What types of facial scars are there?
When a wound or cut heals, it causes a scar. This may occur following an injury or from surgery. When wound healing doesn’t go well, the scar may be unattractive or even tight causing problems with movement.
Although it is impossible to completely remove a scar, facial scar treatment with surgery can change its appearance by blending it in with the surrounding skin. If the tightness of the scar is causing movement problems, facial scar treatment can help by reducing the tightness caused by the scar.
The main types of scars that occur on faces are
- Keloid – where the healing process went a bit overboard and the scar is large and raised.
- Contracture – usually due to burns, where the scar is tight and movement is impaired around the area.
- Hypertrophic – raised and red scars.
- Acne – scars, usually pit-like in appearance left over from severe acne.
- Unsightly scars from previous trauma or surgery.
What steps to take if you have a facial scar?
The first step is to make an appointment to see Dr McMillan.
You will meet Dr McMillan at his private rooms in Fernbrae House, Dunedin or in Invercargill to discuss your personal goals in relation to facial scar treatment, and talk though the different options. This is an important step, not only outlining your expectations but also developing your relationship with Dr McMillan as you work together to achieve your goals.
What happens?
Surgery
Facial scar treatment may be done under local or general anaesthetic. This will be performed either at Fernbrae House or Mercy Hospital, Dunedin.
The scar will be cut out before suturing a new scar line together.
For example, in acne removal surgery, the deep pit scar will be removed before being sutured back together to form a smaller, neater scar.
Once the facial scar surgery is completed, sutures and a dressing will be put in place to assist with wound healing.
Recovery process
Facial scar treatment is usually a day procedure either at Fernbrae House or Mercy Hospital, Dunedin. You will not need to stay in hospital overnight.
There may be some discomfort or tenderness at the surgical site. Depending on the site and size of the wound, or wounds, you may have some restrictions to your movements for a short period of time. Overall, your recovery from facial scar treatment will be quite quick.
Dr McMillan will discuss with you any steps you need to take during this period to promote good healing for the wound to reduce the scarring.
Expected outcome
Dr McMillan will discuss with you proper care after facial scar treatment, and it is expected that over time the scar appearance will improve and be almost unnoticeable.
Risks and complications
As with all procedures, there are risks with facial scar treatment. Dr McMillan will discuss all of these with you during your consultation and answer your questions.
Cost
There is a cost to having facial scar treatment done privately. The exact figure will depend on a range of factors but generally the cost is between $1,200 and $2,200. ACC will generally fund scar revisions associated with an injury.
Contact us
If you have a facial scar start the journey to better function or appearance; get in contact to make an initial consultation with Dr McMillan about facial scar treatment.
Get in Touch
Contact Dr McMillan to make an appointment.
