How to Remove Scar Tissue Following Labrum Repair

The labrum is fibrous cartilage in the shoulder that surrounds the socket joining the collarbone and humerus. This cartilage can be torn by physical injury or the strain of athletic activities. The two methods of labrum repair are arthroscopy and open procedure. The former involves small incisions through which the surgeon will operate using small cameras and tools. The latter requires the shoulder joint to be opened up. The extent of the labrum injury will determine which method is used. Open procedures naturally produce larger scars than arthroscopy.

Things You'll Need

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult with medical professionals to determine your approach to scar removal. There are several methods, with varying degrees of invasiveness. Discuss your options with both the surgeon who did the labrum repair and another doctor who specializes in scar removal. Full recovery from labrum repair surgery can take as long as five months. The process goes from initial healing to restoration of strength and mobility.

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  The scar removal procedure to be employed will also depend on the condition of the scarring--the type, size and location of the scar tissue. One technique or a combination of several techniques could be used. Silicone sheeting is a topical treatment that can reduce the formation of scar tissue during and after the healing stage. In this method, the incisions are covered with small, self-adhesive patches lined with silicone. This technique could be integrated with the labrum repair surgery. Another technique is laser therapy, which treats the skin surface where the scar has formed. It can reduce or soften the scar tissue and allow the growth of new, healthy skin. 

  When the scar tissue is particularly large, deep in the skin or located in an area where there is constant movement, surgical removal may be necessary. Prior to the procedure, lab tests and medical evaluations will be done, medications may be prescribed or existing ones adjusted, and diet or habit restrictions may be imposed. After the scar tissue is excised, each layer below the skin is individually closed with absorbable sutures. This method of scar removal is the most invasive and carries the highest degree of risk.

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  Scar removal surgery has its own set of post-operative instructions. Wound care is particularly important to prevent infection, re-opening and recurrence of scarring. Chest pains, shortness of breath and irregular heart beats are some of the post-operative danger signals doctors commonly warn about. If you experience any of these after the operation you should return to your doctor immediately.