Scars have always been a bane for people wishing to have good looking skin and complexion. When a scar can be hidden, it’s somewhat fine, but when it’s out there for everyone to see, it can make people conscious of their appearance. Due to the very nature of scars and how they are formed, it is almost impossible to prevent them from forming, especially if the wound is large enough.
What Is Scar Revision?
This is where scar revision comes in. Scar revision is a procedure aimed to both reduce the appearance of scars and correct skin changes, restoring proper color, texture, and depth. This presents both cosmetic and practical benefits to patients who wish to get rid of their scars.
Sometimes, people may not need scar revision surgery. This is because scars tend to be less visible as people age. However, some people will not have this luxury, especially those who are, not just conscious about the appearance of their skin, but actually depend on their appearance for a living, such as models, actresses, and PR personnel.
What Types of Scars are Treated?
Scar revision is needed to treat several kinds of scars, though this is most commonly needed to treat keloid scars, which is a scar that is abnormally thicker than the surrounding skin, and has a different texture and color as well. But what makes them bad is the fact that they extend beyond the edge of the wound, forming a thick layer of skin that is not unlike a tumor.
Scar revision is also used to treat hypertrophic scars, which are scars that can greatly restrict the movement of joints, muscles, and tendons. These scars are obtained through very traumatic injuries such as burns.
To treat these scars, surgeons have a variety of options, including but not limited to dermabrasion, lasers, and traditional surgery. One method to deal with keloid scars is by making incisions and physically removing the keloid.
When the body begins to heal, the wound would generally create excess collagen. This is then also removed, to ensure that, while there might be scar tissue, the new scar will be less noticeable than the previous one, not to mention the keloid is now gone.
Types of Scar Revision Techniques and When They’re Used
Scar revision procedures are highly individualized and depend on the type, location, and severity of the scar. For raised scars like keloids and hypertrophic scars, corticosteroid injections may be used before surgical excision to shrink the scar tissue.
Laser scar removal is another popular method that uses focused light to flatten raised scars or lighten pigmented ones, making it ideal for facial scars or discoloration.
Dermabrasion and chemical peels can be effective for surface-level acne scars by smoothing the skin’s texture. Meanwhile, Z-plasty and skin grafting are surgical options for more complex or contracture scars, such as those caused by burns.
Consulting a board-certified cosmetic surgeon ensures the most suitable treatment plan based on scar type and desired results.
Is Scar Revision Covered by Insurance?
One of the most frequently asked questions about scar revision is whether insurance will cover the cost. While most insurance providers consider scar revision for cosmetic purposes to be elective and therefore not covered, there are exceptions.
If the scar causes functional impairment—such as limiting the range of motion in a joint or resulting from reconstructive surgery after trauma or cancer—some or all of the treatment may be reimbursed.
It’s important to check with your insurance provider and have your surgeon submit the appropriate documentation if the scar revision is deemed medically necessary.
Post-Procedure Care and Long-Term Results
After scar revision surgery, proper aftercare is critical to achieving optimal outcomes. Patients are typically advised to avoid direct sun exposure, as UV rays can darken healing scars.
Using prescribed topical treatments and silicone-based gels can also support better healing and reduce the risk of developing new hypertrophic or keloid tissue.
For the best scar fading results, consistent follow-up with your cosmetic surgeon and possibly incorporating microneedling or laser therapy into your recovery plan can make a significant difference.
While complete scar removal isn’t always possible, modern scar revision techniques can dramatically reduce visibility and restore confidence in your appearance.
Recovery
Depending on the size of the scar and the technique employed by the surgeon, scar revision surgery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to around two whole hours to finish.
Also, depending on the magnitude of the operation, patients can either go home on the day of the surgery, or stay overnight in the clinic or the hospital.
There are also possible complications, no matter how little. These include some bleeding, bruising and swelling, and infections. Patients then need to diligently take the prescribed medicine in order to properly facilitate the healing process.