About this topic
Scar revision is a kind of surgery that is done to help a scar look better. You may have a scar from an accident, injury, or surgery. Sometimes, the scar causes problems with how your skin looks or how you are able to move. Your scar may cause your skin to have: ‚
- A different color or texture from your other skin
- Red, raised, or sunken place that may be painful
- Large growths of skin called keloids. These may hurt or itch.
- Limited movement, especially around a joint
After surgery, your scar will be smaller and less noticeable. You may have more movement. Your scar will not be completely removed. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your wound. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
- Protect your skin:
- Wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun for 6 to 12 months.
- Avoid wind exposure.
- Stay away from any activity that might cause bumps to your skin for at least 2 weeks.
- Stay away from playing active sports for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Encourage healing:
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) for at least 3 to 4 weeks.
- Do not swim or use hot tubs for at least 4 weeks.
- Do not smoke.
- Ask your doctor when you can begin shaving.
- You may use non-allergenic makeup to cover areas with uneven color after you heal.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- More scarring
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal, or pain.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the wound; wound opens up.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to care for my wound.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ‚
http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/facial_scar.html ‚
American Society of Plastic Surgeons ‚
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/scar-revision.html ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-08-19 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚