“Can a scar be removed by plastic surgery?”
I have a bad scar on my hand. Can a scar be removed by plastic surgery?
6 Answers
YES, your existing scar can be removed, but will be replaced by a new scar that hopefully can be revised for less visibility. The procedure is called "scar revision," rather than scar removal.
Absolutely! Scar revision is a very common plastic surgical procedure. Scars on the hand can be tricky, however, depending on their location. Scars, particularly burn scars, can be problematic to remove near joints of the fingers and wrist, as doing so can risk contracture from the inevitable new scar that forms. The skin on the palm (glabrous skin) is also unique and not always easy to replace if a skin graft or flap of tissue were necessary. Talk to a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to see what is possible in terms of revising your hand scar!
The goal of plastic surgery is to minimize a scar anywhere that it occurs. On the hand, a skin graft may be the best camouflage. It is not possible to remove the scar totally but only to make it less obvious.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking/RMD/ Robert M Dryden, MD
Dragon NaturallySpeaking/RMD/ Robert M Dryden, MD
Often, unsightly scars on the back of the hand can be removed with surgery. A scar from the surgery will still be there, but is usually less noticeable than a scar from trauma or a burn. Scars on the palm side are much more difficult to improve. You are correct that plastic surgery hand surgeons are more adept at addressing this concern than most orthopedic hand surgeons.
Yes, most scars, if necessary, can be surgically removed by either a plastic surgeon or by a hand surgeon. That being said, a scar can recur after surgical removal. Your surgeon can discuss what you can do to prevent recurrence post-operative.
Scar revision can be performed, which improves the situation usually. You also could consider a dermatologist for laser treatment or injections, which can help a scar as well.
Harrison B. Solomon, M.D.
Harrison B. Solomon, M.D.
