Management of Facial Scars

Scar formation is a very complicated process, which is outlined in this chapter. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons we have a duty to produce unsightly scars. Scar management includes prevention, pre-injury treatments during the healing period and definitive treatment once the scar is established. This chapter outlines multiple non-surgical remedies that can be used to manage scars including: steroid, 5 FU, dermabrasion, subcision, fillers, lasers, radiation and emulsified scar rejuvenation. Furthermore, we explain surgical techniques that can be incorporated in the scar management including Z-plasty, W plasty, irregular line closures and V-Y plasty and Y-V plasty. The algorithm at the end of this chapter is used to summarise method or combination of methods that is used to treat different scars including invisible scars, stretched scars, depressed scars, hypertrophic scars and keloid scars. This algorithm provides a good review of all different treatment modalities used in scar management.