For many people, a great source dissatisfaction with their bodies is not any particular part, but in an unattractive scar. Whether it be from surgery, an injury, wound, or burn, a poorly healed scar can cause one much distress and even embarrassment. Scaring is also a significant factor for patients deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery. They suffer concerns over the appearance of their scars after surgery, and whether or not the scars will be noticeable to others. Dr. Savalia can greatly improve the appearance of an unsightly scar through a variety of methods.

Scar revisions are generally performed on scars that have had adequate time to heal; usually one year later. Dr. Savalia uses several methods to improve a scar, including the injection or topical application of steroids, or through a surgical procedure known as Scar Revision.

Depending on the type of scar, a combination of methods may be utilized. The types of scars that can be improved include: keloid, hypertropic, contractures, and generally any type of injury or surgical scar. For keloid scars, that have a high tendency to return even if surgical removed, Dr. Savalia uses steroids to help combat the reoccurrence of the offending scar. For many scars, the treatment is to simply cut out the excess scar tissue, and close the wound using smaller stitches. It is also possible to reposition the scar so that becomes less noticeable. For larger scars such as contractures from burns, often a skin graft or flap is needed to revise the scar, although it is a more involved procedure and often requires more healing time for the patient.

Facial scars are always of great concern to a patient, as the scar lies on the most visible portion of the body. There are various methods of highly effective treatments. Dr. Savalia often, simply cuts the scar from the face and closes the wound using tiny stitches, which leave a thinner and much less visible scar. Facial scars can also benefit from being repositioned so that they may run parallel to the natural lines in the face.

There are many factors that can have an effect on the severity of one’s scars: the size and depth of the wound, blood supply to the area, the thickness and color of the skin, and the direction of the scar. Although there is no procedure that can entirely remove a scar, patients can expect a great deal of improvement and satisfaction in the overall appearance of their scars after treatments for revision.

Elaina Hollis

Patient Coordinator

For women with Breast Cancer, reconstruction is an extremely important part of the process. It is an exceedingly personal decision, though most women do in fact decide to undergo reconstruction. They want to look and feel like a whole and complete woman again; one who is still feminine and sexy. Although reconstruction through implants is the choice for many women, a large number of women prefer to undergo reconstruction using muscle and soft tissue flaps. They are seeking breasts that feel more natural and are created through their own living tissue.

There are several ways in which this type of reconstruction can be performed. One is known as the TRAM Flap method, and is done in two ways. The Free Flap method involves an area of skin, fat and muscle being removed from the abdomen; freed from the rest of the blood supply and tissue. It is then placed in the chest area and reconnected to the blood supply using microsurgical techniques. The other possibility with this method is using a Pedicle Flap. The Pedicle Flap method does not require that the flap of muscle and soft tissue be removed completely; rather, it is tunneled up through the chest wall while remaining attached to the blood supply. The breasts often feel much more natural and the process includes a tummy tuck, resulting in a flatter, more streamlined abdominal area.

Several other methods of reconstruction using soft tissue flaps are available, although they are not used as frequently. DIEP and SGAP flaps are two other methods that do not use muscle; only skin and fat, and the tissue is removed from either the abdomen or the buttock. A Latissimus Dorsi Flap uses muscle, skin and fat from the back. The muscle and tissue is left connected to the blood supply and tunneled from the back to the mastectomy site, creating the new breast. Often times with this method, an implant is also required to achieve a fuller breast, as there is not enough of the donor tissue to reach the desired size.

Breast reconstruction using muscle and soft tissue flaps unfortunately does not leave the patients with much sensation in the new breasts, although they look and feel very natural. The surgical process is also longer and much more involved. In turn, the recovery process can be much more arduous.

Breast cancer patients have many options when considering their reconstruction. Dr. Savalia helps guide his patients through the decision making process by making a recommendation on the method that he feels is best suited to that individual. However, the decision is ultimately the patient’s. It is important that the breast cancer patient knows that there are many options available to her, each one with the possibility of a beautiful result.

Elaina Hollis

Patient Coordinator