The unpredictability of scars is a part of the human experience. Many scars are unobtrusive and we often forget about them. It is not uncommon especially among machismo male culture to embellish the history of a scar as a rite of passage. Unfortunately for many people a scar can be a debilitating phenomenon emotionally and physically. It is for these reasons that some insurance programs will cover scar revision for patients.
The formation of a scar depends as much upon the way your body heals. Likewise your individual healing process combined with the surgeon’s skill affects the success of a scar revision surgery outcome.
The factors that affect scarring are:
• the size and severity of the wound,
• its shape and direction
• the original color and thickness of your skin
• the blood supply to the injured area.
The merits as to the need for plastic surgery are a highly personal decision, and are different for each person.
Types of Scars
• Stretch Mark Removal
• Keloid scars
• Hypertrophic scars
• Contractures
Common Scar Revision Surgeries
• Z-plasty
• Flap surgery
• Skin grafting
Medical Insurance May Cover Cost of Scar Revision
Scar revision cost may include:
• Surgeon’s fee
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Anesthesia fees
• Prescriptions for medication
• Post-surgery garments
• Medical tests
Though many health insurance plans will not cover scar revision surgery for cosmetics alone. If the surgery if for complications related to the injury and the scar can be revised through the procedure it can be covered. Some policies also include coverage for scarring that is limiting body functionality. You must carefully review your health insurance policy.
It is impossible to remove a scar completely. However, plastic surgery can often do much to lessen the severity of a scar, making it less noticeable by applying or injecting steroids or through scar revision, a commonly used surgical procedure. Many people assume that as elective surgery it has to be an out of pocket expense. This is not necessarily true. Check with your medical insurance provider to see if this is the case; don’t assume. Many people improve their self image and quality of life through scar revision surgery.