What to Do with Appendectomy Scar with Small Indent? (photo)

Question

Hi, I had appendicitis when I was 8 years old and now I'm 21 and would like to get a scar revision/scar removal but mine has a small indent. I would like to know what procedures would you recommend, the length of time of the particular processes, and the estimated cost or pricing depending on the photo provided. Thank you!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

The scar on the abdomen does appear to be hypertrophic (thickened) as well as tethered to the deeper structures.  You can correct both the thickness and tethering surgically.  A  revision alone could be somewhere between $750 - $1500 for the surgeon's fee, but there might be additional fees if you do this in a surgical center or hospital setting.  Anesthesia fees would also add to the total costs.  Together, they could easily add another $1000 - $2000 depending on those costs.  The scar revision could probably be done safely in the office setting under local and this should diminish your overall cost considerably.  I would make sure when you talk to your surgeon, he/she is sure you don't have any hernia which might complicate the surgery much more and require that it be done in an operating room setting.

	Good luck.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	While your picture helps us figure what might be done, the feel of the scar to touch also factors into the equation. You need a good evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon and probably a scar revision afterward.

	 

	Best Regards,

	 

	John Di Saia MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A scar revision is certainly reasonable. You should see a board certified plastic surgeon to be properly evaluated.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Seek in person evaluations with a PSs in your area to discuss scar revision of the appy scar with indentation.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

No one can erase a scar such as yours but it can be made less conspicuous with a well done scar revision in which the amount of support of the skin is improved and the widened scar is replaced with a very thin and flat scar. See a Plastic surgeon as the fees of scar revision will change from place to place.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	You may benefit from scar revision surgery. This operation will serve to smoothen out the contour of the area. The indentation and the shadow it creates may be making the scar more visible. Hopefully, smoothing out the scar may help to make it less eye-catching. Unfortunate, there is no way to &ldquo;erase&rdquo; the scar;  realist expectations are important. The best we can hope for is a finer,  smoother line.

	 I hope this helps.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You can "revise" a scar and hopefully make it look better but it will be a little longer too.  There is nothing that can "remove" a scar as in getting rid of it.  Go to a plastic surgeon for this.

What to Do with Appendectomy Scar with Small Indent? (photo)

Answers (8)

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