Hypertrophic Scar Revision on Neck - Calgary, AB

I have a 4 cm long hypertrophic scar on my neck from a chemical burn. It started out small and almost unnoticeable so I left it thinking it would just heal normally. As the weeks went by I noticed it started getting more raised and red. I tried silicone scar creams and scar tapes but all they really did was soften the scar tissue temporarily. If I didn't wear them the scar would just go back to being really raised and hard to the touch again. Over the next several months I found the colour to fade slightly. The scar still feels tender to the touch. I don't really believe in lasers and don't want to do repeat treatments on it if they're not guaranteed to work. I would much rather just have the scar tissue cut out and stitched up by skilled surgical hands so as to leave a less noticeable scar.

This scar is about a year old. By the time I get an appointment to actually do the scar excision it will be well over a year old. It is still quite red in colour but it can now be covered with concealer leaving a large bump to be seen. Several months ago I would need to use several layers of makeup to cover it up and it would still appear dry and cakey. I am really self conscious of it and wear a scarf most of the time, even if it is warm out. If I'm around people I'm comfortable with and know about the scar, I wear flesh coloured silicon scar tape to mask it.

I arrived a bit early for my appointment and checked in with Shona, Dr Frank's patient coordinator. I was given a 2 page patient questionnaire with health history. I met with Dr Frank (who, by the way, is a very very good looking and tall man!!!) and he explained the procedure, which would only take about 45 minutes using some local anesthesia. He said after a year the scar is pretty much matured and won't really improve much more. Because the scar is quite raised, even lasers cannot do much to improve it. He will cut out the scar and suture it closed. In about 5-7 days' time I would get the sutures removed. I was advised not to do too much activity where I would be stretching my neck too far for about 2 weeks following the procedure. My appointment is booked 7 weeks from now, but if there are any cancellations I would be bumped up sooner. The consultation fee was $80 but is included in the $600 (+GST) scar revision fee. I'm really looking forward to having this scar revised. A year of wearing scarves, skin coloured silicone tape and thick layers of concealer was becoming uncomfortable and a hassle. (Though I will probably be doing the same thing for another year after this surgery is done anyway.)