Scar revision is not a single technique. Depending on the scar, it can involve one or several of the following procedures: dermabrasion, steroid application/injection, compression garments, silicone gel sheeting, laser skin resurfacing, or surgery, all in an effort to improve the appearance and/or symptoms of a scar. Patients may have a scar caused by an accident, injury, surgery (including dermatologic surgery, c-sections, or other surgeries), and burns. Patients may desire scar revision because of the way a scar looks or because the scar causes discomfort or functional impairment (contractures).  Scars may have symptoms such as itching, discomfort, or tightness, and/or limit the range of motion of the affected area of the body. The first step is to obtain a consultation.  Dr. Gharavi will discuss the options available and expectations, tailored to your specific goals.

COMMON PROCEDURES:

Upon initial consultation, Dr. Gharavi will personalize and tailor treatment options based on the type of scar and the individual needs of the patient. Options may include one or several of the following:

• LASER SKIN RESURFACING
• LASERS FOR RED SCARS
• SKIN GRAFTING
• DERMABRASION
• INTRALESIONAL STEROIDS
• SILICONE GEL SHEETS

Various lasers are available to improve the uneven surface of scars. We offer fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers. Therapy is individualized depending on the patient’s needs and goals.

Some scars do not have uneven surfaces but are simply red. This may be due to increase blood vessels at the surface of the skin. We offer some of the most reliable lasers for treatment of red scars. Therapy is individualized depending on the patient’s needs and goals.

Some scars may require surgery and the recruitment of healthy tissue (for example, burns, contractures). With skin grafting, a thin layer of skin is taken from a healthy part of the body and is transplanted to the scarred region. Skin grafts may not appear identical to the surrounding skin with regard to color or thickness; however, they provide an option to restore function to severely affected scar regions.

This modality is used to smooth out surface irregularities by removing the topmost layer(s) of skin. In essence the top layer of the scar is 'sanded' down until the desired depth is achieved.

Steroids are used to flatten and reduce the activity of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Steroids can be injected into the scar tissue in clinic, can be used at the time of surgery, or can be used topically with laser modalities.

Silicone gel sheets can help flatten hypertrophic, keloid, and active scars. They are placed on the scar daily and typically worn for 24 hours.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR A CONSULTATION, please call 310.385.3300.