn Scars

Postoperative or post-traumatic scars can be easily corrected and their appearance improved with the state-of-the-art Laser Fractional Erbium Glass 1540nm. Sometimes when scars exhibit inflammatory effects (joints, neck, etc.) it is advisable to make a surgical correction first (W- or Z-plasty or implant placement) and then apply the Laser Fractional.

Each patient’s case is examined separately and a clinical examination will reveal the particularities of your case in order to provide you with the best combination treatment.