Scar Revision Surgery

Different types of scars may require different treatment approaches.

1. Surface Irregularities and Discoloration

   These scars are often mild and involve uneven skin texture, colour changes, or subtle contour irregularities. They may result from acne, minor injuries, or previous surgical incisions. Although they do not cause discomfort or limit movement, they can be improved cosmetically with treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion, or minor surgical revision.

2. Hypertrophic Scars

   Hypertrophic scars are thick, raised clusters of scar tissue that form directly over a wound site. They may appear red, firm, or itchy and can sometimes widen over time. Their colour can vary from darker (hyperpigmented) to lighter (hypopigmented) than the surrounding skin. Hypertrophic scars often respond well to surgical refinement, laser treatment, or steroid therapy.

3. Keloid Scars

   Keloids are more pronounced than hypertrophic scars and may extend beyond the original wound edges. They can be painful, itchy, or puckered, and often occur in areas with minimal fatty tissue such as the ears, chest, shoulders, neck, and face. Treatment typically combines surgical removal, corticosteroid injections, silicone therapy, or laser treatment to reduce recurrence and improve contour.

4. Contracture Scars

   Contractures develop when large areas of skin are lost — most commonly after burns or deep wounds. As the tissue heals, it contracts and pulls the surrounding skin, which can restrict movement, especially when located near joints such as the fingers, elbows, knees, or neck. Treatment often involves surgical release, skin grafting, or flap reconstruction to restore mobility and skin flexibility. The type of scar you have determines the most appropriate treatment method. Your plastic surgeon will carefully assess the scar’s characteristics and recommend the most effective approach to achieve a smoother, softer, and more natural result.

Scar revision is a highly individualized procedure — it should be done for your own comfort and confidence, not to meet someone else’s expectations or conform to an idealized image.

This procedure can be performed on individuals of nearly any age. You may be a good candidate for scar revision if:

• You are bothered by a visible scar anywhere on your body
• You are in good overall health, have no active inflammation, or skin disease
• You do not smoke
• You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations about the outcome

A personal consultation will help determine the best approach and treatment plan to achieve smoother, more balanced results.

The decision to undergo scar revision surgery is a personal one. It’s important to balance your goals with the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. Your plastic surgeon will carefully explain the details of the operation, available alternatives, and any possible complications.

Possible risks may include:

• Reactions or complications related to anaesthesia
• Bleeding, infection, or delayed wound healing
• Hematoma or fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Changes in skin sensation, numbness, or persistent discomfort
• Asymmetry or skin irregularities
• Skin discolouration, prolonged swelling, or skin loss
• Fat necrosis (loss of deep fatty tissue)
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac, or pulmonary complications (rare)
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic result or the need for revisional surgery
• Unfavourable scarring

These risks are uncommon when procedures are performed by experienced surgeons, but awareness and proper postoperative care remain essential.

We will take care of your maximum comfort, safety, and sterile conditions throughout the process.

After surgery, the treated area will be covered with sterile dressings or light bandages. You will receive specific postoperative instructions, including:

• How to care for the surgical site
• Which medications to use (topical or oral) to aid healing and prevent infection
• When to attend follow-up visits with your surgeon

Progress and Healing

In the first 1–2 weeks after scar revision surgery, it is normal to experience mild swelling, redness, or tenderness around the treated area. As healing progresses over the following weeks, the new scar will gradually smooth, refine, and begin to fade in colour. Patients who undergo dermabrasion, chemical peel, or laser resurfacing may notice similar temporary symptoms, including increased skin sensitivity and mild discomfort. These reactions are part of the normal healing process and typically subside as the skin regenerates.

The results of scar revision are long-lasting, though patience is essential. It may take several months for the final appearance of the scar to become clear, and in some cases, up to two years for the tissue to fully mature and fade. As the skin continues to remodel, the scar generally becomes softer, flatter, and less noticeable over time.

Medicine and surgery are not exact sciences. While most patients experience excellent improvement, individual results vary based on skin type, scar characteristics, and healing response. Although optimal outcomes are expected, achieving the best aesthetic result may sometimes require more than one procedure. Your surgeon will guide you throughout the recovery process and advise if any further refinement is beneficial.

Proper care ensures the best possible results:

• Follow all your surgeon’s postoperative instructions carefully
• Keep incisions clean and protected
• Avoid excessive movement, stretching, or pressure on the treated area
• Protect the area from sun exposure during healing

Your active cooperation during the recovery process plays a crucial role in achieving the most successful and lasting result.