Burns, surgery, or an injury may not only be painful but can cause scarring that may impact appearance. Scars can alter tissues beyond the skin, including the muscles and soft tissues around the area. The effects can impact you not only physically, but also emotionally and physically. Here at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami, we specialize in plastic surgery for scars in Miami. 

This page explores the impact of scars and how a consultant plastic surgeon can help you get back your self-confidence. 

How Can Scars Affect Your Life

Physical effects of scarring

In terms of physical symptoms, scars may also cause pain, tenderness, or itching. If deep muscular tissues are impacted, they may limit mobility. If a child has scarring, limitations may occur as the child develops. 

Deep scars can cause additional physical impairments. When deep tissues are unable to regenerate, the patient can experience numbness, which may not resolve. Continued therapies and treatments may be necessary to see improvement. 

Read more about the physical effects of scarring as well as information about plastic surgery for scars.

Psychological effects of scarring

Certainly, scars influence our physical appearance, which can affect feelings of worth and attractiveness. If it is a facial scar, it may be particularly traumatizing. 

As we all know, there is a strong societal emphasis on appearance. This has implications not only for our personal life, but also our careers. For jobs whereby attractiveness is emphasized, such as acting and modeling, this is particularly relevant. However, scarring can also influence any job where there is interaction with customers and clients. 

Scars can also remind us of a traumatic event, especially if caused by an accident or fire. Research supports that scarring can contribute to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological issues. 

What Are The Different Types of Scars 

There are three main types of scars that may cause disfigurement:

Keloidal Scarring

Keloidal scarring occurs when there is excessive growth of skin outside of the injured area. It is not unusual for the scarring to be painful and affect mobility. 

Hypertrophic Scarring

Excessive collagen fibers cause hypertrophic scarring. The scars may be more red and prone to pain, itching, and sensitivity. 

Contractile Scarring

Contractile scarring may cause severe disfigurement. Mobility may also be greatly affected as the skin in the area becomes “tight.” Often some areas may not be repairable. 

What Are The Treatment Options For Scars in Miami

To determine how to treat your scars best, and gain back as much mobility as possible, explore treatment options with a plastic surgeon. For example, Dr. Thomas Zaydon makes use of a number of potential treatment options, including scar removal in Miami. 

Laser therapy for scars

Many patients with severe scarring can benefit from laser therapy. Your plastic surgeon will discuss if it is an option for you in terms of risks and benefits. 

For this type of therapy, lasers are used to decrease redness, hyperpigmentation, improve texture, and improve mobility. For best outcomes, patients should massage the affected area as directed by their provider and wear compression devices.

With laser therapies, there may be multiple treatments. However, many patients find great satisfaction with the results over time. 

Medications, including Kenalog and Latisse, may further help with appearance and healing. Oral pain medications and numbing medications can also be prescribed to help with some of the physical symptoms. 

Other treatment options for scarring can include:

• Skin grafts

• Z-plasty

• Tissue expansion

Your provider will be able to discuss the treatment options with you and help you to decide which option is the best course of action for your particular type of scarring.

Learn More About Plastic Surgery For Scars in Miami With Dr. Zaydon

Dr. Zaydon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Zaydon serves as a workers compensation plastic surgeon and a plastic surgery expert witness for liability cases. He has reviewed many legal documents and has served as an expert witness for both plaintiff and defendant. 

For information regarding scar removal in Miami, please Contact Us.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.