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Scars can be unsightly and cause embarrassment for many people. They can also be a reason people are apprehensive about receiving cosmetic surgery.
With scar therapy at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, you can say goodbye to those worries. With the scar therapy treatments we offer, you can ensure any scarring you experience is minimal and very faint.
What is Scar Therapy?
Scars are a natural part of the healing process after surgery or a non-surgical injury. Oftentimes, scars will red and raised during the first days of recovery, then gradually fade so they blend into the surrounding skin. However, some people may be left with bothersome scars that require an additional step in their treatment process.
Scar therapy or scar revision can be a great solution to help minimize the appearance of scars after a cosmetic procedure. Whether you had breast augmentation, a mommy makeover, liposuction, a brow lift, or another treatment, scar therapy can ensure there is next to no evidence that you had anything done.
Who is a Good Candidate For Scar Therapy?
Most people who have cosmetic surgery at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery are good candidates for some type of scar therapy. We offer many treatments for scars to help you complete the final stages of recovery and achieve your greatest level of confidence post-surgery. At your initial consultation, Dr. Andrews will examine the damaged skin and help you create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your needs and the specific type of scar treated.
Scar Treatment Options
The scar therapy procedure you receive depends on the type of scar therapy you’re having.
Laser Therapy or Microneedling
Laser scar treatment or other types of energy devices, like microneedling, can be effective treatments for many types of scars, including surgical scars and acne scars. Depressed scars can be improved by stimulating collagen fibers and plumping the surrounding skin, raised scars can be smoothed away with light energy or laser treatment, and keloid scar formation can be improved by breaking up fibrous tissue or removing scar tissue.
Steri-Strips
Dr. Andrews uses 3M™ Steri-Strip Adhesive Closures to support incisions and stop them from separating. When used, these strips can reduce the appearance of a scar overall. For Steri Strips, the strips will simply be placed over your incisions to ensure your skin stays together and reduce the appearance of noticeably scarred skin.
Topical Treatments with Silicone Gel
Silicone products like sheeting, lotions, and gels can be applied directly to the incisions during the start of the healing process. Silicone has been repeatedly shown to improve the look of scars. It does this by improving the hydration in and around the scar, leaving you with a softer, flatter, and lighter appearance. These products will need to be repeatedly applied as the skin heals to ensure smooth healing.
Embrace by Neodyne
Embrace by Neodyne uses pressure therapy and tension the dressing is applied to the incision site, and it shrinks to relieve the tension on the skin. This ensures better healing at the treatment site and that your scars are much more minimal than if this therapy wasn’t used. This is recommended for high-tension scars like ones you may expect from a tummy tuck or on longer breast surgery incisions.
Steroid Injections
When steroid injections are used, they will be injected directly into the scar to flatten it and relieve itching itching or redness you’re experiencing. This treatment can be used for scars from cosmetic surgery or keloid or hypertrophic scars that are due to another type of skin injury. You may need injections every few weeks to see optimal results.
Aftercare
Any aftercare you may need depends on the type of scar therapy you’re receiving. Silicone sheeting will need to be worn for a few months, and the area under it will need to be washed and cleaned. Embrace will be worn for about ten days at a time and then will need to be changed. Steri-Strips are typically meant to stay on for 5-7 days. They shouldn’t be kept on the treatment site for more than two weeks. With steroid injections, you will be advised to massage the scar to break up the scar tissue and make the injection more effective.
The use of broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize sun exposure, massaging the treatment area, and avoiding smoking while healing can also aid in scar formation and help reduce the appearance of scars after plastic surgery.
DR. KAHLIL ANDREWS
Dr. Kahlil Andrews is a board-certified plastic surgeon from Los Angeles specializing in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
At his location in Coralville, Iowa, Dr. Andrews’ academic and technical achievements are only exceeded by his commitment to patient care. Whether they are seeking reconstructive breast surgery, outpatient injectable treatment, or a full-blown mommy makeover, Dr. Andrews gives his full attention and focus on achieving excellent patient outcomes.
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Schedule A Consultation
Are you apprehensive about cosmetic surgery because of the possibility of a visible scar? Or are you dealing with a keloid or hypertrophic scar and looking for treatment? Either way, we can help you address any scarring worries at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery.
To learn more, schedule a consultation today. Call our Coralville, IA office at (319) 800-6877 or use our online scheduling form.
