The ultimate goal of both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is to make the most attractive outcome for the patient, and the issue of scarring cannot be overlooked when planning for surgery. When cosmetic surgery is performed, skin tissue is generally not originally compromised or damaged, so the placement of incisions and resulting scars will be extremely imperceptible. When reconstructive surgery is performed, normally there is some sort of defect that is being corrected, so the placement of incisions is done in the most skillful manner possible, in an attempt to make the resulting scar imperceptible.
Once the patient has fully healed from surgery, the treatment of scarring can be addressed if need be. The overall appearance of scarring will be best when patients begin treating the scar as soon as possible following surgery. This normally occurs after the physician gives the patient the ok to begin treating the scar, once the wound is fully healed. At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, we have observed much success from our patients who use silicone-based scar gel after surgery. The best product we have used is Biocorneum Advanced Scar Supervision Plus SPF 30. Biocorneum is the first and only FDA-cleared topical silicone scar treatment with SPF. This product helps to improve the appearance of old and new scars and is great to use following reconstructive or cosmetic surgical procedures.
Another extremely effective method for scar treatment is laser genesis scar therapy. This treatment is non-invasive and is not associated with any downtime. Patients can literally do this treatment on their lunch break and return to normal activities. The Laser Genesis treatment works to even out the appearance of scarring by generating heat on the dermal layer of the skin, which encourages collagen formation. Scar tissue is normally comprised of disorganized collagen, and the laser treatment works to reorganize collagen and stimulate the production of new collagen. Patients should plan to complete a series of treatments for best results.
If you are planning on undergoing cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, make sure to discuss treatment options for any possible scarring that can occur after surgery. When patients want to do everything they can to help with the appearance of scars, we recommend using scar gel and undergoing laser treatments for the best possible outcome.
