Facial Scars Scottsdale

Scars are permanent markings on the body that occur once some type of injury to the skin has healed. Scars appear in varying degrees of severity, and when on the face could cause a person to feel uncomfortable or unhappy with his or her appearance. Dr. Ronald Caniglia of Facial Plastic Surgery offers scar revision surgery at his Scottsdale, Arizona practice to help soften the appearance of scars on the face. The procedure is safe, and Dr. Caniglia has the experience and talent to provide natural-looking, beautiful results. Patients can regain confidence in their appearance with newly smooth, flawless facial skin. To learn more about scar revision, contact our Scottsdale practice today, proudly serving Paradise Valley and Phoenix patients.

Scar Revision Procedure

Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Caniglia will meet with you to discuss your aesthetic goals, examine your condition, and establish the best course of action to meet your needs. As all scars are different, he will recommend the technique that will be most effective in reducing your particular scar, such as simple excision, Z-plasty, W-plasty, skin grafting, or geometric line closure. Scar revision generally entails:

• Either just local anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, also known as twilight sleep.
• Dr. Caniglia orients the scar in the relaxed skin tension lines (RSTL), or the natural lines of the face.
• Dissolvable sutures are used to close any incisions.

In some cases, for minor scarring, Dr. Caniglia may instead recommend topical skin treatments, such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser therapy.

Scar Revision Recovery

Patients may require up to seven days of downtime before returning to work or other everyday activities, depending on the extent of the treatment. Dr. Caniglia will provide detailed post-operative instructions that patients should follow to ensure the best possible outcome. Results gradually improve over time, and scars should be completely blended with surrounding tissues approximately one year after the surgery. More than one procedure or technique may be required for optimal results.

Candidates for Scar Revision

The best way to learn whether you are a candidate for scar revision surgery is to meet with Dr. Caniglia for a consultation. Ideal candidates include individuals that:

• Have facial scars
• Are in good physical and mental health
• Have realistic expectations – the scar appearance may not be completely eliminated, although it will be reduced
• Have had a scar for longer than a year after the injury, so it has fully healed

Risks of Scar Revision

Scar revision surgery is considered safe; however, as with all surgeries, there is the possibility of risks such as bleeding, skin sensitivity, or discoloration. Most patients experience some swelling or discomfort immediately after the procedure; however, symptoms subside after a week and can be relieved with pain medication. Dr. Caniglia will inform you of what to do should you encounter any complications. Due to Dr. Caniglia’s experience and skill, there is very little chance of serious problems occurring.

Learn More about Scar Revision

If you are bothered by the appearance of facial scars, Dr. Caniglia has a solution. The decision to undergo scar revision surgery is one you should take seriously and make for your own personal reasons. It is recommended that you are well informed of your options before commencing. To learn more about scar revision, or to schedule a consultation, contact our Scottsdale practice today.