- Facial Plastic Surgery
- »
- Scar Revision in Tampa, FL
Scar Revision in Tampa, FL
At Elite Facial Plastic Surgery, our skilled surgeons use the latest surgical techniques and state-of-the-art technology in scar revision. Whether you want to smooth away persistent acne scars or fade lasting evidence of an injury, our team is here to help you reduce—or even eliminate—the appearance of your scars.
Our highly-trained medical team, led by Dr. Dominic Castellano, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, is experienced in using surgical excision and laser resurfacing for scar revision. We educate you about each step of your treatment and work with you to create the best plan for your specific type of scar.
If you’re ready to improve your appearance with scar revision in Tampa, FL, contact Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
Benefits of Scar Revision
Seeing scars in the mirror daily can be demoralizing or even traumatic, depending on how you got them. While some scars fade over time, others only worsen as you age and your skin loses elasticity or begins to show sun damage. Since scar tissue reacts differently to stimuli than normal skin, it may become hyperpigmented or wrinkle faster than unscarred tissue.
Scar revision not only improves the appearance and health of your skin, but it can also have a positive psychological impact. Reducing the appearance of your scars may help you heal from psychological trauma, boost confidence, and improve your general outlook on life. Scar revision also improves skin elasticity, which makes it smoother and healthier. This process may even prevent early signs of aging, helping you retain a dewy, youthful appearance for longer.
Types of Scars We Treat
Our certified medical team is skilled in treating several different types of scars. Before deciding which scar revision procedure is right for you, we’ll assess your skin type and what kinds of scars are present. Then we’ll collaborate with you to create a treatment plan based on our recommendations and your comfort and expectations.
Below is a detailed description of the types of scars we treat.
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are thick, raised scars that occur when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process. They’re most often the result of wounds that penetrate the deeper dermis layer. These deeper wounds usually take longer to heal and are often more painful, so your body produces more collagen and connective tissue during the healing process. The result is a raised line, bump, or irregularly shaped area. It may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
Keloid Scars
Keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic in that they’re also an overgrowth of collagen and connective tissue. However, keloids are usually shiny, lumpy, and look like a growth. They vary in texture from soft to rubbery and may be a purple, brown, or reddish color. Keloids look this way because the healing tissue spreads far beyond the wound and into the healthy skin around the scar. They’re usually prominent and very noticeable.
Contractures
Scar contractures form when the skin constricts tightly during the final stages of healing, leaving a very taught, semi-flexible, or inflexible area. They can make it difficult to flex or move if they’re located on a mobile part of the body, such as the cheek, forehead, or neck. Severe burns or deep injuries can result in contractures, but they can also result from poor wound care. If a wound isn’t kept moist enough or the scab is removed too soon, it can result in the skin becoming very tight as it struggles to close the injury.
Double Board-Certified Facial
Plastic Surgeon in Tampa, FL
Dr. Dominic Castellano
Elite Facial Plastic Surgery is led by Dr. Dominic, a double-board certified plastic surgery specialist with a deep understanding of facial structure and musculature coupled with a deep appreciation for aesthetic facial beauty. He’s certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology— head and neck surgery —and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Dominic graduated from the University of South Florida—College of Medicine in 2002. Over the last two decades, he’s honed his facial rejuvenation skills with a focus on creating beautiful, natural-looking results with the least invasive treatments available.
Scar Revision Procedure
Scar revision surgery doesn’t remove scars—it reduces their appearance or the effect they have on a person’s ability to move the scar tissue. The goal of scar revision is to use specific surgical techniques to improve an individual’s cosmetic appearance, make the skin more flexible, and ease any discomfort the scar tissue may cause.
We offer two effective procedures for scar revision, which are listed below.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision is the type of scar revision procedure we most commonly use to revise hypertrophic and keloid scars. We surgically remove the scar tissue during excision, leaving a border of normal tissue around the wound. This tissue is then carefully sutured together in a thin, delicate line so it can heal almost invisibly.
If a scar is particularly large, you may need skin grafting to revise it completely. Grafting is most common for treating keloid scars, depending on their size or depth.
Ablative Laser Resurfacing
We often use ablative laser resurfacing to correct contracture scars. During this scar revision procedure, Dr. Dominic uses a laser to remove the outer layer of damaged skin. This process also stimulates collagen production in the lower layers, encouraging the new wound to heal smoothly. Aftercare is especially important when revising contracture scars to prevent new contractures from forming.
Are you ready to enhance your facial beauty and improve your confidence with a rhinoplasty in Tampa?
How Long is Recovery After Scar Revision?
Following both scar revision procedures, you’ll need up to two weeks to heal. Healing properly is the best way to avoid new scars, so it’s important to follow aftercare procedures closely. Change your dressings regularly, apply the recommended ointments and salves, and avoid pressing on, scratching, or picking at your wound.
It’s common to experience some pain, swelling, and itching. You can use ice packs and take recommended pain medication to make yourself more comfortable.
Scar Revision Results
Though the initial healing time after scar revision is just a matter of weeks, it takes eight to 12 months for wounds to heal completely. You may notice a slight difference between the newly-healed skin and the surrounding area. However, as the skin continues to heal, it should blend into your complexion and become almost unnoticeable. The area should also be more flexible, smooth, and nearly the same color as the rest of your skin.
Scar Revision FAQ
Who is a good candidate for scar revision?
Individuals of any age can safely have scar revision surgery, provided they’re physically healthy and don’t smoke. Those with active acne or other skin conditions should address those conditions before considering scar revision.
Does insurance cover scar revision?
Most insurance companies won’t cover scar revision for purely cosmetic reasons. However, your surgery may be covered if the scar impedes movement, causes physical or psychological pain, or contributes to other health issues.
Contact your insurance provider to see whether they’ll cover your procedure.
Is scar revision surgery safe?
Scar revision is considered safe for individuals of any age, though surgical procedures always carry some risk. Be sure to disclose your complete medical history during your consultation so we can properly evaluate whether these procedures are safe for you.
Is scar revision worth it?
Scar revision is usually minimally invasive with a short downtime. It’s considered safe for people of all ages and poses few risks to a person’s health. When performed by experienced surgeons, the outcome is nearly always a smooth, flexible, dewy complexion you can show off with pride.
Schedule a Consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery Today
To talk with Dr. Dominic about your cosmetic goals, the right type of rhinoplasty for your nose, the best technique, and the most accurate cost, schedule a consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery in Tampa today.