Case Presentation: Complex scar revision.

 

This very pleaseant washington dc banker was born with a gastrochesis abnormality which required numerous operations as a child.  This left his abdomen disfigured.  He had otherwise grown into a very healthy young man, but was embarassed at the appeareance of his abdomen which made him uncomfortable ever going shirtless in front of people. 

He sought the help of Dr. M.R. Khalifeh for Scar revison.

Case analysis:  abscense of umbilicus with compartmentalization of the fat into an unnatural array of sections divided by deep partitions/adhesions in the skin to the abdominal fascia.  the deep folds of the skin were also uncomfortable and would develop rashes. 

Treatment Plan:  Dr Khalifeh planned an excision of the scars with exposure of the fat compartment, followed by liposculpture of the fat compartments  in order to "blend" the abdominal wall into a more unified appeareance.

Surgery time: 2.5 hours, outpatient surgery

Recovery time: one week off work, 4 weeks to excercise

Result analysis:  a more unified appearing abdomen with recreation of umbilicus and elimination of deep grooving in the abdomen in a simple outpatient procedure.   

Patient Testimonial: 

 

Conclusion:  The line between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery is often blurred, as is demonstrated in this case.  The psychological impact of a scar can be significant, and our board certified experts at Ivy Plastic Surgery specialize in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery that can help with these difficult and complex cases by designing a surgery uniquely suited to each patient.