Abstract
The process of scar formation is a sequela of the healing following soft tissue injury
extending to, or through, the reticular dermis. Scars, within the head and neck in
particular, may be physically disfiguring with resultant psychosocial implications.
Mitigation of excessive scar formation during the healing process following surgery,
or in the setting of trauma, begins with meticulous soft tissue handling and reconstructive
technique. The reconstructive surgeon's armamentarium must therefore include techniques
that minimize initial scar formation and revision techniques that address unfavorable
outcomes. With this in mind, this article reviews both conservative nonsurgical and
surgical treatment modalities that mitigate scar formation or address mature scar
formation.
Keywords
facial scarring - wound healing - scar revision - dermabrasion - laser resurfacing
