This month’s case of the month patient demonstrates an important principle in Plastic Surgery – Scar versus Contour. No patient wants a scar. If there must be a scar, then it should be as short as possible. I agree, generally. The problem occurs when in our zeal to limit scar, the patient has a less than optimal outcome. I have seen the problem whether it is short scar facelift, closed rhinoplasty, breast lift or reduction, and the list goes on. Scar limiting techniques are great and I use them if a proper result can be obtained. That is where “scar versus contour” comes in. If patients understand that an optimal result can only be obtained with a more significant scar, most have no problem accepting that scar. Then, every effort is made to ultimately leave a fine and well placed scar that will likely fade and hopefully be incorporated or even forgotten in the future.
