Scar Revision

The goal of scar revision is to conceal or minimize scars through a variety of techniques. We can make wide scars more narrow and a raised scar more flat. We can also make a scar look irregular, instead of straight, which makes it harder to see.

"Dr. Patel performed plastic surgery after I had a deep melanoma removal on the side of my nose, leaving a hole. He did a procedure called the "flap". He did an excellent job. The surgery has completely healed leaving no scar. I loved Dr. Patel. He is an outstanding surgeon, kind, concerned, and very dedicated to his patient. I highly recommend him."

Approaches & Techniques

Serial Excision

Serial excision is a technique by which a large scar is partially removed over multiple sessions to gradually diminish the scar without creating too much tension or distortion in nearby areas.

Skin Resurfacing

Dermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing are effective techniques to remove the overlying layers of skin and scar to allow new skin to grow in its place. This is especially effective at smoothing out an area of scar that may have rises or depressions.

Camouflage Techniques (W-Plasty, Z-Plasty, etc)

Camoflage techniques aim to change direction or irregularize a scar to make it better resemble a natural wrinkle or to make it more difficult to perceive.

Derma Filler

An indented scar may be improved with traditional scar revision techniques described above, but a more simple solution with less downtime may be to inject dermal fillers in the region. This may elevate the scar to the level of the surrounding skin, thereby hiding it.

Planning Your Procedure

Pre-Operation

  • The Consultation

    During the consultation, we will review with you the various options for revising your scar. We will also discuss your medical history and the history of your current concerns. We will also examine areas adjacent to the scar to determine the best technique for you.

Surgery

  • How It's Done

    For skin resurfacing, a dermabrader or laser is used to minimize any raised areas and smooth the edges of any depressed regions. 


    For serial excision, usually, ellipses of scar tissue are excised within the larger scar. For camouflage techniques, the scar is excised and flaps of tissue are elevated. Once the camouflage technique has been performed, deep absorbable sutures are placed to relieve tension on the skin to reduce the risk of a widening scar. Then the skin is closed with a combination of absorbable and nonabsorbable stitches.

  • Duration Of Surgery

    Scar revision procedures usually take under an hour.

  • Anesthesia Options

    Scar revision may be performed in the office under local anesthesia.

  • Incisions

    Incisions will vary according to the scar revision method. We do our best to conceal incisions in natural creases and wrinkles. 

Post-Operation

  • Recovery

    The typical at-home recovery time is 5-7 days. Immediately after surgery, light compression taping may be used to reduce swelling at the surgical sites. The compression taping is removed in 1-3 days. All stitches dissolve or are removed in 1 week.

  • Pain

    The first night after surgery, you will feel a dull ache and tightness around the incision sites. Every day thereafter, any discomfort will reduce significantly. It is normal to take opiate medication as needed up to a week after surgery, but most transition to regular Tylenol within the first week.

  • Swelling & Bruising

    Swelling and bruising are expected and mostly subside in the first 2 weeks. Most bruising may be concealed with cover-up as it gradually fades. On average, 90% of the swelling subsides by 6 weeks after surgery, but it will take about 6 months for the incisions to feel soft again. In the end, all swelling and bruising will diminish.