New Jersey's Dr. Parker Explains Scar Prevention Techniques and Incision Care for Ethnic Patients

PARAMUS, N.J., May 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a study by the Henry Ford Hospital, African Americans are seven times more likely than Caucasians to develop keloid scarring following head and neck surgery. As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Paul M. Parker understands this better than most and works closely with patients to reduce the risk of developing excessive scarring after plastic surgery.

There are two main types of scars that ethnic patients are prone to encounter: keloid and hypertrophic scars. Keloids are shiny, raised scars that sit above the surrounding skin. Hypertrophic scars are raised, firm scars that typically become less visible within six months of surgery for Caucasian patients, but may not fade for those of Asian, Hispanic, or African descent. Common surgical areas, such as the neck, head, and ears, are at greater risk for scarring in these patients.

"Many of my patients of African, Caribbean, or south Indian descent are particularly, and understandably, concerned about scarring," says Dr. Parker. "I use several techniques to help prevent keloid scarring in my patients with darker skin."

In addition to educating patients on how to avoid scarring, Dr. Parker utilizes special methods for lowering the risk of keloid scar development. During surgery, Dr. Parker carefully prepares the skin so that it can glide more easily into place and heal naturally. He also places dissolvable stitches in both the subcutaneous tissue and deep dermis to prevent putting unnecessary pressure on the wound. This tension-free closure stays in place for several weeks or months as the patient heals and helps promote proper incision healing.

"I have helped many keloid-prone patients avoid scarring through careful pre-operative and postsurgical approaches," Dr. Parker explains. "Here at the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery, we work to avoid unnecessary scarring in all patients."

Dr. Parker stresses the necessity of proper wound and incision care following surgery, and developed a Rapid Recovery Program that helps patients minimize downtime and maximize proper wound healing. For patients with darker skin, this is particularly important, and Dr. Parker works with these patients to develop the best postoperative scar care plan for each individual. He often recommends a specialized scar cream and/or silicone adhesives to improve the quality of the scar. Each patient receives information about the proper way to apply the scar cream and is encouraged to continue a regular skincare routine to promote overall skin health.

"Scarring in darker skin can be reduced by paying careful attention to the wound during and following surgery," notes Dr. Parker. "Patients from all backgrounds deserve smooth, subtle scars in the months and years after surgery."

About the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery: Board certified plastic surgeon Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS, specializes in breast, body and facial cosmetic surgery for men and women as well as reconstructive skin cancer treatment as medical director of the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery, which he founded in 1985. The Parker Center also houses the Parker Center Medi-Spa, a full-service medical spa, and is located at 122 East Ridgewood Ave., Paramus, NJ, 07652. 201-967-1212. For more information, visit www.parkercenter.net or read Dr. Parker's reviews.

Media Contact:
Dr. Paul M. Parker
Parker Center for Plastic Surgery
201-967-1212

SOURCE Parker Center for Plastic Surgery

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