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Chapter-23 Scar Refinement

BOOK TITLE: Reconstructive Dermatologic Surgery

Author
1. Avram Mathew M
2. Ortiz Arisa E
3. Tremaine Anne Marie
ISBN
9789351529415
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/14126_24
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2018
Pages
10
Author Affiliations
1. MGH Dermatology Laser and Cosmetic Center, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, Laser and Cosmetic Center, Boston, MA, USA, Laser and Cosmetic Center, Massachusetts General, Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
2. Dermatology Cosmetic and Laser Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, San Diego, California, USA, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
3. Skin Wellness Physicians, Naples, FL, USA
Chapter keywords
Scar refinement, laser treatment, dermabrasion, subcision, intralesional injection, pressure, radiation, re-excision

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview on scar refinement. In addition to poor cosmesis, scarring can cause psychosocial distress and impact quality of life. Scars are not only unappealing but can also be painful, pruritic, and limit mobility causing significant discomfort for the patient. Surgical scars may take months to years to mature and can often show improvement without any intervention. In addition to deciding what scar treatment to use, another important question is when to intervene. In most cases, it is best to treat the scar prior to its maturity. Early intervention, even as early as the time of suture removal, is often the best practice. Scar refinement can require multiple treatments and setting patient expectations is crucial to the process. Laser treatments, dermabrasion, subcision, intralesional injections, pressure, radiation, and re-excision are various treatment modalities discussed in this chapter, which are often used in combination or succession to get the best clinical outcome.

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