What Is Scar Revision: Things You Need to Know

After an accident or injury, the medical treatment we receive can leave behind a wound or scar. In cases where the scar impacts you and your confidence, several scar revision procedures are available to help reduce the appearance of a scar and give you back the confidence you desire. But, what is scar revision and how does it work?

For more information from Goutos London, in Marylebone, click here, call 07908422412, or email INFO@GOUTOSLONDON.COM.

Understanding scar revision

Scars are a natural part of the body’s wound-healing process, but not all scars heal similarly. Some scars are barely noticeable, while others can be more prominent and affect appearance and function. Scar revision is a surgical procedure designed to improve or reduce the appearance of scars and, in some cases, restore function to the affected area. Whether the scar resulted from an injury, surgery, or another cause, scar revision offers various treatment options to address the issue.

Types of scars

Before diving into scar revision treatments, it’s essential to understand the different types of scars. Scars can vary in appearance, texture, and severity, and each type may require a specific approach to treatment.

Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are raised, red, and often itchy, but they remain within the boundaries of the original wound. They are more common in areas of high skin tension, like the shoulders or chest.
Keloid Scars: Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloid scars extend beyond the original wound site. They can be large, raised, and painful. Keloids are more common in darker skin tones and certain areas of the body, such as the earlobes and chest.
Acne Scars: These scars can range from deep pits to shallow depressions or raised scars, often resulting from severe acne. They can significantly affect the skin’s texture and appearance.
Contracture Scars: These occur when the skin “shrinks” as it heals, often after burns, leading to tightness that can affect movement, especially if the scar is near a joint.
Atrophic Scars: These are sunken scars that form when underlying structures like fat or muscle are lost. Common examples include scars from chickenpox or severe acne.

Why are some scars so prominent?

Several factors influence why some scars are more noticeable than others. The wound-healing process plays a critical role, as much as the location of the scar. Areas under constant movement or tension, such as joints or the chest, tend to develop more prominent scars. The size and depth of the original injury or incision also matter—larger, deeper wounds are more likely to result in noticeable scars.

Other factors include:

Genetics: Some people are more prone to developing raised scars like keloids.
Skin Type: Darker skin tones have a higher risk of developing keloid scars.
Age: Younger skin tends to heal more quickly, which can lead to more noticeable scarring.
Previous Surgery: Scars from prior surgeries can influence the formation of new scars.

Many healthcare providers would look at the reasons behind your scars during the initial consultation, as it comes in handy when deciding if scar revision surgery is possible, and if so, which scar revision procedures are suitable for you.

Scar revision treatment options

Scar revision is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific scar type, location, and personal preferences. Here are some common scar revision techniques:

Surgical Treatment: For severe scars, surgical intervention might be necessary. Scar revision surgery involves making a new incision along the scar line and carefully removing the old scar. The wound is then closed in a way that minimises the visibility of the new scar, often aligning it with natural skin creases.

Some techniques used include:

Z-Plasty: A technique where the scar is repositioned to follow natural skin lines, making it less noticeable.
W-Plasty: Used to break up a straight scar line, making it blend more with the surrounding skin.
Flap Surgery: In cases where the skin is tight, a skin flap from a nearby area may be moved to cover the scar site, improving both function and appearance.
Skin Grafting: This involves taking healthy skin from another part of the body to cover the scarred area, often used in burn scars.

Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is effective in reducing the appearance of various scars, including acne scars. It works by removing the upper layers of the scar tissue and stimulating the production of new, healthy skin cells. Lasers can also help improve the colour and texture of raised scars.

Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections are particularly useful for treating hypertrophic scars and keloids. These injections reduce inflammation and flatten raised scars over time. Injections may need to be repeated over several months for the best results.

Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is a technique that sands down the top layers of skin, smoothing out uneven scars and improving their appearance. It’s often used for shallow scars, including those left by acne.

Pressure Therapy: Pressure therapy involves applying pressure to the scarred area using specialised garments or bandages. This technique is commonly used for burn scars to flatten and soften the raised tissue.

Topical Treatments: Topical treatments, such as silicone sheets or gels, can help reduce the appearance of scars over time. These treatments are particularly effective for newer scars.

Tissue Expansion: In some cases, a balloon-like device is inserted under the skin near the scar. This device is gradually inflated, stretching the skin and allowing for the excision of the scarred area and replacement with healthy skin.

Click here to speak to our team to find out which treatments we offer at Goutos London for scar revision procedures, and why we believe them to be the first-class option!

What to expect after scar revision

After a scar revision procedure, it’s essential to have realistic expectations. While the goal is to improve the scar’s appearance, complete removal is often impossible. However, scar revision can significantly improve the scar’s appearance, making it less noticeable and improving skin texture.

The recovery time varies depending on the type of scar revision treatment you undergo. For surgical treatments, stitches may be removed after a week or two, but full healing can take several months. Laser therapy and steroid injections may require multiple sessions, with gradual improvement over time.

Potential risks

As with any surgical procedure or medical treatment, risks are involved no matter how careful and diligent you have been. Some of these risks, albeit unlikely, are blood clots, infections and an adverse reaction to general or local anaesthetic. There’s also the possibility of developing a new scar, though this is typically less noticeable than the original scar.

During the first consultation, it is vital to make sure you can handle local or general anaesthesia. If there are any concerns, then other treatments should be considered.

Post-revision care and results

Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to care for the scar site after the procedure. Avoiding sun exposure, applying prescribed ointments, and avoiding activities that might stress the wound are some suggestions you may hear.

It’s important to note that scars continue to heal and change for up to a year after scar revision. The final appearance of a scar can take time to develop, and ongoing treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Scar revision offers a range of treatment options for improving the appearance of scars, from topical treatments to surgical procedures like skin grafting and flap surgery. By understanding the types of scars and the available scar treatments, you can make informed decisions about how to manage and reduce the visibility of your scars. Always consult with a qualified plastic surgery specialist to determine the best course of action for your specific needs and to set realistic expectations for the outcome of your scar revision treatment.

Find Our Clinic

Goutos London
152 Harley Street
London
W1G 7LH

Louise Steel

2023-08-16

Mr Goutos performed keloidectomy surgery on both my earlobes, and I am so grateful to have been referred to him. From the first consultation, through surgery, and now my 3-month follow-up, I have nothing but good words to say.

Luke Ward

2023-07-10

This man is an extremely intelligent, professional gentleman. He will set realistic expectations from the beginning and will not ‘beat around the bush’ so-to speak. From the initial consultation to post-surgery, it has been a rollercoaster ride. However the high level of expertise & professionalism Mr Goutos maintained has been impeccable. All I can say to any other individual considering treatment with Mr Goutos, is that you are in incredibly safe hands. And on top of this, he has a great sense of humour. I wish nothing but the best for this man, and the best results for his future patients.

Mauricio Lucas

2023-07-06

Outstanding Doctor - Exceptional Expertise I recently had the pleasure of consulting and also going through surgery. Dr. Goutos removed a large class of keloids from my back and chest, and without a doubt, I can confidently say that he is the best doctor I have ever had the privilege of seeing. From the moment I entered his practice, I was immediately struck by his professionalism, knowledge, and exceptional bedside manner. Dr. Goutos possesses an extraordinary level of expertise in his field, and his technical skills are truly remarkable. His ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions is unparalleled, and I have personally witnessed his remarkable success in improving the health and well-being of countless patients. What sets Dr. Goutos apart is his genuine care and concern for his patients. He takes the time to listen attentively, ensuring that he understands every aspect of the medical issue at hand. He communicates clearly and effectively, explaining complex medical concepts in a way that is easy to comprehend, which greatly helps in alleviating any concerns or fears. One aspect that impressed me greatly was Dr. Goutos' commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in his field. He incorporates cutting-edge techniques and treatments into his practice, ensuring that his patients receive the highest standard of care available. This dedication to continuous learning and improvement is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his profession. Additionally, the support staff at Dr.Goutos' practice deserves recognition for their exceptional service. They are friendly, compassionate, and highly efficient, ensuring that appointments run smoothly and patients feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Overall, I cannot emphasize enough how fortunate I feel to have found Dr.Goutos' exceptional skills, genuine care, and unwavering commitment to his patients make him a truly outstanding specialist. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch medical care.

Kashmala Khan

2023-01-26

Mr. Goutos and his team did an amazing job reversing a scar I had on my forehead. This was a very old scar and had bothered for many years. The laser treatment and fat transfer procedure has changed my life and given me so much confidence. I would definitely recommend him, he is a fantastic and very skilled surgeon. Thank you so much!

Javier

2023-01-14

Mr Goutos and his team removed some lipomas from my arms. The initial consultation right through to the aftercare was professional, sensitive and genuine. Mr Goutos put me at ease right from the start, discussing my history and background and then discussing the various options for the incisions and sutures. The incisions were quick, efficient and professional. I felt completely at ease knowing I was in expert hands. The incisions were extremely neat and have closed and scared really well. I had a number of questions after the operation and one of the sutures became infected. Mr Goutos was quick to make an appointment for me, see me and deal with the infection and offered for me to see him again if the infection didn’t calm down. He was genuinely empathetic to my needs and took time to check each scare, explain things and assure me along the way. He didn’t at any point, make me feel I was asking silly questions or too many. I highly recommend Mr Goutos for his exceptional incisions and suturing as well as his professional conduct, caring approach and after care. The whole experience was smooth and easy and I am very grateful for what he has done for me.

Ieva Lihovida-Yarlett

2022-12-07

We came to see Dr Goutos a few month ago to remove invasive spider nevus on my 9 year old sons nose . After a lovely consultation with Dr Goutos , he suggested to do several laser treatment sessions. After a few sessions we already noticed a massive improvement. On the final laser treatment session the spider nevus was completely gone. Thank you to the Dr Goutos for tackling the problem so rapidly and with great results!

Amy Munson

2022-10-27

We took our 4yr old daughter to Mr Goutos following an accident which resulted in a small burn scar on her cheek. Mr Goutos gave us various options and we went for laser treatment. After 4 appointments the scar has gone! The care that Mr Goutos gave us was exceptional and so good with children. He made us feel very comfortable and confident in his ability. I would recommend him to anyone if they were looking for a doctor in that particular field. Can't thank him enough.