|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Browse questions and answers on topics that are hot right now. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
| Scar Revision: Risks |
|
|
What are the Risks Involved With Scar Revision?
The risks associated with scar revision are few and usually minor. However, it’s always wise to consider the possibility of complications before undergoing any type of surgical procedure. You can reduce your risk of complications by following your doctor’s instructions before and after surgery.
- If you smoke, it’s important to stop smoking for at least a week before and after surgery. Smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin and can interfere with healing.
- Infection and bleeding are rare possibilities and can usually be treated medically
- Reactions to the anesthesia can usually be treated medically
- Poor healing of the skin is most likely to affect people who smoke, because nicotine constricts the blood vessels, decreases blood flow to tissues and greatly increases the chance of scarring.
- Recurrence of the scar can occur, especially when you don’t closely follow the advice of your doctor, both before and after surgery.
Another Reason to Stop Smoking
Patients who smoke are at risk of losing skin at the time of surgery. The damage, known as “sloughing” is caused by a combination of decreased oxygen flow into the skin flaps caused by nicotine and decreased skin oxygen levels caused by carbon monoxide. To reduce the risk, you can stop smoking for two weeks before surgery. This helps but does not eliminate the risk. You should also tell your plastic surgeon that you smoke.
|
|
|
|
