Scar Revision
Scar Revision
What is it?
Some scars can be improved because of their position or shape, making them less conspicuous in relation to the surrounding skin and taking into account how light and shadow affect their appearance.
Depressed scars may benefit from fat grafting. Widened scars may be replaced with a scar that forms a finer line.
When scars are considerable in size and/or shape, more than one operation may be required to avoid greater sequelae.
For very large areas of scarring, tissue expansion may be used. A silicone expander is placed and gradually filled with saline to stretch the skin. The newly formed skin can then be used to replace scarred skin. This process often requires several operations before the final result is achieved.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about scar revision.
What is scar revision?
Scar revision is a procedure intended to improve the shape, position or width of a scar by replacing it with another scar that may be less conspicuous or better positioned.
Can a scar disappear completely?
No. Scar revision aims to make a scar less noticeable and better integrated with the surrounding skin, but it cannot erase a scar completely.
Which features of a scar may be improved?
The shape, position, width, depression of the scar and its relationship with the surrounding skin may be assessed. The appropriate technique depends on the specific characteristics of each scar.
What can be done for a depressed scar?
Fat grafting may be beneficial for some depressed scars by helping to correct the difference in level between the scar and the surrounding skin.
Can a widened scar be made thinner?
In selected cases, a widened scar may be removed and replaced with a new scar that forms a finer line.
Why might more than one operation be needed?
Large or complex scars may require treatment in several stages to avoid creating greater sequelae and to achieve the final result.
What is tissue expansion?
Tissue expansion is used for large areas of scarring. A silicone expander is placed beneath the skin and gradually filled with saline, creating additional skin that may later be used to replace scarred tissue.
How long does scar revision take?
The duration depends on the size of the scar and may range from about 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
Local anaesthesia is usually used. General anaesthesia may be required when the scar is very large.
Is a hospital stay required?
Usually not. A hospital stay may be required for extensive scars or scars located in areas that interfere with everyday activities.
When can I return to work?
Work may often be resumed in the following days, depending on the location and extent of the procedure. In some body areas, stretching of the skin may need to be avoided more carefully for several weeks.
What scar will remain after surgery?
The final scar depends on the size and shape of the previous scar. The aim is to obtain a scar with a better shape, position or width, but a scar will still remain.
What are the most frequent risks?
The most frequently reported risks are widening of the new scar, excessive scarring, changes in pigmentation and infection.
When should a scar be assessed for revision?
Timing is individual. Many scars continue to mature and become less noticeable over several months, so revision may be delayed until the scar is more mature. Some situations may require a different assessment and timing.
How long does the new scar take to settle?
The initial healing phase may take one to two weeks, but the scar continues to change for several months. In some cases, the final result may take up to about a year to become apparent.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
