International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology
SCARS
A scar is a mark remaining on the skin after an injury. It represents both a challenge to and an opportunity for the dermatologic surgeon. Essential in any surgical intervention (cosmetic or otherwise) is careful postoperative scar management. In a cosmetic surgical procedure the optimal healing and cosmesis are the raison-d’être and final reason for patient satisfaction.
Hypertrophic scars and/or keloids represent the biggest potential complication of elective surgical procedures. Careful pre-operative evaluation of the patient (with evaluation of any previous surgical scars) is the biggest single means of avoiding such complications.
| Treatment of scars has centered around three traditional modalities: |
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Less common but problematic are atrophic (ice pick, cigarette paper, or stretch) scars that have no medical treatment but surgical revision is the most common approach at present.
The perfect/? Invisible scar is truly the calling card of the expert SCARS dermatologic surgeon!!
Larry E. Millikan, MD
Meridien, MS, USA