Scar Surgery Overseas

What Is Scar Surgery?

Scar surgery involves modification of scars on the body to make them become as inconspicuous as possible. Wounds that have healed properly can result into scars that can affect one’s appearance in an adverse manner. It is, however, not possible to remove the scars completely. Scars can appear on the skin due to various reasons like burns, allergy, injury, surgery etc.

These kinds of accidents generally damage tissues in the skin, leading to the formation of the scars. A scar surgery can include skin grafts, surgery, laser therapy etc.

A scar removal treatment is chiefly recommended for unsightly scars. The number of days required to be spent in the hospital depends upon the kind of procedure chosen. Generally, however, a person can leave in one day and on an average he/she may be required to spend 2-7 days abroad.

Number of days in the hospital	1
Average number of days to be spent abroad	2-7

How Inexpensive Is Scar Surgery Overseas?

Scar treatment is offered in many medical tourism countries like Costa Rica, Mexico, Poland, UAE, Thailand, and Brazil. The cost of scar surgery depends on the size, type and location of the scar, on the surface of the skin and also on the type of the procedure adopted. The following chart shows the cost comparison for different countries for scar surgery.

How Is The Procedure Performed?

The extent to which a scar can be modified depends on the type, size and the position of the scar on the skin. Certain topical treatments help in the healing and closing of wounds and also aid the skin in not developing pigments. These topical treatments include gels, tapes and external compression. Injectables are, on the other hand, used to fill up dents in scars. Results from such injectables remain for about 3 months, depending upon the type used and also the scar. Such therapies have to be repeated for best results.

Keloid scars are removed using corticosteroid injections. These injections basically flatten the scars. Radiotherapy may be used afterwards to ensure that the scar doesn’t re-form.

Surface treatments improve the scars cosmetically. They treat uneven pigmentation and also dim the marks on the surface of the skin. The procedure involved for this kind of treatment is either removal of the top layers of the skin or altering the nature of the tissue. These treatments include dermabrasion, laser therapy, chemical peel solutions and skin bleaching agents.

• Dermabrasion: It is the polishing of the skin mechanically.
• Laser Therapy: It changes the nature of the skin, to allow new skin to develop and fairly hide the scars.
• Chemical Peel Solutions: The purpose of these solutions is to go deep inside the skin and to make the changes in the texture and color even.
• Skin Bleaching Agents: These agents are applied topically to lighten the skin tone.

For the removal of certain severe scars, skin grafts may be used. This process involves taking skin from some part of the body and using it to cover the scar. Certain other advanced techniques for the removal of scars include complex flap closure, pharmaceutical tissue substitutes and tissue expansion.

• Complex Flap Closure: This helps in the re-positioning of a scar so that it becomes less visible.
• Pharmaceutical Tissue Substitutes: These are used when adequate healthy tissue is not present for closing a scar excision. These are most commonly used in burn injuries.
• Tissue Expansion: In this procedure, a balloon is placed under the skin where the scar is present. After some time, the balloon gets filled with sterile solution and can expand the healthy skin. Once the skin is stretched properly, the balloon and the scar are removed and the new skin moves in to take its place. A number of surgical procedures are involved for this technique. This can serve as a substitute for skin grafts.

Important Things To Know About The Treatment

• There are several risks and complications that are associated with scar surgeries. Some of these include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, changes in skin sensation and coloration, swelling, increased skin sensitivity, persisting pain, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, and damage to deeper structures including nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs.
• It is very important to ask questions to your surgeon. The patient might feel that the questions sound irrelevant; however, s/he should not shy away from clearing any doubt that you have, regarding your chosen procedure. All patients feel anxious. It is alright to feel that way and s/he should convey the same to the doctor.
• If the patient experiences any shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heart beats, while s/he is at home, then s/he must visit the doctor immediately
• All the precautions that the doctor asks for, should be followed. The surgery site should not be subjected to a lot of force and movement.
• It is advisable to go for a scar surgery only if a person does not have active skin diseases in the area that requires treatment.
• The patient should be prepared to discuss about general health conditions, use of drugs, vitamins, minerals and any other previous surgeries that s/he might have taken.
• Smoking and taking of drugs and any herbal medicines should be stopped for this treatment well in advance.

FAQs

Is laser therapy safe and effective?

Laser therapy is generally safe and has the least number of risks and complications. The only complications that can arise are mild burns which can be done away with, by choosing a skilled physician. This therapy is also highly effective. You are sure to see substantial enhancement.

Does a scar surgery hurt?

The surgery doesn’t hurt. Generally some medication or topical anesthesia is given so as to ensure that you experience no pain during the surgery.

Is my scar going to be completely removed?

This depends on the type of scar, its size and location. Generally, it is not possible to remove a scar completely, but patients are sure to see a massive improvement.

Where does the surgery take place?

A scar surgery may take place in the surgeon’s office, ambulatory surgical facility, accredited office based surgical facility or a hospital.

Can tattoo scars be cured?

Surgeons generally avoid treating tattoo scars because the laser is likely to absorb the ink from the tattoo and reduce the pigment in it. In the process, it can bring any residual ink to the surface.

The choice of going for a scar surgery is a very individualistic one. The patient must be very clear with what his/her goals are and must convey the same to the surgeon.  The patient should be very careful on choosing the right surgeon and destination for the procedure to be performed. If all precautions are taken, then it will surely be a rewarding experience for the patient.

Source: medhalt