Northern Plastic Surgery (NT)
Scar revision
A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin after an injury or excision. It is the normal way in which tissues heal in the skin. There are very few types of tissue trauma that dont cause scars. The ideal scar is a flat thin line that blends with the other injured tissue. There are two types of scars, they are the underhealing scar or overhealing scar (hypertrophic and keloid scars). The underhealing scar is shallow, weak and prone to wound breakdown. This may be related to the poor wound healing state of the patient or the area. It can sometimes be seen in infection. The overhealing scar or hypertrophic or keloid scar results from the body overproducing collagen, which causes the scar to be raised above the surrounding tissue. It can be unsightly, lumpy, stretched, or prominent. There are some things that can explain why some people may have underhealing or overhealing scar. For example, it the wound has been slow to heal, in the area of the upper back chest or shoulders, if there is tension on the wound or in darker skin people, there is a higher propensity to form a keloid scar.
Scar Revision is a surgical procedure to modify the scar by narrowing the original scar or simply reorganise the scar to match the natural skin creases. However, not all scars require surgical intervention. It is common practice for Plastic Surgeons to suggest non-invasive options such as steroid injections, use of silicone gel and natural remedies before considering surgery as the last resort. After scar revision surgery, it is important to avoid sun exposure for 3 – 6 months after the surgery.
The Surgery
The precise procedure varies with each patient depending on the proportions of body type and the desired surgical outcome. A Scar Revision is a day procedure performed under Sedation at Darwin Day Surgery. The surgery can take between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Patients are advised against engaging in strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and sports for several months. Most patients are able to return to work within 1 – 2 weeks post-operatively. Some larger scars may need admission to hospital.
Post-operative Management
Post-operative instructions are given to you at the time of the confirmation of surgery including your post-operative date and time. It entails limited movement and rest for 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery in order to expedite the recovery and healing process. You should keep your wounds dry and avoid direct showers for 7 – 14 days. However, you can have a towel bath. Dressing changes are required every week and can be done at our private practice.
Dr. Mahajani will discuss the risks and complications that are associated with the procedure which may or may not occur. Patients can minimise these occurrences by carefully following Dr. Mahajani and the nurses’ instructions given after the surgery.
Dr Mahajani and his staff are committed to providing our patients with the best care possible. Our aim is to ensure the achievement of the best surgical result possible without incurring any further costs. If you have any issues at all with your surgical outcome, please discuss this freely with Dr. Mahajani and his staff.
Silicone Gel or sheeting
Silicone gel or sheeting is a useful, convenient and economical treatment for raised scars. These modalities help to flatten the scars after a procedure for scar revision or if a post surgical scar starts to thicken. It is ususally supervised with the aid of an occupational therapist who will help you with scar management and massage
Steroid injections
Thickened scars may sometimes need local steroid injections to help treat the scar in an attempt to flatten the scar. It may require 3 injections in 2 month intervals, alone or in conjunction with other scar managment therapies. The injections can be painful so are performed under local anaesthetic or under sedation. The effect is not always predicatable. Sometimes it may not work or work too well and side effects can include, weaker skin, pigment change in the skin, loss of fat underneath the scar called fat atrophy.
Costs of Surgery
A Scar Revision is a medical procedure and therefore, the item number for the operation is either 45506, 45512, 45515 or 45518. The Surgeon’s surgical fee is based on the duration and complexity of your desired outcome. It includes the costs for the surgery and your post-operative management. There are other practitioner fees like anaesthetists etc that we do not control.
All our consultations with Dr. Mahajani after your surgery as well as your post-operative appointments are included in the Surgeon’s surgical fee. Dr. Mahajani is a permanent resident Plastic Surgeon in Darwin, Northern Territory. Therefore, you will have our continuous support and ongoing management until your final consultation. Dr. Mahajani places the highest priority on achieving the best possible result from your surgery and advises patients that it is false economy to put your health and appearance at risk by simply shopping for the lowest cost. Satisfaction with your surgery and safety should be your priorities.