No, there is currently no known way to remove any scar. The human body repairs itself with scar tissue which is different from normal skin and will therefore look differently. To make the scar disappear, it would have to be replaced with normal skin and in adults that's not possible at this time. Baby's while still inside the mother apparently do have the ability to regenerate new skin, as evidenced by the fact that some babies who were operated on while still inside the mother do not apparently show a scar when they are born. As adults we have lost this ability to regenerate new skin. There is some indication that adults also may still have that capacity to grow and regenerate damaged parts including skin, but at present we do not know the key to turning that process on, once again. There is a procedure used in lengthening extremities by slowly stretching them at a rate of approximately 1 mm. a day, and it appears that as the long bones of the extremities are stretched the skin, nerves, blood vessels etc. do have the capacity to actually grow by adding new tissue cells as needed, and we can call this new growth in adults. At some undetermined time in the future it may by possible to turn on this latent capacity to regenerate new skin, and when that can be done, we may be able to do surgery without leaving a scar. At the present time the best we can do is to minimize and disguise the scars.

Joseph Hayhurst M.D.

No, plastic surgery can improve scars, but there is no way to erase a scar. There are ways to decrease scars so early on after your cardiac surgery, ask your surgeon for a referral to a plastic surgeon if your scar becomes adverse (usually after about 4 to 6 months).

There is no way to erase the scar completely. Ask you surgeon for a referral to a plastic surgeon to discuss scar management after your surgery, which may include silicone gel sheets, steroid injections, and laser treatments.

Understand that open heart surgery is stressful. Best wishes for a good outcome. Cardiothoracic surgeons pride themselves on their repair of the "median sternotomy" access incision, which means all layers, starting from the sternum (bone) to the skin. Irregardless of a surgeon's skill, occasionally the distal part (end) of the scar may become hypertrophic. Embrace is a spring loaded silicone device, which can prevent this. It is generally applied at least 2 weeks, post-op when the wound is stable and can be worn through showers, etc. It's replaced every 2 weeks, generally for a period of 2-3 months. Goodluck.

Unfortunately nothing will erase a scar completely once there has been a cut. Please make sure your follow your surgeons instructions during the post op period (no creams or lotions). After you are well healed 3-6 months) there are various topical scar treatments and lasers (available at your local doctors offices) that can improve the appearance of the scar.

The scar can not be "erased", but it can be closed in a manner to make it look thinner. The surgeon can use absorbable suture in the second layer of skin(subdermal), and in the superficial layer of skin(subcuticular). Quill suture can be used in the subcuticular layer to help prevent the scar from widening. Avoiding the use of staples can also minimize the marks on the scar.

I had this very conversation with a dear friend of mine. You will have a scar. There are things that can be done to make the scar look better but you can't erase it completely. Most of the open heart scars are straight up the middle, but some are on your ribs to the side. You would have to talk to your cardiac surgeon to find out where your scar would be located.

Your heart function is really important. If you need heart surgery you need heart surgery and you shouldn't avoid it because it will leave a scar. There are make up products that will hide it and I have seen many people get tattoos that are both beautiful and effective camouflage.

Hi

Plastic surgery, or any surgery for that matter cannot erase scars. We are usually successful at creating or revising surgical scars so that they are minimally noticeable, but humans respond to cuts with scarring.

After surgery you may want to look at scar creams, especially ones that contain silicone.

Best of luck with your upcoming surgery.

Sek

Plastic surgery will certainly help, but it will not completely eliminate the scar..