Archive for October 3rd, 2009
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery and the Media
In Beverly Hills, plastic surgery has become very popular. Women in particular, seek cosmetic surgery procedures in the hope of improving their aesthetic features. Its popularity has grown partly because of media hype, as many female celebrities attest to the benefits of such medical procedures.
Among the most sought-after cosmetic surgery procedures include breast augmentation, abdominaplasty (more commonly known as the tummy tuck) and lip enhancement.
Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure that can enhance the size and shape of one’s breasts through the use of implants and other techniques. Many doctors use the submuscular periareolar approach or through the nipple method when inserting breast implants. Compared to other procedures, this method allows for more visibility and easier maneuvering for the surgeon.
Abdominaplasty or the “tummy tuck” procedure is another popular cosmetic surgery option. The constant presentation of women as incredibly slim in both entertainment media and advertisements has created the notion that one must have a flat stomach in order to become attractive.
Lip enhancement procedures have also gained popularity. Full, shapely lips are considered to be an attractive trait in almost every culture all over the world. In Hollywood, the full-lipped, almost pouty look has been popularized by many celebrities and actresses.
In fact, a study released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that in 2008, approximately 12.1 million cosmetic procedures were done all over the US. The study also showed that 91% of all cosmetic procedures were for women.
In major cities like Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, plastic surgery clinics can provide these much sought-after services.
Resource Box
Dr. Randal Digby Haworth is an award-winning plastic surgeon based in California. He is considered an expert in Beverly Hills plastic surgery, and has in fact been featured in numerous magazines and TV shows. Learn more about his work or inquire about his services by visiting http://www.drhaworth.com or calling 310-273-3000.
Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgery
A tummy tuck cosmetic surgery procedure will take about two to five hours, depending on the nature of the job. If you are only receiving a partial abdominoplasty it will probably only take between one to two hours.
A complete abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure is performed by creating a small incision from one hip to the next (just above the pubic area). After this, another cut is made to free the surrounding skin away from the navel. The skin is detached from the abdomen wall which will reveal the muscles. The skin is then reattached and a new hole for the navel is created and stitched into place.
Other people who often benefit from a tummy tuck are those who have lost a great deal of weight. Because of their great weight loss, they are usually left with great folds of hanging skin on their abdomen. This can be depressing for the person who has lost the weight; therefore a tummy tuck can be just the boost they need to ensure they don’t slip back into bad habits and regain their lost weight.
An abdominoplasty procedure, generally known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical process that allows the removal of the extra skin and fat from your abdomen. This surgery will lead to tighter collection of muscles in the abdominal wall thus giving you a flatter stomach.
Tummy tuck treatment varies depending on your conditions and requirements. Some people go for both abdominiplasty treatment and liposuction because they have that need. Others go for one or the other only.
Men and women who have lost large amounts of weight by any means, including those who have dieted or have lost it through “Gastric Bypass” — also known as “Stomach Stapling” or “Bariatric Surgery” — are often left with folds of skin that hang like an apron. This is not only demoralizing for those who have gone to the effort of achieving a significant weight loss, but it also makes personal hygiene, exercising and wearing normal clothes difficult.
Anesthesia. For most mini tummy tucks, plastic surgeons use local anesthesia. This means that you are semi-conscious during the operation. This brings the cost of anesthesia way down. Anesthesia that puts you totally out during the operation is more expensive.
Many times when receiving a quote they will only inform you of the surgeons fees without telling you that is all they are actually quoting you. when in reality the surgeon’s fee is roughly only 60-80% of the cost for the entire procedure. This is to get you to make an appointment to see the doctor which is when they will tell you the true total cost.
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure which needs the direct monitoring of doctors even after the procedure. The actual operation involves the removal of excess fats from the abdomen tissues and muscles. After the removal of fat through liposuction, the excess sagging skin which makes up the flabby stomach can now be removed.
Tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a major surgical procedure which involves the removal of excess fats around the abdomen tissue and muscle area. After the removal of fats through liposuction, the “tucking in” or the removal of flabby and sagging skin follow next. Abdominoplasty is a major operation so extra and professional care and advice must be taken before, during, and after the procedure.
Why Do You Want Plastic Surgery?
The criticism of plastic surgery as pandering to the vanity of people is unfair. The desire for self improvement is a natural impulse, and typically people who seek plastic surgery are simply unhappy about an aspect of their appearance. They feel sufficiently displeased to pursue a solution to make themselves more content. In some cases, plastic surgery even opens the door to greater self confidence.
Perhaps you want to ease back the inevitable effects of age, repair the sagging legacy of childbearing, or augment or reduce your breasts. Employing plastic surgery as a means to improve physical traits is essentially the same as getting braces to straighten your teeth. No one would call you vain if you wanted straighter teeth. However, plastic surgery is generally more drastic than teeth straightening, which is why you should carefully examine your feelings for wanting plastic surgery. It is not a step to be taken lightly.
In 2005, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons conducted a survey to study the motivations people had for plastic surgery and their demographics. You might be surprised to learn that the study indicated that plastic surgery is not limited to higher income people. Members of diverse socioeconomic classes have an interest in and even undergo plastic surgery procedures.
According to the ASPS study, a broad range of age groups seeks plastic surgery, from ages 18 on up. Certainly the younger surgery candidates are seeking cosmetic modifications, typically to the nose or breasts, as opposed to older surgery candidates who also take the effects of aging into their plastic surgery plans.
In depth interviews with a selection of survey participants in the ASPS study revealed that most people who were interested in plastic surgery were deeply bothered by a physical feature. They wanted plastic surgery because they believed it would provide emotional, psychological, or social improvements.
As a practicing California plastic surgeon, it is part of my job to help potential plastic surgery patients examine and understand their motivations. A patient with a healthy perspective will want to modify his or her body so as to overcome a physical trait that is personally unpleasant. The rest of the world may not be judging you as harshly as judge yourself, but your self-confidence comes from your self-judgment, which is at the heart of the matter.
If you are considering plastic surgery, you should make sure to do some soul searching about your physical dissatisfaction and compare that carefully to the costs and risks of surgery. Make sure that the plastic surgeon you meet with is attentive to your goals and motivations. A plastic surgeon should not promise you the moon. Plastic surgery is not going to turn you into a movie star. Plastic surgery may be able to improve your body, but it will not produce a new body. However, California plastic surgery can be a positive experience that frequently helps people gain greater satisfaction with their physical appearances.
Rhinoplasty: What Can it Do?
Nose surgery (rhinoplasty) can be done for necessary reconstruction after an accident, to correct any negative inherited characteristics, or for cosmetic reasons, to enhance your facial appearance. The shape of the nose can be changed, its size changed, its width, profile, tip, angle between the tip and top lip, and any asymmetry corrected. Each “nose job” is customized and designed with your facial beauty in mind.
Your cosmetic surgeon would first talk with you to get an understanding of what you want from the surgery. Your overall health would be evaluated, your face examined, measured and photographed, and all the options discussed. Before you have any type of surgery, it’s important to understand exactly what is being done and why, what the risks are, and what to realistically expect. Your plastic surgeon would make sure you were clear on all this.
Anesthesia would be discussed too – nose surgery can be done on an outpatient basis or in a hospital, which means either local anesthetic with a sedative, or general anesthesia. Most cosmetic surgeons have surgery privileges at a local hospital and can use that facility when necessary.
When you both decided on what should be done and a date was set, you would need to stop smoking several weeks before that date, and avoid taking aspirin and any drug or supplement which has a side effect of thinning the blood.
The procedure
A rhinoplasty can be done using an open procedure, or a closed procedure. The difference is in where the incision is made.
• An open procedure has the incision made across the front of the small partition between the nostrils (the septum).
• A closed procedure has it inside the nose.
The nasal structures can be changed by using cartilage taken from another area of the body, perhaps from the ear or ribs. Often it’s taken from the septum. If the septum is deviated, (meaning that one nostril is wider than the other, making it more difficult to breathe through the narrow side) that will be corrected during your rhinoplasty.
Nasal shape can be reduced also, by removal of cartilage or bone. When the changes are done, skin and tissue is repositioned and the incisions are sutured closed, perhaps with dissolving stitches.
Afterwards
For the first few days you may have splints to support the nose and small tubes to drain fluid. There would be some swelling and soreness for a while. Your cosmetic surgeon would have given you written self-care instructions ahead of time, and a pain prescription which you can fill before your procedure.
The recovery period varies in length depending on how much work was done. It’s a time to rest at home quietly. You can set up some comforts for yourself ahead of time, such as a supply of videos and good books, pillows and blankets, and favorite foods, especially those which need no cooking. Make arrangements for the dog to be walked, mail brought in, children cared for, and certainly arrange time off work.
Plastic surgery such as rhinoplasty is done in a partnership spirit by the best surgeons, so that you will be well-informed ahead of time and well-pleased afterwards. Follow your self-care instructions closely and go for all your follow-up visits. The full results may not become evident for a few months, but gradually you’ll see your new profile and facial beauty emerging, and you’ll be delighted at the difference.
Is this antiwrinkle treatment right for you
, our looks fade, it’s a part of the natural aging process. Sometimes we don’t notice aging. Sometimes we notice all of a sudden. Many people consider plastic surgery but decide that going under the knife a little too drastic. If you are feeling a little worse for wear, Botox is a great option to rejuvenate your looks without spending a fortune of undergoing invasive surgery. Botox provides a compromise that reverses the signs of aging process without a large output of expense, time or risk.
Botox is nothing new, it’s a naturally occurring protein and has been used to treat muscle spasms since the 1960’s. The discovery of Botox as a treatment for aging was quite by accident, patients being treated for face spasms noticed a major improvement in the appearance of their wrinkles.
Botox injections work to decrease the signs of aging by weakening, or paralyzing, selected muscles in your face. This allows the skin around them to flatten out, diminishing wrinkles. Only in severe cases does Botox stop you from being able to make particular facial expressions. If Botox brings to mind images of celebrities with that plastic doll look, know that these are very severe cases. It takes a lot of Botox to reach this stage. Most people who use Botox don’t really look that different from the rest of us, just a little more younger, fresher and rejuvenated.
In Australia, Botox must be prescribed by a qualified medical doctor and administered by a trained professional. When performed by a qualified medical professional, Botox injections are completely safe. While Botox is a toxin, the miniscule amounts required are safe. Finding the right practitioner to administer Botox is integral. There are several shady operators out there, so make sure the one you chose is legitimate. Ask for referrals from friends or do your own research before hand. Botox Sydney is quite common, there are plenty of practitioners in the city area.
About three days after your Botox injections you’ll start to notice the difference. At fourteen days the process peaks. Don’t worry if your face seems a little too tight or pulled. A few days later the results will subside to how they looked at about ten days after the injections. Botox lasts for between three and six months, the results varying between the individual. You do need to go back for follow up appointments. In Sydney Botox practitioners are many, so you cab find one that is convenient for you so follow up appointments are easy.
Some people experience swelling or bruising from the injection and a small amount of people report feeling nauseous or light headed. These side effects are temporary and only experienced by a small number of people.
Some people love the results of Botox so much, they stick with it for life. A thirteen year study of two identical twins, one who had Botox injections over the course of the study and the other who did not, showed that not only does Botox reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles, it also stops new ones from appearing.Meet Dr. Alan T. Tran a Plastic Surgeon : at the Plastic Surgery Institute of California
Dr. Alan T. Tran is a highly skilled and a dedicated plastic surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Institute of California. Dr. Tran is known for his remarkable ability to deliver highly precise plastic surgical results.
Dr. Alan T. Tran completed his undergraduate education at Central State University, Edmond Oklahoma and the President’s and Dean’s List, Alpha Chi Honor Society.
He received a master’s degree in medicine from the University of Oklahoma.Dr. Alan T. Tran accomplished an internship in general surgery at the Phoenix Integrated Surgical Residency.
He then attended a research fellowship atDr. Tran completed his post graduate residency in general surgery and in plastic and reconstructive surgery from the University of Nevada and University of Texas Medical Branch respectively.
Dr. Alan T. Tran also earned a chief residency in general surgery and in plastic and reconstructive surgery from the University of Nevada and University of Texas Medical Branch respectively.
Dr. Tran is fellowship trained in microsurgery, post-ablative cancer reconstructive/ microsurgery and cosmetic surgery from the Baylor College of Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Plastic Surgery Associates respectively.
Dr. Alan T. Tran is a member of numerous prestigious medical societies and an associate fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
At the Plastic Surgery Institute of California, Dr. Tran provides meticulous attention to detail when evaluating mentoplasty patients and performing the
plastic surgery operations.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan T. Tran, visit the Plastic Surgery Institute of California by clicking here.
For more details, please visit us at:
http://www.chinsurgerybeverlyhills.com
Finding The Right Plastic Surgeon For Your Breast Augmentation
Whether you are looking for breast augmentation or breast reduction, finding a plastic surgeon for your breast surgery is important. There are a lot of clinics out there that take advantage of the fact that most people don’t do their homework. That is why you need to know exactly what to look for.
Go With A Referral
When it comes to finding the right doctor, there are lots of places to look. Breast augmentation clinics advertise on TV and in the yellow pages. Where do you find a good, reputable clinic that you can trust?
The best way to find a doctor for your breast surgery is to talk to your own general practictioner and get a referral. You should always discuss your breast augmentation plans with your general practictioner anyway, and this way you know you’ll be getting someone you can trust. In addition to being in touch with the medical community, your general practictioner knows and understands your individual needs better than anyone else.
Check With The Board
You shouldn’t stop with a referral. It always pays to do a little homework before you settle on a doctor. Before you decide, you should check to see if the doctor is board certified to do plastic surgery.
They should definitely be a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). This means that they have the proper qualifications, education and experience to carry out any plastic surgery operation. In order to be certified by the ABPS, they have to have completed a medical program from an accredited university, and had several years of working experience in different fields of practice.
Another thing to look for is a membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Membership in the ASAPS is by invite only, so it means that they know their stuff. It also means that they are a member of the ABPS. It’s a pre-requisite to joining the ASAPS.
Hospital Qualifications
A good way to see if your plastic surgeon is skilled and experienced is to see if they are qualified to work in a hospital. Most plastic surgery operations are done in small, specialized clinics. But, if the doctor is also qualified to work in a major hospital, this means that they will have an even better idea of what they are doing.
There are two ways to check on this. You can contact the American Medical Association, but they charge a fee to divulge any information. You can also check in your local library with the American Medical Directory in the reference area for free.
At The Consultation
Many prospective patients get nervous and intimidated during the consultation, and this can be a big problem. While you are there, ask yourself, are the staff friendly and professional? Is it comfortable being there? Can you ask the doctor anything?
These considerations are important because you should make the best use of your consultation. Ask the doctor lots of questions. For instance, ask them to tell you in detail everything that they are going to do, and make sure you understand it. If it is not clear, or if the surgeon is being vague, you might want to go somewhere else.
Ask the doctor about their experience doing breast augmentation work in particular. You are better off with a doctor who specializes in this field. As for before and after pictures of past patients. A doctor who knows they have done good work in the past will be happy to provide them.
Remember that your breast augmentation surgery is a serious operation. TV ads make it seem trivial, but it should be treated just like an operation for any serious illness or injury.
If you have any doubts at all about the doctor, shop around for someone else. It’s too important to leave in the hands of someone you can’t trust.
Is your Cosmetic Surgeon Certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons?
Recent events and ongoing horror-stories about the risks of plastic surgery remind us that it is important to make sure our surgeon is certified to practice by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). After all, any doctor is allowed by law to call him or herself a plastic surgeon, but only the ABPS is capable of certifying that a doctor is qualified as a medical specialist.
But how, exactly, does the ABPS certify its doctors? This article is a brief analysis of the standards that the ABPS uses to determine which candidates are worthy of certification.
Prerequisites
We are considering the steps for certifying a candidate that has already received a medical or osteopathic degree from an AMA-accredited institution in the United States or Canada. Remember, these people are already doctors, which means an undergraduate degree, medical school, residency, etc. For these doctors, a minimum of three years of clinical training in general surgery is required. The three years have to be conducted in the same program with an increasing degree of responsibility to show that the surgeon is gaining the trust of supervising doctors. Of these three years, at least half of the time must be devoted to rotations in the essential content areas of:
· General surgery
· Alimentary tract surgery
· Abdominal surgery
· Breast surgery
· Head and neck surgery
· Vascular surgery
· Endocrine surgery
· Surgical oncology
· Trauma
· Critical care
· Pediatric surgery
· Transplantation
And, in addition, they may have no more than one year in areas considered less critical for plastic surgery:
· Gynecology
· Neurologic surgery
· Ophthalmology
· Orthopedic surgery
· Urology
· Anesthesia
· Burns
· Surgical pathology
· Surgical dermatology
· Oral and maxillofacial surgery
· Cardiothoracic surgery
The program of surgical training must be a fully-accredited program, acknowledged by the Residency Review Committee for Surgery and accredited by the Accreditation Council fo Graduate Medical Education in the US, or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The program must be completed before the candidate can begin training for plastic surgery.
Additional Training
A doctor who has received a degree with at least three years of progressively-increasing responsibility in surgery, now must take two years of plastic surgery training. Both years must be at the same institution to ensure adequate supervision of the candidate’s progress. During this period, the candidate will receive training in the entire spectrum of plastic surgery, including both the functional and cosmetic management of congenital and acquired defects of the head and neck, trunk, and extremities. The candidate’s training emphasizes the relationship of basic science (including anatomy, pathology, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology) to applied surgical principles. The training also gives in-depth treatment of: the care of emergencies, shock, wound healing, blood replacement, fluid and electrolyte balance, pharmacology, anesthetics, and chemotherapy.
Application
Having completed both the general surgery residency program and the plastic surgery residency program, the doctor is now eligible for consideration for certification. The actual certification consists of an oral and written examination. In order to qualify for the exams, the candidate must hold medical staff privileges in plastic surgery in a hospital in the United States, Canada, or a foreign country through the examination process, and they must have medical licenses without restrictions or sanctions.
The written examination takes six hours and 40 minutes, and it covers:
· Gross and functional anatomy
· Basic pathology
· Surgical techniques and wound healing (incl. microsurgery and transplantation)
· Nutrition, metabolism, endocrinology, hematology, burns, sepsis, trauma, shock, and resuscitation
· Pre-and postoperative care, anesthesia, cardiorespiratory care, complications, and clinical pharmacology
· Cosmetic surgery
· Characteristics and treatment of tumors of the head and neck, skin, and breast.
· Rehabilitation of the trunk, lower extremities, and musculoskeletal system
· Rehabilitation of the hand and peripheral nerves
· Maxillofacial and craniofacial surgery and microsurgery
· Congenital anomalies, genetics, teratology, speech pathology, deformity, gynecology, and genitourinary problems
· Psychiatry and legal medicine
Prior to the oral examination, a candidate must assemble a case list of all procedures performed during a single seven-month period, including all patients hospitalized by the candidate as admitting physician, even if no operative care was performed and all emergency room patients who were treated operatively. The candidate must specify his or her diagnosis of the case, the procedure(s) performed, if any, the outcome of the operation, and the procedure’s duration. The case list also includes photographic documentation of all cases.
The board reviews the cases to determine if the candidate is even eligible to take the oral exam. Finally, during the oral exam the candidate is asked to defend his/her treatment planning, execution of the operation, and to present alternate treatment plans. A candidate will be asked to consider ethical and economic ramifications of his/her decisions. In addition to discussing the case list, the candidate will have two theory and practice sessions, leading to a total of three oral examination sessions conducted over three days.
A candidate will be certified if and only if he or she passes all phases of training and examination.
Therefore, when you choose an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon, you are choosing someone with years of surgical experience and extensive knowledge in all aspects of general and specialized surgery. The candidate’s surgical skill has been assessed and proven to be of the highest caliber. This standard of treatment ensures that an ABPS-certified surgeon will be able to give you the best results with the lowest risks of any surgical professional.
Advice on How to Mentally Prepare for Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery can help you reach your weight loss goals. However, getting the most from the procedure involves emotional grounding for the journey just ahead. Discover ways to prepare for gastric bypass surgery mentally.
Understand the Procedure Inside and Out
Being mentally prepared for gastric bypass surgery starts with being informed. Learn about the surgical procedure itself, potential risks and benefits and what to expect after surgery. Access articles at patient resource sites like DocShop.com. Talk to others who have had gastric bypass surgery and ask for their perspectives. Seek advice from your primary physician, as well.
Schedule an Evaluation for Gastric Bypass Surgery
In order to be considered for gastric bypass surgery, patients are required to pass a rigorous medical evaluation from several specialists. The medical team consists of the surgeon, a psychologist, dietitian, medical doctor and perhaps a heart specialist. Your medical history, current health conditions and emotional state are carefully evaluated.
During the evaluation, you will gain a thorough understanding about the risks and benefits associated with gastric bypass surgery. You will also learn about the cost for the procedure. There is a possibility that your insurance company may help with the cost for gastric bypass surgery. In terms of overall expenses, remember that you may need to factor in plastic surgery cost.
Know the Risks Associated With Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is the safest weight loss surgery available and has a high success rate. However, as with all surgeries, complications may arise. Know the risks associated with gastric bypass surgery ahead of time. Some of the risks may include infection, blood clots, pneumonia, hernia, vitamin deficiency and death. Less serious complications may include nausea and vomiting.
Your Role and Success With Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery should be taken very seriously. If you receive a favorable evaluation for gastric bypass surgery, be prepared to adhere to the recommendations of your medical staff. You may be asked to lose some weight in advance as a measure for reducing the risk of obesity related surgical complications.
A diet and exercise program begins prior to gastric bypass surgery. The medical staff often recommends joining a support group to increase your chances of success. Patients must also commit to regular medical follow-up exams to monitor progress weight loss progress and vitamin intake.
After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Recovery from gastric bypass surgery can be as little as one week. In some cases, it can take several weeks to heal fully. During the early post-operative period, you will need to follow a strict diet for 12 weeks. The strict diet will be replaced with a regular diet and exercise program. Most patients who follow the advisement of the medical staff lose up to 75 percent of their excess body weight during the first year following gastric bypass surgery.
Weight Loss and Gastric Bypass Surgery
Because of drastic weight loss, excess skin may start to sag on various parts of the body. There are many plastic surgery options available for weight loss surgery patients. A body lift is available for total body contouring. Patients can also be more localized and opt for an arm lift, leg lift or abdominoplasty. For patients particularly concerned with the face, facial plastic surgery can lift, tighten and remove excess tissue. Skin resurfacing techniques are also available to contend with scars and stretch marks.
Seek an Experienced Medical Staff for Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery may be one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With the help of an experienced medical staff, you can reach your weight loss goals. Prior to any surgery, ask for credentials, expertise and board certification.
Treatment Options for Scarring After an Accident
accident victim there are many questions that pop up after an automobile, motorcycle, truck or bicycle accident. Some of the most common are; “How badly am I injured?” “Is my car totaled?” “Do I have enough insurance to carry me?” “Will this accident affect me for the rest of my life?” If you have been injured in an accident you know all of the questions that continually go through you mind. Once you have been treated and are recovering you may be faced with the issue of permanent scarring. “Will this pink line down my cheek be forever?” “Will this surgery scar across my shoulder ever go away?”
Scarring is fibrous tissues that replace normal skin after injury and is a natural part of the healing process. Almost every wound will have scarring of varying degrees. The tissue produced in scarring is not identical to the tissue it is replacing. It is usually inferior to what it is replacing and doesn’t function as well. Less resistant to ultraviolet radiation, sweat glands and hair follicles don’t grow back. There are several treatments to lessen scarring;
- Topical treatments-This is the use of silicone gel sheeting is used by plastic surgeons as well as burn centers and provide nice results.
- Needling-This is a process where the area is needled continuously which will promote collagen forming in the scar area.
- Pressure garments-These are garment specifically made for the victim and worn 24 hours a day for anywhere from six months to a year. The constant pressure is believed to cause the scars to become softer and flatter. This process is used frequently with burn victims who have large areas of scarring.
- Steroid injections-Steroids are injected into the actual scar to flatten and soften the scar.
- Dermabrasion-This is the removal of the surface of the skin. This process is more effective in treating raised scars as opposed to scars that are sunken.
- Collagen injections-Collagen injections are used to treat sunken scars. Collagen is injected and the sunken scar rises to the surface of the skin. The effects are not permanent and this process has to be repeated on a regular basis.
- Surgery-The scars can be cut out and stitched up but you run the risk of the surgery scar healing the same way. A new form of treatment is laser surgery. It has been effective is lowering the redness of the scar but not as much in flattening the scar.
Your injuries are individual to you. Someone with the same injury will not scar the same or heal the same as you. It is important to have an honest dialogue with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. When you break a bone you need for it to heal, the same with your skin. You, as well as your doctor, want you to be as close to what you were before your accident.






