The variety of surgical techniques available to correct facial scarring is extensive. Each patient must be evaluated on an individual basis, and the surgical plan always has to be tailored to the patient. To generalize, facial scar improvement often requires two procedures. The first surgery excises – cuts away – the scar and closes the skin using facial plastic techniques to leave a fine scar. Several weeks later, dermabrasion (skin sanding) is performed to help increase camouflage of facial scars.

Acne scars can be treated in a variety of manners. Sometimes in-office removal of deep pockmarks is performed first. This is followed by skin resurfacing using CO2 lasers and/or dermabrasion. Only a complete consultation can determine which combinations or individual procedures are right for you.

 

It is possible that your insurance company made conclude that facial scar treatment is not a covered benefit. In that case, you will be responsible for all fees. There is a large range of treatment options for patients seeking facial scar correction. For instance, Dr. Mobley has written book chapters on scar revision. You can learn more by clicking the "Why Experience Matters" tab above. After your consultation, you and Dr. Mobley will be better able to determine the treatment that is exactly tailored to your needs.

As a reference point, a recent survey of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery showed the average professional fee of scar revision to be $1289. Dr. Mobley's professional fees tend to start around $1000 for a revisions that can be performed in the office. More involved procedures that must be performed in an operating room setting tend to have professional fees starting at $2500. Keep in mind that this is your face, and the results can last a lifetime; the cost may be a wise investment in your personal appearance.

 

Dr. Mobley wants to make cosmetic surgery available to as many people as possible. For that reason we have hand picked lending services exclusively for Dr. Mobley's patients. When you come in for your consultation we will be more than happy to go over all your financial options with you. We have provided web links to our financial lenders so that you may research them on your own if you so desire.www.mlendfinancial.com

Patients usually recover from facial scar surgery relatively quickly. If you’re not self conscious about having stitches in the skin, you should be able to return to work three to four days after the operation. Stitches are removed one week following surgery. Most patients are surprised by how minor their post-operative discomfort is.

 

Every type of surgery has risks. It’s my ethical responsibility to educate you on these risks so you can make the best possible decision for yourself while weighing these risks against the benefits of surgery. My training helps me to minimize these risks to the best of my ability, but I cannot eliminate them entirely. Common risks include thick or widened scar, delayed healing of incisions, need for “touch up” surgery, and loss of skin at edges of reconstruction.

The risks above are the most common ones that I think you should be aware of, but they are not a complete list of all possible risks. When I see you in consultation and we begin to formulate your surgical treatment plan, I’ll review with you not only these common risks but also the less likely complications that may occur.

Many patients see Dr. Mobley in consultation each year to discuss improvement of their facial scars. These procedures require a great deal of experience in order to determine which techniques should be employed, and in which order. Dr. Mobley spends a great deal of time examining patients and educating them about their treatment options. Since no scar can ever be “erased,” Dr. Mobley has to determine which surgical option has the best chance of minimizing the scar. Dr. Mobley has written extensively on scar revision subjects:

 

• Mobley SR, Thomas JR. (2005). Scar revision and camouflage. In CW Cummings, JM Fredrickson, LE Harker, CJ Krause, DE Schuller (Eds.), Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery - 4th Edition (4th, 1, pp. 572-581). Philadelphia: Mosby, Inc.

• Mobley SR. (2005). Combining multiple surgical techniques for maximum scar camouflage. Ear Nose Throat J, 84(7), 408-9.

• Mobley SR, Tansavatdi KP. (In Press). Dermabrasion. In JR Thomas (Ed.), Advanced Therapy in Facial and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. Hamilton, Ontario: BC Decker.

• Mobley SR, Thomas JR. (In Press). Keloids, hypertrophic scars and scar revision. In M Gleeson (Ed.), Scott Brown's Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery - 7th Edition (7th). London: Arnold.