Facial scarring can be a serious cosmetic problem among persons with the scars. Because it is on the face, many insurance providers consider facial scars to be solely a cosmetic, rather than a functional, problem. This tends to be the case even in very severe facial keloid or hypertrophic scarring. There are, however, several cases of facial scarring that affect facial muscular functioning as well.

Facial scarring is typically the result of acne, trauma, burns, chicken pox, or even surgery. Like other scars on the body, facial scarring has a variety of manifestations, some minor and some more obvious. Unlike other parts of the body, facial scarring takes its toll psychologically as well as physically. Self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth can all be affected negatively with facial scars.

There are several ways of lessoning the effects of facial scarring. If you are seeking help for facial scars, contact a board certified plastic surgeon and set up a meeting to discuss your options. The surgeon will give a thorough examination of the scar and other scarring on your body in order to determine the best course of action. Outcomes, side effects, or other complications due to surgical procedures should be covered during this initial phase of facial scarring evaluation.

Facial scarring may happen to such an extent as to affect facial muscle tissue and facial expressions. Your surgery types will be dependent upon how severe your facial scarring tends to be. Some insurance may cover some of the costs depending on how the scarring was caused and if any facial muscular tissue was affected.

There are many types of surgery available for helping facial scarring. Only once a diagnosis of which kind of scar (contracture, keloid, hypertrophic, etc.) needs to be addressed can a course of treatment be developed. Typical surgeries include incising the scar, skin grafts, skin flap surgery, Z-plasty, laser treatment, dermabrasion, and steroid injections. The surgeries and aftercare typically takes more than one treatment, and the scarring can never disappear completely. Extensive surgery can, however, make a facial scar much less noticeable.

Post facial surgery recovery is dependent on following through with aftercare treatment. These treatments should be discussed as early as possible before the surgery is undergone. Swelling and bruising are common after facial surgery but tend to go away with time.

Again, it is important to go over all treatment options, diagnoses, and postoperative care with your board certified plastic surgeon in order to heal in the quickest and most effective manner.