Breast Scar Revision in Thousand Oaks

Welcome to the Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery in Thousand Oaks, CA, where we specialize in advanced scar revision techniques. Whether you are dealing with scars from surgery, injury, or other skin conditions, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome in minimizing their appearance and improving any functionality or discomfort they may be causing.

Understanding the Different Types of Scars

Understanding the distinct types of scars is essential in determining the most effective treatment options. Here, we outline the primary types of scars that our experts at the Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery address:

Hypertrophic Scars – Hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the original wound. They often result from surgical incisions or traumatic injuries and may improve naturally over time, though they can benefit significantly from professional treatments to reduce their appearance and discomfort.

Keloid Scars – Keloid scars extend beyond the original wound edges, forming large, raised areas of scar tissue. These scars are often more severe and can be itchy or painful. Keloids can develop from minor skin injuries, such as piercings or acne, and are more common in individuals with darker skin tones. Specialized treatments are necessary to manage and reduce keloid scars effectively.

Atrophic Scars – Atrophic scars have a sunken or pitted appearance, commonly resulting from conditions like acne or chickenpox. These scars form when the skin loses underlying support structures, such as collagen. Treatment focuses on stimulating collagen production and resurfacing the skin to create a smoother, more even texture.

Contracture Scars – Contracture scars occur when a large area of skin is damaged and subsequently heals, often following burns or severe injuries. These scars can tighten the skin, restricting movement and potentially affecting muscles and nerves. Addressing contracture scars often involves surgical intervention to release the tightened tissue and restore mobility and function.

Our team at the Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery is equipped to handle all these types of scars with customized treatment plans aimed at achieving optimal results.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

The Scarring Process

A normal scar takes 1-2 years to completely heal, or mature. It is usually red for the first 4-8 months, then it darkens slightly, and usually becomes lighter after the first year. Scars are often initially raised, and then flattened with time. The biggest factor that influences how scars heal is the wound closure method used by the surgeon. Other contributing factors include your genetics, and how the wound and healing scar tissue are cared for after surgery. Abnormal scarring is common and can result from wound infection, stress on the incision, or lifestyle factors such as smoking can prolong the healing process and lead to the development of thicker scar tissue.

Benefits of Scar Revision

Improve Appearance – Scar revision can dramatically reduce the visibility of scars, making them less noticeable and more consistent with the surrounding skin. This can boost your confidence and self-esteem, helping you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Improve Functionality – Certain scars, particularly contracture scars, can restrict movement and impair the function of affected areas. Scar revision procedures can release tight scar tissue, restoring mobility and improving overall functionality.

Alleviate Discomfort – Some scars can be painful, itchy, or cause irritation. Scar revision can alleviate these symptoms, providing relief and improving your quality of life.

Enhance Skin Texture – Scar revision can smooth out uneven skin texture caused by atrophic scars, resulting in a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing skin surface.

Promote Emotional Well-being – By addressing scars that cause self-consciousness or distress, scar revision can help you achieve a more positive.

Is Scar Removal Realistic?

The short answer is “no.” Although a scar can be improved, sometimes significantly, it can never be completely removed. Scarless healing is the “holy grail” of plastic surgery research. In the future, complete elimination of scars may be possible. Any product or procedure that claims to eliminate scars completely is false advertising.

Who Is a Candidate for Scar Revision or Scar Therapy?

Do your scars bother you? Do you think they can be improved? A consultation with one of our surgeons may be the answer you are looking for. Almost every scar can be improved. Especially scars that are less than two years old, since a scar this young has not fully “matured” and can often be improved. Older scars may require surgical revision (usually a minor office procedure). Keloid scars are extremely difficult to treat, and require specialized treatment, such as steroid injections or radiation therapy.

Does Insurance Cover Scar Revision?

Insurance rarely covers these procedures. The exceptions are scars that cause real symptoms, such as limiting the motion of a joint or severe itchiness. If your scar is symptomatic, our staff will do everything possible to get your procedure approved by your insurance.

Why Choose the Kryger Institute for Scar Revision?

Treating scars is our passion. Dr. Kryger spent a year in a research fellowship, studying how scars form and how to treat abnormal scars. He also trained with the world-renowned plastic surgeon, Thomas Mustoe MD, one of the foremost authorities on scarring. Dr. Kryger has published several important papers in peer-reviewed journals on this topic. He will work closely with you to formulate a customized plan to improve your scars. Treatment approaches range from external pressure and topical silicone therapy (Kelo-cote) to complete surgical revision of the scar. All the methods he uses are based on published scientific studies and years of experience.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you have scars that affect your functionality, cause physical discomfort or anxiety, please contact us today for a consultation to learn more about scar revision at Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Schedule a Consultation