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 to Consider Surgical Scar Removal
It can be hard to feel your best if you have a noticeable scar, especially if it’s in a highly visible location, such as your face. And, while most scars can fade over time, some can be disfiguring or even impact your ability to move.
Fortunately, Scott deVilleneuve, MD, at Surgical Associates of North Texas offers scar revision surgery to treat soft tissue damage, so you can restore the function and appearance of your skin.
Why scars form
Scars play a crucial role in the healing process if you get injured or have surgery. That’s because scars form as your body sends new collagen fibers to the area to mend tissue damage. Unfortunately, as these new cells knit the damaged area together, they often take on a different appearance and texture than the surrounding skin.
There are several types of scars, including the following:
Keloid scars
These scars are painful, itchy, or puckered, and they extend beyond the site of the original wound.
Contracture scars
These scars restrict movement and are often over a joint, on fingers, or on the neck.
Hypertrophic scars
These scars are thick clusters of tissue, and they're often raised, red, and can be uncomfortable.
Acne scars
These scars can range from deep craters to angular or wavelike textures.
While all scars are permanent, some can fade over time or respond to skin-care products, skin resurfacing, microneedling, and other conservative treatments. For deeper or restrictive scars, Dr. deVilleneuve may recommend surgical scar removal solutions.
How surgical scar removal works
When you have surgical scar removal, Dr. deVilleneuve uses specialized surgical techniques to repair the soft tissue damage causing the disfigurement. This approach can help restore healthy tissue to the area and improve the skin’s overall function and appearance.
Dr. deVilleneuve uses several techniques to correct soft tissue damage surgically, depending on the type of scar and your symptoms. These approaches range from simply removing excess scar tissue to placing skin graphs from other areas of your body over your injury site. In some cases, he can perform your revision surgery under local anesthetic, but for others, he may recommend sedation or general anesthesia.
When to consider surgical scar removal
It’s not always clear when or if scar revision surgery is necessary, because each scar is different. Sometimes, it can take several months or up to a year for a wound to heal completely. Furthermore, some scars can shrink or fade with time. And with other scars, it’s best to treat them 60-90 days after they mature. In any case, Dr. deVilleneuve will give you a thorough evaluation and recommend how to proceed.
In the end, it’s ultimately a personal decision to surgically remove a scar. However, Dr. deVilleneuve may recommend surgery for the following reasons:
- To minimize scars that haven’t responded to conservative therapies
- To reduce the appearance of unsightly scars
- To restore function to an area restricted by scar tissue
To see if surgical scar removal is right for you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Surgical Associates of North Texas today.
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