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Scar Revision Austin

Overview

At Austin Plastic Surgery Institute, we can help you move forward after a surgery, an accident, or to finally remove old scar tissue with scar revision surgery. A scar is a constant reminder of a wound that once existed. As a scar can be located anywhere on the body, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be raised or recessed, many patients wish to get rid of an unsightly scar that causes insecurity.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons in Austin, TX want to help. Scar revision treatment is a cosmetic surgery that helps minimize the appearance of an unsightly scar and improve its condition. It’s important to have realistic expectations. This procedure can reduce the appearance of a scar, but it will not make it completely disappear. We can also limit the damage of Mohs surgery (excision treatment for skin cancer), and limit the severity of skin damage that surgery can cause.

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Scar Revision Reviews

“Absolutely 100% Dr. Gorman saved my life. Literally.. Let me explain how miracles happen. I had already put a deposit down and scheduled a mini abdominal surgery with a local Lakeway "Certified COSMETIC Surgeon" for a mini abdominal plasty, two hernia repairs, and C-section scar revision. No joke..just 2 days before my scheduled surgery with her I just so happened to meet Dr. Gorman in of all places…a hair salon. I was the one cutting his hair that day. By chance you say? I think not. Angels were looking out for me that day. We began small talk which lead to him talking about being a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I told him how in just two days I was scheduled for an operation of my own. He asked who my surgeon was… I told him and will never forget that look. He asked if I knew the difference between COSMETIC SURGEON and BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON. Hmmm..actually no I didn't. Why should I be concerned with that I asked aren't the certifications all the same? Oh boy! Was I so mistaken. Dr. Gorman went on to explain that there is a very scary and unfortunate loophole in Texas for any surgeon really no matter the license or experience to be able to perform Plastic Surgery on patients. Not only was the Surgeon I originally chose NOT a Board-certified plastic surgeon, she is only a licensed Cosmetic Oral Surgeon…that's right folks.. a Cosmetic Dentist trying to perform very intricate body and abdominal plastic surgery on a patient without any formal training or credentials to back it up. I was obviously shocked and outraged. I could have had surgery with this woman and could have had serious consequences or even death! Dr. Gorman also explained how important it is to do your research on any Dr. performing surgery on you and to always always make sure they are BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC! Dr. Gorman and his team are top notch all the way. Did you know he is also the head of the Board of Plastic Surgery in Austin? He is the one teaching and certifying other Dr.'s. Wow! I couldn't possibly ask for a better surgeon than that. Over 35 years in the business. He's a master at his craft. After hearing my story Dr. G felt what he described as a medical and Physicians responsibility to make sure my surgery was performed correctly by an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He immediately called his office manager, Margaret, while sitting in my chair getting his hair cut mind you, and asked her when he could get me in. She got me in to consult the following morning. Surgery the next day. I was saved by a wonderful human being. An amazing Dr. who not only perfects his craft, but actually helps and cares about people. Deeply. I am currently 3 months out from my surgery and couldn't be happier with the results. Scar is perfect..straight and barely visible. Zero swelling now. Hernias…gone. Diastasis…gone. Tight healthy skin. And just so happy. So many things to be said about this entire experience, but if I can say one thing..please do your research and make sure your surgeon's credentials are legit. And that he/she is licensed to be performing the surgery you are wanting. I got lucky. Just go to Dr. G and you will have nothing to worry about. First in care, class, integrity, customer service, results, and most important human kindness and genuine care for his patients.”

– A.H. /
Google /
Mar 13, 2019

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339 Total Reviews

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Types of Scars

There are various methods available to treat unsightly scars, but it helps to first understand the different kinds of scars.

Superficial scars are the most subtle type of scars. They do not cause any issue other than an unsightly appearance.
Keloid scars are larger, painful scars, which are often discolored and tend to extend beyond the edges of a wound.
A hypertropic scar does not extend beyond the wound, but it continues to become larger, thicker, and more painful over time.
A contracture scar develops over a larger section of skin creating a tight feel and impairing one’s ability to move. A severe burn is an example of this.

Surgical Technique

Scar revision treatment will be chosen based on the scar’s location, type, size and overall extent. There are various techniques to consider.

Shave Excision

For scars that are raised, a shave excision may be performed to remove the top of the scar and even-out the surface with the rest of the skin. This creates a smoother, flatter appearance. During the procedure, a surgical shaver is used to slowly shave off the raised portion of the scar. Sutures are not needed in most shave excision cases.

Scar Removal/Modification

This is also a technique used for raised scars. It can be accomplished a couple of different ways. First, is the elliptical removal pattern. This involves removing the scar as well as an edging (ellipse) of skin encompassing the scar so a clean enclosure can be made. The sutures may be placed on the inside or outside of the skin. Sometimes a scar exists because the incision was closed poorly. By reopening the scar and resuturing the skin in a different direction, the new scar can be minimized.

Skin Grafting/Tissue Expansion

Large scars may require a skin graft (skin taken from another area on the body) to close the wound once the scar has been removed. Carefully placed sutures will be used around the graft to close and blend the skin together for healing. If a skin graft will not be used, tissue expansion may be used instead. During this process, a tissue expander will be placed under the skin where the scar resides and filled with a sterile solution. Once the expansion process is complete, the surgeon will stretch and join the edges together and place sutures carefully into the tissue wall.

Injectable Treatments

Scars that are depressed or concave may benefit from a filler material known as injectable derma filler. There are a wide variety of fillers on the cosmetic surgery market that may be considered. Collagen is a common filler used for scar revision. During the procedure, the injectable material will be injected into the skin through a syringe. The surgeon may manipulate the outside of the skin to help shape the surface accordingly.

Surface Treatments

Some scars can be treated with a series of skin rejuvenation treatments, which can soften the surface of the skin, smooth out uneven scarring, reduce uneven pigmentation and lighten the skin where needed. Some scars may even become non-existent because of the skin removal mechanism. Skin surface treatments include laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, dermabrasion and skin bleaching.

During/After Surgery

All scar revision procedures are performed in an accredited surgical facility. Some procedures will require general anesthesia, but most will only need local anesthesia. Following this procedure, patients will need to adhere to a daily scar treatment regime so the wound site and new scar can heal. It is important to protect this area of skin from sun exposure to avoid any further skin discoloration. While this treatment does not fully eliminate a scar, the visible imperfections are certainly minimized. Most patients feel more confident exposing the section of skin where the unsightly scar once resided.