For many people, scars are a fact of life. Some are a badge of honor – conquest over a trauma or a disease – while others are troublesome and cause anxiety. If you have a scar that is bothering you, we can often help. Our board-certified plastic surgeon in Columbus, Dr. Jason Lichten, works closely with our aesthetician, using medical-grade skin care products and treatments combined with surgical techniques, to improve the appearance and reduce the severity of scars.
Scars which do not heal normally, can:
- Grow bigger
- Itch
- Remain red, dark, or raised
- Cause pain or discomfort
- Inhibit joint movement
- Cause distress due to their of appearance
Many factors determine the severity of scarring. Some of the most significant include the size of the wound, its depth, blood supply to the area, the skin tone, and the way the body heals. Scars may take 18 months to 2 years to fully mature and fade.
If after this time you are still dissatisfied with the appearance of a scar, you may consider revision. No surgeon can completely remove a scar, but often the appearance of a scar can be improved. Scar revision is a procedure specifically used to improve the appearance of scars that have not responded to medical treatments such as cortisone drugs, steroids, or skin gels. Dr. Lichten uses lasers and a variety of surgical techniques based on what he feels is best for you.
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Topical Scar Treatment Options
We have also introduced the Stratpharma line of scar recovery products, including Strataderm, Stratamed, and Stratacel. These products use silicone gel technology to improve the appearance and feel of scars. Strataderm scar therapy gel is non-sticky and odorless. It can be used to improve the appearance of both new and old scars. Strataderm creates a thin layer over the scar which makes it ideal for scars on moving parts of the body or irregularly shaped scars. It can be used on both new and old scars.
Stratacel and Stratamed can both be used on damaged or broken skin, which means they can be used immediately after surgery or a procedure. They contain no alcohol, fragrances, or parabens, which means they can be used on children or patients with sensitive skin.
“Dr. Lichten has a special way of delivering self-esteem and making a person feel beautiful. After the procedure when I simply looked in the mirror, emotions overtook me…he gave me more in that moment than I could ever express.”
Independent Medical Examinations
When someone has been in a car accident, bitten by a dog, or suffered other trauma, they are often part of a lawsuit to help cover their damages. Dr. Lichten regularly performs Independent Medical Examinations (IME) and prepares expert reports to help parties and their attorneys in these lawsuits. We work closely with many attorneys’ offices to provide an expert, independent opinion regarding treatment options and determining the permanence of scars.
Dr. Lichten will review medical records from the incident and subsequent treatment for the injury. He then performs an Independent Medical Examination to look at the scarring or other injury and discusses treatment options with the patient. When he has been requested to do so, he will then write up a report of his findings for the attorney, which can be used to create a future plan for treatment, including evaluating its cost, which will assist in assessing a claim for damages.
If you are an attorney or working with one, please give our office a call at (740) 653-5064 or (614) 862-8008 and ask for Rachel. She coordinates all of our attorney referrals. You can also send her an email at Rachel@OhioPlastic.com to request the information.
Call to request a consultation with Dr. Lichten to discuss which scar improvement option may be right for you.
