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1. What is Scar Revision?

Scar Revision is the surgery or treatment to lessen the appearance or remove traces of damaged skin due to injury, be it elective or accidental.  There are treatments such as Silicone Sheeting which is non-invasive and require only diligent use of special sheets of silicone for many weeks to many months to help fade the offending scar.  Some invasive procedures require scar excision and resuturing or tissue glue to help reduce the appearance.  Some may require Z-plasty, which is a more serious application.

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2. When can Scar Revision be performed?

Scar revision can be performed at anytime and has no age barriers.

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3. What does a typical Scar Revision consultation entail?

After checking a few surgeons' backgrounds and credentials, you will make an appointment for a consultation. You will meet with these surgeons and discuss your goals and you will disclose all information regarding your health; if you smoke, what medications or vitamins you presently take, etc. - this is very important. You really should consider smoking cessation as this can significantly decrease healing. Visit the Medication & Supplements List for more information. 

You will discuss your complaints and concerns and discuss the various looks one can achieve, the amount that can be removed or diminished, etc. Your surgeon will explain the technique and incision placements that may be most appropriate for you.  He or she should discuss the risks associated with scar revision with you, as well. 

You will also discuss the available anesthesia that will be used for your procedure if you are being sedated. Most scar revision procedures are performed under Regional or even an oral sedative (valium) and local anesthetic for simple scar revision work.  If your scar revision is extensive or if on younger patients or in difficult areas -- you may undergo your procedure with General Anesthesia, Light Sleep Sedation, Twilight anesthesia.  Either way, discuss this beforehand as many people are not aware of the risks of Anesthesia.  If you do go under Deep General, ascertain that the anesthesiologist is certified.  Please read the All About Anesthesia Page - the risks regarding anesthesia should be considered for a fully informed choice. 

If you would like more information on consultations or a list of questions to ask your surgeon please visit the Consultation Help Page. If you should choose to book or reserve a surgery or treatment date you will usually give a deposit to hold your surgery date. Most times if you cancel a few days beforehand, this amount is non-refundable. After paying your deposit and scheduling a surgery date, you will also schedule a pre-operative appointment.

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4. How is Scar Revision performed?

This depends entirely on your condition and needed treatment.  For simple measures your physician may have you try less invasive means such as silicone sheeting and gels you must be dedicated in your application and continue to wear the products until the scar is greatly diminished or until your physician instructs.  Silicone sheeting is not a miracle device but it can help prevent forming scars from becoming keloidal or otherwise pronounced.  It can also help fade and flatten them.

For problematic scars (keloids):  Some problematic scars may be somewhat remedied by injections of Kenalog (a corticosteroid) which seems to break up collagen such as scar tissue.  In very problematic cases, surgical revision will not even be attempted for fear of worsening the current condition of the scar.

For hypopigmented scars:  Scar tissue lacks melanin, melanin gives your skin its color or skin tone and darkens with sun exposure or hormones.  If your scars are lighter than the skin around it you may try Micropigmentation.  Micropigmentation is the art of implanting ink subdermally (such as a tattoo) into the lightened areas to match the skin around it.  Just be sure that your micropigmentation technician is skilled in scar revision tattooing and has photos of his or her work to show you.  Scar tissue tattoos differently than unaltered (normal) skin and make appear darker than the intended pigment.  Be sure that you choose a natural color that you are able to upkeep (such as not being tanned) so that your result looks normal.  Please see our Micropigmentation Section for more information.

For surgeries or invasive treatments you may or may not be sedated.  If you are being sedated please see our Scar Revision Section for more information.

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5. What should I expect post-operatively?

If you were sedated for your treatment, you may be groggy from the anesthetic and or oral medications and probably won't remember much of the first day or two.  You will have to take it easy for a few days.  Bruising and swelling are a normal occurrence in most surgeries.  Don't worry, it is all a part of the natural healing process.  

Although any discomfort should be alleviated by your prescribed pain medication if you have excessive pain, redness, pus or other symptoms that do not appear normal, contact your surgeon immediately!  Take your temperature regularly.  An elevated temperature could mean an infection.  Take those antibiotics on time.  Also, don't forget if you are a female taking birth control pills that some antibiotics can interfere so in the event that you do have relations, use another form of protection as well.

UV Exposure: You MUST keep your treatment area out of the sun (including indirect sunlight and tanning beds) for about a year.  Scar tissue takes approximately a year to mature and is actually 80% as strong as non-altered skin.  Sun exposure can cause collagen degradation, hypo- and hyperpigmentation, burns, permanent redness and more.

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6. When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?

Depending upon the treatment area, your sutures may be removed in 7 to 14 days.

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7. When will I be able to see the results?

The results are immediate however, the old scar has been altered or removed and a new scar is forming -- it is up to you and your surgeon to continue maintenance and therapy in some cases.  Such as silicone sheeting or corticosteroid injections.

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8. What are the risks of Scar Revision?

First and foremost if you are prone to keloids or have keloidal scarring in your family PLEASE let your surgeon know.  Although your surgeon may already know this if your problem scar/treatment area is affected. 

Unfortunately, all surgery has risks and complications. With scar revision under anesthesia, these include an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used and infection.  For risks related to anesthesia - please see our Introduction To Anesthesia section.  There could be asymmetry, general dissatisfaction, hematoma or seroma, or bleeding. 

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9. What is Arnica montana or Bromelain, I have heard that these homeopathics reduce swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?

also known as: Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane and Sneezewort
plant family: Asteraceae 
type: Herbaceous perennial
parts used: Roots and flowers
description: Arnica montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb, growing close to the ground. The leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of which rises a flower stalk, 1 to 2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow flowers. The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.
habitat: Indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures, although it has been found in England and Southern Scotland. 
warning: This herb should NEVER be taken in raw form. This plant, like many medicinal plants if ingested, can cause intestinal bleeding, abdominal cramping and sickness. Homeopathy is the medicinal use of tinctures and suspensions using herbs and other plants and should never be consumed without proper preparation. Only respectable homeopathic remedies and tinctures should be consumed. 

habitat: Indigenous to southern Brazil and Paraguay, The fruit is now grown all over in green houses and in the fields of Spain, Guatemala, Hawaii and more. The pineapple is a tropical plant and thrives in hot, humid places. Although it can survive cold snaps, it is not recommended for the more northern areas if intended to be grown outdoors.

Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory formula containing the proteolytic enzyme from the stems of pineapples. Proteolytic enzymes are capable of dissolving proteins. It is most often used after sports injuries, to relive edema and after surgical procedures to help with swelling. 

ALWAYS ASK YOUR SURGEON FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION.

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 10. Are the results permanent?

In many cases, yes.  However, keloidal scars can reoccur.

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This page was last updated: 04/03/2006