Scar Revision
in New Jersey & Philadelphia
Scarring on the face can be particularly distressing because the face is a very aesthetically sensitive area. Unwanted facial scars can result from accidents, injury, piercings, prior surgical procedures, and skin conditions such as acne. Scarring can cause noticeable discoloration, redness, uneven texture, skin depressions, and/or skin thickening. In severe cases, the scar can become raised to the point that it extends beyond the boundaries of the initial wound to form a keloid. All of these forms of scarring can be treated by an expert plastic surgeon.
Dr. Alisa Yamasaki, MD, is a Harvard-trained facial plastic surgeon and board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon who specializes in facial scar revision. She also has extensive expertise in procedures such as facial skin cancer reconstruction, facelift, necklift, rhinoplasty, and other cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery. She sees patients in New Jersey & Philadelphia.
Experience the Excellence of Dr. Yamasaki, Harvard-Trained Facial Plastic Surgeon.
What Is Scar Revision Surgery?
Scar revision surgery is an outpatient procedure that is used to improve the appearance of a scar. It is most commonly performed under local anesthesia in the office, depending on the location and extent of scarring. While no scar can be removed completely, the goal of surgery is to camouflage the appearance of the scar and help it to blend with the existing skin around it. Certain types of scars are more difficult to repair than others. The success of revision surgery is dependent on the type of scar, location, severity of the original injury, overall skin quality, genetics, overall health, and other factors.
What Is A Scar?
After an injury to the skin, the body’s natural process of wound healing begins. During the healing process, the body lays down collagen and new blood vessels to help repair the injured skin and soft tissue. Over time, the collagen builds up and the healing tissue grows. The new tissue may continue to grow and mature over the course of one year or longer. A scar is the permanent mark that is left after the injury site heals. Scar consists of dense collagen and other skin components and often looks different than the native skin. It can appear raised and bumpy, widened and depressed, or discolored.
Although many scars improve over time to more closely match the surrounding skin, some scars look more prominent due to poor wound healing or severe injury. Some patients find the scars to be disfiguring or notice functional problems related to the scar such as skin tethering and restricted facial movement. Visible scars can impact self-confidence or affect a patient’s personal, social, or professional life, depending on the location of the scar and its impact on the face. For these reasons, patients may decide to pursue a scar revision procedure.
Types of Scars
Consulting with a skilled plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best treatment option that is tailored to your specific scar type and individual needs.
Scar Revision Surgery Benefits
The benefits of a patient’s scar revision surgery will depend on the type of scar, its location, size, and other patient factors. Some scars, such as hypertrophic or keloid scars, have difficulty healing well and may never be completely erased. Particularly for aggressive scars, ongoing follow up treatments such as steroid injections and laser treatments may be necessary in order to optimize the healing process.
While some facial scars may heal well on their own, scar revision surgery can be beneficial for those who want to improve the appearance of scars caused by injury or previous surgery. Some advantages of scar revision include:
Scar Revision Consultation
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your facial scar, the first step is to schedule a surgical consultation. During the scar revision consultation, Dr. Yamasaki will discuss which types of treatments are available, depending on the specific characteristics of the scar. This may include scar revision surgery in addition to injectable options and/or skin-based treatments. Injectables can improve the appearance of the scar if it is sunken or depressed. If the scar protrudes,steroids and other types of injection may be the best initial option. For surface irregularities or discoloration, skin-based treatments such as laser treatments, dermabrasion, and chemical peels may be the best option. If a combination of treatments is necessary, Dr. Yamasaki will review this with you. It is important to follow all of the perioperative instructions when it comes to preparing for and recovering from scar revision surgery or treatment.
You won't regret
booking Dr. Yamasaki
“Dr. Yamasaki is incredible. She’s a physician that genuinely cares about her patients. From the moment she stepped in to the room, she was extremely diligent, comforting, and never made me feel rushed. She explained everything in great detail and went above and beyond in our appointment. It was refreshing to be seen by a physician that genuinely cares and is sympathetic to patient issues. If you’re thinking about seeing Dr. Yamasaki or interested in seeing her, don’t think twice. Book an appointment. You won’t regret it.”
Jonathan Harper
The Ideal Candidate for Scar Revision Surgery
Scar revision surgery may be an option for patients of all ages who are interested in improving the appearance or function of a scar. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, non-smokers, and do not have significant medical conditions that could impair wound healing or increase the risk of complications. Those with good skin quality and also have realistic expectations regarding surgery.
If surgery is not the best option in your case, there may be other procedural options such as a chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser therapy, and/or injectable treatments. Dr. Yamasaki will review all options with you to determine the treatment approach that best suits your need.
The Scar Revision Surgery
During the consultation, Dr. Yamasaki customizes each patient’s treatment plan according to the appearance of the scar, facial location, and associated functional issues. Most of the time, scar revision procedures can be easily performed in the office, though in some cases the procedure may be performed in the operating room under sedation or general anesthesia. The overall goals of the surgery are to remove unhealthy scar tissue and close the wound in a way to facilitate good wound healing and final scar camouflage. The specific surgical approach depends on the location, size, and appearance of the scar. Dr. Yamasaki will provide detailed instructions regarding preoperative preparation and postoperative care, depending on your particular scar revision procedure.
Before & After Scar Revision
Scar Revision Surgery Recovery
Following the procedure, Dr. Yamasaki will provide post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and medication, if necessary, to manage any pain. Unlike other plastic surgery, scar revision treatment does not usually prevent someone from returning to work or making serious changes to their routine.
Scar Revision Surgery Cost
Due to the individualized nature of each scar, variables that affect the cost of each treatment are different for each patient. The cost of scar revision surgery can be determined by:
- Type of scar
- Location of scar
- Treatment needed
- Complexity of treatment
Insurance providers typically do not cover the cost of scar revision. In some special situations,. scar revision may be considered medically necessary and may be covered by your insurance depending on the specific benefits included under your insurance plan. Dr. Yamasaki’s office will help to determine if your treatment may be covered by insurance. If insurance coverage is not provided, there are financing options such as Care Credit.
Why Choose Dr. Yamasaki for Your Scar Revision
- Renowned Expertise: Board-certified and fellowship-trained, Dr. Yamasaki is a top specialist in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery.
- Prestigious Affiliations: Dr. Yamasaki’s association with Penn Medicine and her experience at top institutions like Harvard and the University of Michigan ensure multidisciplinary, superior care.
- Personalized Patient Care: Dr. Yamasaki provides customized treatments using advanced surgical and non-surgical procedures to meet patients’ specific goals.
- Extensive Experience: Dr. Yamasaki’s experience in numerous procedures, from rhinoplasty to skin cancer reconstruction, ensures high-quality treatment outcomes.
- Academic Contributions: With nearly 50 publications, Dr. Yamasaki remains at the forefront of otolaryngology research, enhancing her practice with the latest advancements.
Dr. Alisa Yamasaki, MD, is a Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and board-certified Otolaryngologist–Head & Neck Surgeon. Her expertise is in procedures including scar revision, facial skin cancer reconstruction, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, dermal filler, and neuromodulator injections in New Jersey & Philadelphia. If you want to improve the appearance of a scar and regain your confidence, schedule a consultation online at Yamasaki Facial Plastic Surgery.