Scar revision cosmetic surgery can help improve or mitigate the appearance of scars. In addition, the procedure can help restore function and address any disfigurement (changes in the skin) due to a wound, injury, improper healing, or past surgery.

Prudent board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Eric Yavrouian provides scar revision to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and other towns and cities in this region of The Golden State.

Factors Affecting Scarring

Scar tissue develops as skin recovers following an injury such as an accident or surgical procedure.

The extent of the scarring depends on the following factors:

• Depth, size, and location of the wound
• The patient’s age
• Skin attributes such as pigmentation (color)

The scope of the surgery will depend on whether the scar revision will be carried out with the patient awake (local anesthetic), sleeping (under sedation) or deep sleep and painless (general anesthesia).

Ideal Time to Undergo Scar Revision

As scars age, they shrink and become less visible. The patient may need to wait to undergo surgery until the scar lightens. This waiting period can last for many months or up to one year after the wound heals. It is ideal to receive revision surgery for some scars 60 to 90 days after the scar heals. Every scar has different characteristics.

Need for Scar Revision Surgery

Scar revision cosmetic surgery may help correct the following conditions:

• A keloid which refers to an abnormal scar that is dense and of a different texture and color from the surrounding healthy skin. Keloids project beyond the periphery of the wound and may recur. They usually appear dense and puckered resembling a tumor. A surgeon usually removes keloids at the site where they connect to the healthy tissue.
• A scar that develops at an angle to the skin’s normal tension lines.
• A thickened scar.
• A scar creating disfigurement of other features and interfering with normal function or motion.

Scar Revision Treatments

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion involves eliminating the topmost layers of the skin using a specialized wire brush known as a burr or fraise. Healthy skin grows over this site. Patients can routinely undergo dermabrasion treatments to mitigate skin aberrations and soften its surface.

Laser

The patient may undergo laser treatment to soften the scar’s surface and promote the growth of fresh collagen within the scar.

Flap Surgery

In case of significant injuries such as burns, the patient may lose a substantial area of skin and develop hypertrophic scars. Such scars can limit the movement of joints, muscles, and tendons (contracture). The patient may benefit from the removal of excess scar tissue through a surgical procedure.

This procedure may involve a series of tiny incisions (cuts) on either side of the scar creating V-shaped skin flaps (Z-plasty). Consequently, the scar will appear less noticeable as Z-plasty may help the scar adhere more closely to the natural folds of the skin and release its tightness.

Grafting

In this procedure, the surgeon takes a thin skin layer from another body area and places it over the injured site. The grafting surgery involves shifting the full thickness of fat, skin, blood vessels, nerves, and muscle from a healthy body area to the site of the injury.

The patient undergoes these techniques when they have lost a significant amount of skin due to injury, when a thin scar does not heal, and when improved function as opposed to enhanced appearance is the main objective.

Experienced facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for scar revision.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.

A majority of children experience unilateral microtia (only on one side). But it can also be bilateral (on both sides). Microtia usually involves only the external ear but may render hearing and determining the direction of sounds challenging.

Reliable board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides solutions for microtia repair to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and other suburbs and towns in this part of California.

Surgically Improving a Child’s Hearing

Atresia repair or canaloplasty is a surgical option to create an ear canal and eardrum. The child can undergo a middle ear CT scan at age two and a half to establish their candidacy for this procedure.

Since most microtia patients have normal inner ears, around 60 percent of kids with aural atresia can experience dramatic improvements in hearing with a canal and eardrum reconstruction procedure. The child must be three years or older to undergo this surgery.

Treatments

Silicon Ear Prosthetic

The patient can achieve an ear appearance very close to a natural ear with a prosthetic ear. A specialist known as a prosthodontist creates the prosthesis. The ear prostheses can be attached via two methods.

The first method involves using glue to attach the ear prostheses. Titanium implants are used in the second approach. These implants are placed onto the bone surrounding the ear and then snapped into position (known as an osteo-integrated prosthesis).

Benefits

• Very natural ear appearance
• A simpler procedure with less risk in comparison to reconstruction surgery
• Alternative for patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery

Rib Cartilage Reconstruction

For over 50 years, surgeons have used a child’s rib cartilage to fashion an ear structure as a standard procedure. However, this procedure is invasive requiring two to five surgeries. Furthermore, rib cartilage-based ear reconstruction requires the child to have enough cartilage to develop an adult-sized ear, usually between seven and ten years of age.

The surgeon will remove several ribs through an incision on the child’s chest. Then this cartilage is used to develop an ear framework. The surgeon will bury this framework under the scalp.

Afterward, when the ear heals, the patient will need more surgeries to complete the ear reconstruction. These will involve lifting the ear away from the scalp, earlobe repositioning, and other modifications.

Benefits

• Utilizes the body’s own tissue
• An experienced surgeon can offer the patient sustainable and excellent outcomes
• The reconstructed ear is sturdy and can usually withstand vigorous sports activities

MEDPOR Ear Reconstruction

MEDPOR ear reconstruction typically starts at age three. In case only one ear is involved, this technique can be customized to match the natural ear. However, a slightly bigger ear is developed so that it will be adult-sized. The surgeon then uses the patient’s own tissue (flap) to cover the framework. This flap is brought down as a delicate “living membrane” from beneath the scalp.

Most patients require only one surgery for ear reconstruction. The patient can undergo atresia repair before or after MEDPOR. It is also possible to undergo a combined one stage reconstruction of microtia and canal surgery via MEDPOR.

Accomplished facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas in this part of the state for microtia repair.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.

Facial and head and neck injuries can occur due to motor accidents, sports, and work-related injuries, as well as cancer removal. While such injuries can be traumatic, the damage sustained can often be corrected with facial reconstruction surgery.

Board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides solutions for facial trauma to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.

Fracture Reconstruction

Plastic surgeons can treat and repair complex injuries to the face, including facial fractures. Some common causes of facial fractures are as follows:

• car and motorcycle crashes
• assaults
• recreational activities such as skiing, and skateboarding
• other injuries

Other injuries can also lead to complex facial fractures. Therefore, it is vital for the patient to undergo treatment at a facility that specializes in treating traumatic injuries. Receiving treatment at a specialized hospital is usually the most effective approach to managing facial fractures.

Traumatic facial injuries and fractures can lead to functional issues impacting the way the face works. Untreated facial fractures can cause the following:

• problems in chewing
• double vision
• nasal airway obstruction
• misaligned teeth

Plastic surgeons specialize in assessing and treating complex facial injuries, both in terms of appearance and function. The treatment of facial fractures involves the placement of incisions enabling the damaged facial bones to heal.

Surgeons employ special surgical techniques to cause minimal scarring from the incisions. The surgeon may also use tiny titanium or steel plates, screws, and wires to stabilize the bones offering support to the healing process.

Head and Neck Reconstruction

Head and neck injuries can be discouraging since they are not visible to others. Patients experiencing tumors, infections, diseases, or congenital abnormalities may consider reconstruction for this reason.

Reconstructive procedures on the head and neck can be undertaken by a plastic surgeon. These procedures include:

Tumor Removal and Reconstruction—Cutting Out (Extirpation) of Tumors

Tumor removal may prompt many patients to consider reconstructive surgery for restoring the appearance of the treated area.

The restoration of the site where the tumor was excised can offer functional and aesthetic improvements to the head and neck. The specialist will recommend the most suitable reconstructive procedure for patients considering restoration following tumor removal.

Mohs Reconstruction Following Skin Cancer

Some patients may require skin tissue reconstruction following Mohs surgery. This cutting-edge procedure eliminates malignant cells by removing thin skin layers consecutively. Some patients may require reconstructive surgery after Mohs to restore the aesthetic appearance of the region where the cancerous cells were excised.

Scar Treatment

Scarring a natural process of the body to heal and replace lost or compromised skin. Scars may develop for various reasons and are typically filled with fibrous tissue. Scarring may occur due to surgery, injuries, infections, or tissue inflammation.

Scars can develop at any location on the body. However, facial scars can be especially detrimental to a person’s self-image. A facial reconstruction surgeon can help improve the appearance of a scar and make it less noticeable.

Experienced facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and other cities and towns in this region of the nation for facial trauma treatments.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.

A recessive or oversized chin can adversely impact the facial appearance of an individual. A well-defined chin balances the facial profile and offers the face an attractive appearance.

Mentoplasty (chin surgery) is a suitable cosmetic surgery option for individuals who are displeased with their chin shape relative to other facial features. In such cases, the surgeon may recommend a chin reduction or chin augmentation procedure and other techniques, according to the unique facial structure of the patient.

The surgeon will discuss various facets of the chin surgery with the patient during the initial consultation to enable them to make an enlightened decision.

Board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides mentoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations across the landscape.

Chin Augmentation

A recessive chin can make the neck look fleshy, and the nose may appear too large. In such cases, chin augmentation plastic surgery can help add fullness to a weak chin and create a more balanced facial structure. This procedure usually involves implants being surgically inserted into the chin to balance out the overall structure of the face.

Both men and women can receive chin implants to improve the size and shape of the chin. Ideal chin augmentation candidates are individuals with an undermined, squared, or pointed chin, and a prominent nose or fleshy neck. This surgery also enhances the jawline.

The surgeon may recommend chin implants along with nose surgery in some cases for more complete results. Other procedures that are usually combined with chin augmentation are cheek implants and lip augmentation.

If the chin is recessive, the surgeon will insert the chin implants in a manner that supplements the existing bone at the front of the jaw. The implant is inserted beneath the skin to enhance the chin’s strength and improve definition. The patient can attain a more balanced and natural looking face with this procedure.

Chin Reduction

If the chin is oversized in relation to other facial features, chin reduction surgery may be an appropriate solution. The surgeon will reshape the bone and other structural tissues in the chin region to develop natural looking contours. At the outset of the procedure, the surgeon will place a discreet incision underneath the chin or within the mouth.

Subsequently, the surgeon will detach the bone at the chin’s tip and reshape it. They will remove excess bone to enhance the chin contour. After that, the chin’s tip will be repositioned, and incisions will be sealed with sutures. This procedure can make a person look more appealing and youthful. Chin reduction can also be combined with facelift or rhinoplasty surgery.

The surgeon may recommend liposuction or nonsurgical cosmetic treatments along with this procedure to help the chin appear slimmer if the patient has a double or triple chin.

Recovery Process

The patient can enjoy the outcomes of their procedure in around six weeks after most of the inflammation has resolved. The patient may not be allowed to undertake rigorous activity for the initial few weeks following surgery. In around ten days after the procedure, most patients can resume normal activities.

Judicious facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for mentoplasty.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.