Help! My Growing Lipoma Is Becoming Irritating
The good news about having a lipoma is that it’s usually not cause for concern and doesn’t require treatment. But if you have a lipoma that’s causing problems, here’s what you can do.
When It’s Time To Consider Scar Removal Surgery
Every time a scar appears on your skin, you’re seeing your body’s natural ability to heal in action. They occur when your system repairs itself, replacing damaged skin with new tissue. But that doesn’t mean all scars are one in the same. In fact, there are numerous types that vary in shape and appearance, and some can even cause issues.
Scott A. deVilleneuve, MD, of Surgical Associates of North Texas in McKinney, Texas, has special expertise in scar removal, thanks to his skill with soft tissue surgery. In this blog, he explains some of the reasons why you might benefit from scar removal surgery.
The type of scar
One primary consideration for scar removal involves the type of scar you have. Scars can develop for numerous reasons, ranging from skin conditions and accidental injuries to surgical procedures. Regardless of their cause, they can lead to considerable changes in the area based on how the skin repairs itself.
Subtle scars
These types of scars typically cause minor surface irregularities or discoloration but no discomfort or lost function. You might see this kind of scarring in response to acne, piercings, or minor injuries and surgeries.
Hypertrophic scars
Unlike subtle scars, these areas of tissue often develop in a thick cluster at the wound site. In most cases, they have a raised appearance that can be dark, light, or red in color. They can also cause discomfort and get wider over time.
Keloid scars
These scars share similarities with hypertrophic scars, but they extend beyond the wound site. As a result, they’re often larger, itchy, painful, and can pucker. Keloid scars can form anywhere, but they’re most common in places with less fatty tissue, such as the neck, face, ears, shoulders, or chest.
Contractures
These scars usually result after a large area of skin is damaged or lost. When these scars form, they often pull on the edges of the surrounding skin, creating tight areas of tissue. As these scars heal, they can impact joint, tendon, and muscle movement in the area.
Each of these scars requires a different technique for removal.
Location of the scar
Whether you have a subtle scar or one that’s more significant, its location can also be a major factor regarding treatment. This is especially true for scars that are in highly visible areas, such as the face. However, a scar that’s in an area that limits function might also benefit from treatment.
At the end of the day, scar removal could be right for you if you:
- Find your scar bothersome
- Are in good health
- Don’t smoke
Similarly, you don’t have to live with scars that cause pain or discomfort.
What to expect from scar removal surgery
Some scars respond to conservative treatments, such as topical creams, skin resurfacing, and injectable therapies. However, for large, severe, or painful scars, Dr. deVilleneuve can help with soft tissue surgery.
During soft tissue surgery, Dr. deVilleneuve repairs the damage to restore the area’s function and appearance. This takes special skill, because soft tissue can move, change shape, and even flex when handled.
Since each scar is different, Dr. deVilleneuve relies on different soft tissue surgical techniques to provide the best results. Based on your scar, he can offer personalized guidance so you can know exactly what to expect and have realistic goals on your outcome.
Healing from scar removal surgery can take 6-8 weeks, but it usually takes a year to fully recover. After surgery, Dr. deVilleneuve continues monitoring your progress to ensure optimal results.
Do you have a scar that’s causing problems? Call 972-525-0245 or book an appointment online with Surgical Associates of North Texas to see if scar removal surgery could be right for you.
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