Scar Revision
Scar revision is the surgical removal of an otherwise poorly healed, asymmetric, or ugly scar. A scar removal does not get rid of an existing scar, but improves its shape, contours, and overall appearance.
Treatment Time
1 hour; most scar revisions are completed under local anesthetic but occasionally if the scar is larger it may require a general anaesthetic.
Incisions
Incision size depends entirely on the amount of scar to revise. Scar revisions will be the same length or slightly longer than the existing scar.
Benefits
Scar revision can be completed on a traumatic scar or a previous surgical scar with the goal of enhancing overall appearance. The benefits include improving overall aesthetics, shape of the scar, and contours of the scar.
Technique
Local anesthetic is instilled into the area. The existing scar is excised and tissue is elevated on either side of the scar. Layers of stitches are used to minimize tension across the new scar. Clear postoperative instructions are given and scar care begins at 2-3 weeks after healing is complete.
Recovery
Incisions are well healed in 2 weeks while the final result can be expected after up to 6 months as the scar matures.
Risks
Main risks include bleeding, infection, poor scar formation, and patient dissatisfaction.
Who are the best candidates?
Patients who have mature scars, meaning the scar has been left to heal for at least 6 months if not closer to a year. A scar revision should only be completed once the scar has taken its mature final form.
Adjunct Procedures
Occasionally scar revision benefits from fat grafting to restore lost volume to the area. This depends on the location and cause of the existing scar. Other options such as steroid injections or silicone taping may be beneficial.