Scar Revision Surgery

What is Scar Revision Surgery?

Scar revision surgery is intended to minimize a scar to be less visible or conspicuous. Through scar revision surgery, a plastic surgeon can remove excessive scar tissue and carefully repair the skin so that new scarring is less noticeable. In many cases, scar revision surgery is paired with treatments such as dermal filler injections or laser resurfacing to reduce the scar’s appearance and texture further.  

Am I a Candidate for Scar Revision Surgery?

Many patients who have noticeable scarring after a surgery or injury are candidates for scar revision surgery. Before your scar revision surgery, Dr. Paquet will review your health history to ensure you can safely undergo the procedure. You should be prepared to share information about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you take during the consultation. It is also essential to have realistic expectations about the surgery. Dr. Paquet will explain reasonable expectations for your treatment results during a consultation. While it is not typically possible to completely remove all scarring, careful techniques should result in less noticeable scars. 

Benefits of Scar Revision Surgery

Scar revision surgery offers cosmetic and emotional benefits for patients who are self-conscious about noticeable scarring. By reducing the appearance of raised, discolored, or uncomfortable scars, the procedure can help restore confidence and improve overall quality of life. In addition to creating a smoother, more even skin surface, scar revision can address concerns such as thickness, stiffness, or discoloration, making the area blend more naturally with surrounding tissue.

Types of Scar Revision Surgery

Scar revision surgery is highly personalized, and the technique used will depend on the scar’s type, size, location, and maturity. Dr. Paquet will carefully evaluate your skin and recommend the most appropriate approach to achieve the best possible outcome.

Excisional Scar Revision

This technique involves surgically removing the scar and carefully re-closing the skin with fine sutures. Repositioning the scar along natural skin folds or lines can help create a more discreet and refined appearance. It is commonly used for linear or wide scars caused by previous surgery or injury.

Z-Plasty or Geometric Broken Line Closure

Plastic and geometric techniques involve creating angled incisions to redirect a scar’s tension and break up its appearance. These approaches are particularly effective for scars raised, contracted, or aligned in an unfavorable direction. Realigning the scar and dispersing it across the skin can help make the scar less noticeable.

Skin Grafting or Flap Techniques

In cases of larger scars or significant tissue loss, Dr. Paquet may recommend using a skin graft or flap to restore the area. Skin grafting involves transplanting healthy skin from another part of the body, while flap techniques use nearby tissue to cover the scar site. These procedures are typically used for more complex scars caused by burns or traumatic injuries.

Laser Resurfacing and Injectable Treatments

For scars with textural irregularities, discoloration, or raised appearance, non-surgical treatments may be combined with surgical revision. Laser resurfacing can improve skin tone and smoothness, while injections or dermal fillers can reduce thickness and improve contour. These treatments are often performed after healing from surgical revision to enhance final results.

Before Your Scar Revision Surgery

Before your scar revision procedure, Dr. Paquet will meet with you for a comprehensive consultation to evaluate your scar and discuss your goals. During this appointment, you will review your medical history, including any current medications, allergies, or underlying health conditions, to ensure surgery is safe and appropriate for you. Dr. Paquet will explain the surgical plan, outline what you can expect during recovery, and answer any questions you may have. You may be advised to stop taking certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, and it is essential to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully to support optimal healing and results.

The Scar Revision Surgery Procedure

Anesthesia Options

Scar revision surgery can be performed using local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the scar’s size, location, and complexity. Dr. Paquet will review your medical history and preferences to determine the most comfortable and appropriate option for your procedure.

Surgical Technique

Once anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Paquet carefully makes precise incisions to remove the existing scar tissue. The surrounding skin is then gently repositioned and realigned to minimize tension and promote smooth and even healing.

Personalization

Each scar revision procedure is tailored to the individual patient, taking into account the scar’s location, skin type, and healing patterns. In some cases, Dr. Paquet may recommend additional treatments such as laser resurfacing or injectables to refine the results further and improve skin texture.

Closing the Incisions

After reshaping the area, the incisions are closed using fine suturing techniques, often with internal absorbable stitches to help reduce visible scarring. Most procedures are completed in under an hour, and patients return home the same day with personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

After Your Scar Revision Surgery 

Most patients are immediately ready to return to non-strenuous routines after their scar removal procedure, though some redness, swelling, and soreness or tenderness are expected. In most cases, sutures will remain in place for about six days before patients return to see Dr. Paquet for a post-op appointment. Redness typically persists for about one to two weeks after the surgery before gradually fading as the scar heals. Dr. Paquet will monitor healing progress and recommend follow-up treatments as needed. He will also offer advice on caring for the incision after your scar removal procedure. Be sure to avoid excess sun exposure and apply SPF daily to avoid unnecessary discoloration or hyperpigmentation.  

Schedule a Consultation 

To learn more about scar revision surgery or other options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Paquet. Call Paquet Facial Plastic Surgery in Phoenix, Arizona or contact us online to set up your first appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions