Scar Revision Questions

Q - What is scar revision?
Scar revision procedures are designed to improve the appearance of scars including those resulting from surgery, trauma and acne. There are a variety of techniques which may be used to excise, realign or reduce the appearance of scars including surgery, chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. Scars almost never completely disappear but can certainly be vastly improved.

Q - Is scar revision right for me?
If you are healthy and looking to improve the appearance of an unsightly scar, then scar revision may be right for you. Adults fair better than children from scar revision.  Hence, most often scar revision should be held off until children are older and can follow post-op instructions.  The tight growing skin in children is not ideal for scar revision.  Sometimes, an initial scar revision can be performed in a child with a very noticeable scar in order to help the self confidence of the child with the understanding that a later procedure may be necessary once the child is much older.

Q - What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a procedure which uses a high speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin. It may be used to make a scar less visible. This is the ideal method of resurfacing a scar and it is preferable to lasers or chemical peels for several reasons.

Q - What is laser resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is a procedure which uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to remove the top layer of skin. Laser resurfacing can minimize the appearance of some scars.

Q - What does a consultation for scar revision entail?
During a consultation for scar revision, Dr. Naderi will examine your scar, take a thorough medical history and discuss your goals. Dr. Naderi will recommend the best technique and explain all aspects of the procedure including the anesthesia, the facility, the recovery, the risks, the costs and so on.

Q - Where is the scar revision procedure performed?
Dr. Naderi performs some scar revision procedures in his office while others take place at INOVA system hospitals which include Fair Oaks Hospital, Loudoun Hospital, Fairfax Hospital, and Mt. Vernon Hospital.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for scar revision?
MAC (monitored anesthesia care) or local anesthesia may be used for scar revision.

Q - How is scar revision performed?
There are a variety of techniques which may be used for scar revision. It is possible to excise or realign a visible scar, placing it in a more favorable direction. A resurfacing technique such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing or a chemical peel may then be used to further minimize the appearance of the scar.

Q - What is the recovery like after scar revision?
Recovery from scar revision takes about seven to ten days. The scar may appear red at first, and bruising and swelling may occur.

Q - When will I be able to return to work after undergoing scar revision?
Patients can usually return to work within several days after undergoing scar revision, though resurfacing may require one to two weeks of healing.

Q - What are the risks or complications associated with scar revision?
All surgery carries potential risks. Those associated with scar revision include hyper or hypopigmentation (1-3%).

Q - Is scar revision covered by insurance?
Some coverage may be available for scar revision procedures treating scars resulting from injury or accident, though patients should be sure to check with their own insurance companies.

Q - Can I finance my scar revision procedure?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Dr. Naderi's office in Herndon, VA is conveniently located near the following: