scar correction

Scar Correction – Synonyms & Principle

synonyms: correction of scars

principle: mostly surgical optimization of scars by removing and/or moving (often painful) scars. With or without flaps or skin transplantation or autologous fat

is often combined with…

• Needling
• injection of enzymes or cortisone
• laser ablation
• autologous fat
• blood plasma (=PRP)

efficiency

In the case of existing scars, the effectiveness of a correction can vary greatly from individual to individual. A scar will always remain a scar. In some cases, however, it will actually be very inconspicuous - in other cases (e.g. keloid) there is always a significant risk that the scar will get worse! - Honest advice with consideration and weighing up of the possible options is particularly important here!

surgery/treatment duration

depending on the operation/treatment 5-90 minutes

repetition of the treatment

In principle, scar correction can be repeated indefinitely. However, the conditions do not necessarily improve from one procedure to the next. A good concept is needed if scar correction is repeated more often in order to achieve an improvement.

Application in which body region

every

alternatives

Sometimes it is better to leave scars alone and do nothing. I think it can also be useful to "de-stress" scars - if it is done on a medical basis such as TCM and meridians.

It always takes at least a year for a wound to heal completely. During this time, surgical scar correction should only be considered in exceptional cases.

decision-making aids

Essentially, these are fundamental decisionsthat make up a scar correction surgery.

Should I have scar correction do it at all? – Sometimes it is the better decision not to do something.

At least one year should always be waited after a recent operation before the final scar can be assessed.

Alternatives or good preparations for an operation (and usually an operation is then unnecessary) are needling, introduction of enzymes or cortisone, removal of the scar with jet plasma or laser, introduction of PRP or autologous fat, ...

Options for surgery:

There are countless techniques for surgical scar correction. This can start with simply cutting out the scar and sewing it back together, or go all the way to an operation with a free tissue flap. In between, flap surgery, autologous fat transfer, skin transplants and much more are often used.

After a recent operation, it is important to take care of the wound and, if the wound is stable, to massage the scar. You can work with a good amount of pressure, knead and stretch the scar, sometimes even soften it with your fingernail - it is best to ask about the condition of the scar and the appropriate scar care and massage when you have it checked.

cut=scar again

A cut always means a scar. That means it is impossible to magically make a scar disappear!

A special case is excessive scarring or even scar growth (=keloid). In this case, there is a high probability that a well-intentioned scar correction operation will re-inflame the situation and even make it worse. In these cases, a well-considered approach is important - and can range from reducing the scar from the inside to injecting certain substances or even radiation.

Requirements for the most beautiful scar possible:

To achieve the most beautiful and inconspicuous scar possible, the following points are important:

• Scar position – there are regions or zones on the body where scars are particularly visible and noticeable
• Pull on the scar – A lot of pull on the scar usually results in wider scars of poorer quality – of course, sufficient rest after the operation (especially the first 2-3 weeks after the operation) also plays an important role!
• Suture material – here it is always important to find a compromise between sufficient hold and as little foreign material as possible – even self-dissolving sutures must first be dissolved by the body
• scar care and massage after surgery
• Sun protection in the first year after surgery (SPF 30 or more!)
• In my opinion, lasers are overrated as cutting instruments (heat!) - for me there is nothing more gentle than the cold, smooth cut of a scalpel
• and many individual aspects that are analyzed in detail during an information session…

Time heals all wounds…

Patience is the best advice in some cases of scars. Wound healing after surgery takes at least a year - in some cases even longer. While too much UV light, i.e. sun, should be avoided in the first year, a vacation by the sea with sun, sand and sea salt peeling - and care - can be another step in the right direction in the years that follow.

Pigmentation can improve scars with a noticeable color, but this is only an approximation of the ideal skin tone. The color of the surrounding skin varies from season to season.

What should you have heard/read before scar correction?

A precise and individual problem analysis is particularly important in the case of a planned scar correction. It is also important to ask which components are most disturbing. This can be the thickness of the scar, the color, the depression of the scar region, the position of the scar and much more.

Prejudices

After scar correction, the scar is certainly invisible

facts

A scar will be a scar again. The improvement of scars after scar correction is usually due to the improvement of individual components such as width, color, position of the scar, level of the scar and the area around the scar, ...

possible side effects/complications

• scar
• in some cases even deterioration is possible (in the case of keloids without an overall concept this is even relatively likely)

details Information on possible complications can be found in the information documents

In summary, good preparation (information, explanation, preliminary examinations, analysis, etc.) and the surgeon’s experience are important factors for successful scar correction

You should avoid…

• early scar corrections in the first year (especially the first six months) after an injury or surgery
• always think only of an operation with cutting – supplements or alternative treatments can also be very helpful such as medical needling, jet plasma, laser, introduction of enzymes or cortisone, scar massage, scar removal, ...

anesthesia

Possible anesthesiaforms for scar correction – depending on the size of the region

• Local anesthesia
• twilight sleep
• gentle general anesthesia

the operation

Deadlines must be met in Austria (surgical information and anesthesia information) – this means that there is a waiting period of at least 3-4 weeks from the decision to undergo breast enlargement, but often longer.

Do not take any blood-thinning medication until 10 days before surgery. Avoid ginger and citrus fruits!

THINKING POSITIVELY – helps. It not only prolongs life, but is also always a good first step towards any treatment or operation.

the operation

rest for at least 3 weeks in the sense of:

• do not lift more than 5-6kg (sometimes less)
• nothing jerky
• do not put any (or as little) tension on the scar – but this basically applies to the entire first year after the operation

our preferred technique/recommendation

• precise problem analysis
• individually tailored treatment concept with preparatory measures and appropriate aftercare and follow-up

Cost

Costs vary greatly – depending on the problem

65 optional special price recommended scar ointment + disinfectant spray (after surgery 74)

minus consultation costs

400 optional overnight stay at the clinic with nurse/450 for overnight stay from Friday to Saturday – if necessary and reasonable

The exact total price will be determined during the second consultation (=consent) depending on the combinations, desired clinic and room category

reasonable budget

A final cost estimate is only possible and meaningful after a detailed on-site inspection and clarification of individual wishes.

downtime

In general, 2-3 weeks of rest be taken into account – this means specifically:

• lifting no more than 5-6 kg
• no jerky movements
• do not carry out any activities that apply tension or shear forces to the wound

Important to know…

• Not all scars are the same – a thorough on-site assessment (even a photo is usually not enough) definitely makes sense!

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scar correction