One of the most common questions we get asked in plastic surgery, on a daily basis, is about scars or scarring. Whether it be an old scar from a previous injury or surgery or a concern about a new scar from a planned surgical procedure, patients have great concerns about an external visible scar. What is often not clear to most is that scars are not all the same and, as a result, the treatments for different types of scars is……different! There is no one method of treatment, for example the laser, that is the miracle solution.. In an effort to deal with the many questions and concerns about scars, I encourage patients to e-mail me (inquiry@eppleyplasticsurgery.com) with pictures of their scars for my assessment. It is a simple and easy method for any patient to get a plastic surgery opinion on the reality of their scar situation. There is very little that can not be determined just by a plastic surgeon looking at pictures of your scars. Before you ever launch off on any treatment, the diagnosis must first be made. If you don’t match the treatment with the diagnosis, you are never going to get any improvement in your scars. Once I see pictures of your scar(s), I can discuss the treatment options available for your type of scar, the benefits and risks of the type of treatment, and its associated costs.
When I get an inquiry about scars, I also want to know its history (how long has it been there), what caused it, and what previous treatments have been done. In many scar cases, the only really effective treatment is surgical scar revision. But there are roles for laser and light treatments as well as old-style dermabrasion.
Dr Barry Eppley
Indianapolis