Denis J. Winder M.D.
Durango SurgiCenter
316 Sawyer Dr
Durango Co 81303
Phone: (970)259-3818
Fax: (970)259-9553
e-mail:
winder@durangoplasticsurg.com

SCAR REVISION

If you want to improve the appearance of a scar....

Keloid scars. . . are thick, puckery clusters of scar tissue, grown beyond the edges of the original wound or incision. Keloid scars are most common on the breastbone, earlobes, and shoulders. They are stubborn, but can be treated with steroid injections, radiation, and excision (surgical removal).

Hypertrophic scars. . . are often confused with keloids, but are just thick, red, and raised. They do not, however, grow beyond the edges of the original wound or incision. Not as likely as a keloid to recur, they, too, can be treated with surgical excision and steroid injections.

Contractures. . . burns or injuries that result in the loss of a large area of skin may form a scar that pulls the edges of the skin together, a process called contraction. This tension can usually be relieved with a skin graft flap or Z-plasty, freeing it so that it no longer restricts normal movement.

Facial scars. . . are usually treated, as can scars on any part of the body, with excision followed by closure with tiny stitches in order to have a thinner, less noticeable scar.

Scars improve with time; therefore it is important to wait one year before seeing your plastic surgeon. Then, you'll meet with Dr. Winder and his patient counselor who'll go over all the information and details you will need to know to make a fully informed and educated decision about this surgery (including looking at "before & after" pictures of other patients). Approximately one week prior to surgery you will have your pre-op appointment in the Durango office. One of our nurses and Dr. Winder will do a complete physical and history, and, if needed, we will send you for pre-op laboratory tests.

The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, with supplemental IV sedation if you prefer, in our SurgiCenter in Durango with no overnight stay, complete confidentiality, and with considerable cost savings vs. hospitalization. The size of the scar will determine the method of treatment, as well as how long that procedure will take.

With any scar revision, it is important to follow the surgeon's direction to insure the best possible result. Remember, no scar can be removed completely. You will watch your scar improve with time; remember that the final result will not be seen until approximately one year after scar revision.

Read our most Frequently asked Questions about Scar Revision.