Reconstructive FAQs

What can I do to make my scar look its best?

Keeping a fresh wound clean and moist with an emollient (such as bacitracin antibiotic ointment) can be helpful in the first few days. Other ‘remedies’ such as Vitamin E or Mederma (oninon extract) have no scientific benefit as compared to any emollient such as petroleum in improving the cosmetic outcome of scars. In fact patients who use vitamin E have an increased incidence in itchiness and rash likely related to a topical allergy. Microporous hypoallergenic paper tape may be useful in treating fresh surgical incisions and scars several weeks out. The thought behind this benefit is that it provides a semi-occlusive pressure dressing and also protects it from the sun. Pressure therapy is largely accepted as an effective treatment for a raised scar. Silicone dressings have been shown to improve scars in patients at high risk for unphysiologic scarring (ie hypertrophic and keloid scars) but no improvement is seen in scars in low-risk patients.

When is the best time to have a scar repaired?

The purpose of scar revision is to optimize scar camouflage. All scars tend to improve spontaneously after a maturation period of one year. If the characteristics of a scar such as poor orientation are such that time will not change the favorability, earlier revision may be beneficial. Minor revisions, such as dermabrasion, may be performed 8 weeks after initial wound repair.

If I break a facial bone, such as my nose, when should I have it fixed?

Facial fractures should typically be repaired within a week of the traumatic event before the bones heal into their new position.

I have big ears that I have always been self conscious of, if I have surgery, will my ears look normal afterwards?

The procedure for repairing large ears (prominotia) is called otoplasty. There are a large variety of techniques described for repair. Dr. Barr takes special care to provide a repair that is long lasting and natural in appearance. The youngest age to have the repair is age 4 or 5 and will be performed under an anesthetic. Older patients may have the procedure under local anesthetic, saving cost.

Can I get my gauged earlobe repaired if I have had gauging for 8 years and how much will it cost?

Earlobe repair is becoming more and more common as these young individuals encounter bias when entering the workplace or armed forces. The repair varies slightly depending on the size of the gauging, with bigger rings requiring a more complex repair. A simple torn earlobe costs $250 an ear while a large gauged ear costs $500-$700 an ear depending on the size. Dr. Barr recommends removing the ring for a few weeks prior to surgery. The surgery is done under local anesthetic and results in contour of the ear lobe that is very close to that of it’s natural contour.