Facial Surgery: Scar Revision

Though a scar cannot be removed completely it is often possible to make it appear less obvious. This can be done through the injection or application of steroid medications. Scar modification can also be achieved by a procedure known as a scar revision.

Surgical scar revision can change the size of a scar, raise depressed scars or lower elevated scars. Scar revision improves the appearance of a scar while leaving another - though less obvious - scar in its place. While a scar's color cannot be altered, color will usually fade in time.

Because every scar is different and requires a different approach, a consultation with Prof. Kirwan will determine the best approach to treat your scar.

Most methods of scar revision can be done in-office using local anesthesia.

Surgical Scar Revision

With surgical scar revision, a scar is removed and the surrounding healthy skin is joined in a less conspicuous manner. Wide scars can often be excised and closed resulting in a narrower, less obvious scar.

Irregular or zig-zag incision lines (rather than a straight incision line) are used to form a new scar that is harder to recognize. This method can also be used to move scars into less obvious places such as the hairline or a natural fold in the skin.

Surgical scar removal works best on scars that are long, prominent, or have healed in a particular shape. Best results are achieved when a scar is removed and wound edges are joined without tension.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion can be used to treat acne scars, chickenpox scars, tattoos, wrinkle lines and surgical scars. Using an electrical device that removes the top layers of skin, dermabrasion planes down an irregular skin surface.