Surgical scars can happen to anyone who has had an invasive procedure, whether for cosmetic or functional purposes. At Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, Dr. Jill Waibel offers surgical scar treatment. Patients in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Kendall, Florida can contact us today to learn more.
WHAT ARE SURGICAL SCARS?
A scar is the body’s natural response to an injury. As the wound heals, new cells form that are often a different color than the original skin may have been. Surgical scars, then, are scars caused by incisions that may have been necessary as part of your surgery. Although these scars are normal and in some cases will fade with time, that is not always possible. Especially in the case of a surgery, you may have had a large incision that damaged deeper layers of skin. In this situation, the scar is less likely to go away on its own.
WHAT CAUSES SURGICAL SCARS?
Surgical scars are the result of an incision made during an invasive procedure. Although many skilled surgeons will hide incisions, and therefore the resulting scar, in a less noticeable location–such as under the fold of the breast in a breast lift, or in the hairline for a facelift–there are times when your surgical scar may be more visible. Surgical scars may have the following characteristics:
- Wide and flat
- Darker or lighter than the skin surrounding it
- Hypertrophic–raised, widened and within the dimensions of the original incision
- Atrophic–sunken into the original incision as a result of lost tissue
- Keloid–raised, widened and extending beyond the dimensions of the original incision
HOW ARE SURGICAL SCARS TREATED?
In many situations, our patients have tried over-the-counter scar treatment with little success. Fortunately, our team of scar experts is equipped with a wide range of treatment options to address your surgical scar concerns. Treatments may include:
- Lasers
- Steroid injections
- Revision or removal surgery
Of course, the best way to determine how to treat your surgical scar is to schedule a consultation, so you can directly speak with Dr. Jill Waibel and receive her professional opinion.
