Question:
I have an extremely large scar that travels from my upper lip to the bottom of my chin. Will this have to be removed in multiple sessions?
Answer:
The short answer is no. Typically with most large scars there are a number of techniques that we use – either a direct excision, excision with z-plasty repair, or a geometric broken line repair. This really depends on the shape and configuration of the scar as well as the location. On very large and very wide scars we may recommend doing this in more than one session, although 90% can be done in one session. Typically we recommend or offer the patients a laser/dermabrasion resurfacing of the scarred area at approximately four-six weeks if we think that may be helpful. This is a fairly quick procedure and is much less involved than a formal scar revision itself.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.