Plastic surgeon in Lahore – No surgical procedure can guarantee the complete removal of any scar without complete examination and analysis; however, though, plastic surgery can get rid of most of the scars through scar revision procedures. The extent to which the scars can be removed or reduced depends upon many factors, including the type and source of the scar. The best plastic surgeon in Lahore can make the right decision after thoroughly examining the scar tissue.
What is a scar?
A scar is usually comprised of fibrous tissue, and it is the body’s natural way of healing and replacing the lost and damaged skin. Scars can form due to many reasons, including as a result of an infection, surgery, injury, or inflammation of tissues, etc. Scars can develop in any place on the body and vary in appearance, and they can be flat, sunken, lumpy, or colored. They can be bothersome by being painful or itchy, and they can also cause no pain or itching but just be a source of cosmetic disfigurement. Whatever the situation might be, the plastic surgeon in Lahore can ensure the right solution for the problem. The final appearance of the scar depends upon many factors, including;
- The skin type
- The location of the scar on the body
- Source of the wound
- Type of the scar
- Age of the person
- Nutritional status
The different types of scars
The type of scar determines which technique should be used to improve the scar tissue, the various types of scars include;
- Discoloration or surface irregularities
These scars do not cause any functional impairments or any physical discomfort and can be cosmetically improved by plastic surgery and other treatment methods depending upon the severity. These can include acne scars also scars resulting from a minor injury or some prior surgical incisions.
- Hypertrophic scars
The thick clusters of scar tissues that develop directly at the wound site are the hypertrophic scars. They are raised, red, uncomfortable, and can become wider over time. There can be hyperpigmentation (darker color) or hypopigmentation (lighter color) at the site.
- Keloid scars
These are larger than hypertrophic scars and can be painful, itchy, or wrinkled. They may extend beyond the edges of the original wound or incision. Keloid scarring can occur anywhere on the body, but they are more likely to appear where there is a small amount of underlying fatty tissue such as the neck, face, ears, chest, or shoulders.
- Contractures
They restrict movement because the underlying skin and tissue pull together during the process of healing. Commonly contractures occur when there is a loss of a large amount of tissue, such as in burn injury. They can also occur when a wound crosses a joint, resulting in restricting the movement of that joint, for instance, fingers, elbow, neck, or knees.
What is scar revision surgery?
Scar revision is a plastic surgery that is done in an attempt to remove or minimize scar tissue so that it is less conspicuous and blends in well with the surrounding skin. It can improve the appearance or condition of the scar anywhere on the body.
The treatment options may vary on the degree and type of the scarring and can include invasive, non-invasive, and minimally invasive techniques. The surgical and non-surgical treatments can be done alone or in combination based on the requirement. The plastic surgeon in Lahore can perform different procedures for cosmetic reasons or to restore a normal function of the body, or for both reasons combined.
Non-invasive and minimally invasive scar removal treatments
- Topical treatment
Some topical ointments such as silicone gels and silicone sheets can be used to treat the surface scars and discoloration and help the healing process of the scars.
- Surface treatment
Some methods such as dermabrasion, laser therapy, chemical peeling, micro-needling, and skin bleaching agents can be used to smooth the surface and texture of the scar. They can help in reducing the discoloration by removing the top layers of the skin and allowing the growth and development of new skin over the affected area.
- Injectable treatment
Dermal fillers composed of natural or synthetic products can significantly improve the appearance of sunken scars. Plastic surgeon in Lahore uses steroid injections that can help in decreasing collagen production and alter the appearance, texture, and size of a raised scar.
Surgical removal of scars
- Skin grafts and skin flaps
Skin grafts include removing a healthy piece of tissue from one part of the body and attaching it to the damaged area for the purpose of healing. The skin flap is similar to a skin graft except that in this method, the removed tissue contains its own blood supply.
- Z-Plasty
It is used to revise more serious scars. A cut is made along either side of the scar to create angled flaps that can reposition or change the direction of the scar and interrupt the scar tension making it less visible.
- Tissue expansion
It is done to help the body grow additional skin for the purpose of covering the damaged area. Tissue expansion is done by placing an inflatable balloon under the skin near the affected region to gradually stretch the skin. The extra skin, which results is used for the procedure of scar revision.
The widely available options for scar revision provide hope to patients with all kinds of scars that restrict their normal functions and affect their appearance. The plastic surgeon in Lahore performs a wide range of procedures with careful consideration extending from surgical to non-surgical techniques on a per-patient basis.
