Dr. Harvey “Chip” Cole III, MD, FACS, Quadruple Board Certified Surgeon, has launched a new analysis of the various scarring types, procedures, and hazards, to help patients make informed decisions about scar revision surgeries.
More information about Dr. Chip Cole, scar revision surgery, and other popular cosmetic procedures can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-harvey-chip-cole-iii-md-facs-5a86649a
While the majority of cosmetic surgeries performed today are focused on changing a patient’s looks, scar revision is a technique that helps to return a patient’s appearance to a more natural state. With the latest surgical tools and techniques, this type of procedure is safer than ever before, but still carries potential risks that patients should be aware of.
Though scar revision can seem like purely cosmetic surgery, Dr. Chip Cole explains that the procedure can have significant effects both physically and emotionally. Physically, scars can often limit the range of motion in certain areas of the body, leading to functional limitations in a patient’s movement. Some scarring may also involve a neuroma, or “pinched nerve,” which can cause extreme pain without proper treatment.
The emotional effects of scarring should also not be overlooked, as they can be ever-present reminders of past trauma, cause social embarrassment, or degrade a patient’s self-esteem. Dr. Chip Cole’s new assessment suggests that while many scars may fade on their own, it is a deeply personal decision for many patients to determine whether their scars need surgical revision and if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
The new analysis includes the four common scar types and the most common procedures for revision. While the most effective procedure will vary for each patient, based on the type or scar, severity, and location, Dr. Chip Cole explains what patients should know before considering an operation, and the questions they should ask their surgeon.
Dr. Chip Cole stresses in his analysis that scar revision can rarely eliminate scars altogether, and is intended to reduce their appearance as much as possible. Follow-up research (1) on patient satisfaction has found that most patients, 81%, are satisfied with their results, though up to 15% of patients believe there was no visible change, and up to 2% of patients found their scars to have increased visibility after the procedure.
The most important factor for patients explained in the assessment is the management of expectations and open communication with their surgeon. Patients with an understanding of the procedures, potential risks, and most likely outcomes are more likely to have a positive response to their results. The assessment also includes suggestions for how patients can optimize their recovery and reduce their healing time.
Dr. Harvey Chip Cole has successfully performed more than 35,000 surgeries and specializes in oculoplastic and cosmetic operations. He is also the founder of the Face Change Foundation, a non-profit that provides cosmetic services for troubled teens that have been victims of abuse or domestic violence.
More information about scar revision procedures, recovery time, and Dr. Chip Cole, can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-harvey-chip-cole-iii-md-facs-5a86649a
Miranda, B., Allan, A., Butler, D., and Cussons, P. Scar Revision Surgery: The Patient’s Perspective. Archives Of Plastic Surgery. 015 Nov; 42(6): 729-734. doi: 10.5999/aps.2015.42.6.729
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