A noticeable scar can be a daily reminder of an injury or procedure you would rather move past. If you feel self-conscious about the way a scar looks, you are not without options.
At Elite Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, our board-certified plastic surgeons will evaluate your concerns and discuss potential nonsurgical or surgical treatments. They’re here to help you feel more comfortable and confident in your appearance.
What Is Scar Revision?
Scar revision is a treatment designed to improve the appearance of a scar so it blends more naturally with the surrounding skin. While scars are a normal part of healing after surgery, injury, or burns, some may become raised, indented, wide, discolored, or tight. Scar revision focuses on softening these features to make the scar less noticeable.
Depending on the type and severity of the scar, treatment may involve surgical techniques, injectable treatments, laser therapy, or surface-based procedures. The goal of scar revision is improvement, not complete removal. Every scar and every patient is different, so treatment plans are customized based on skin type, scar location, and personal goals.
Candidates for Scar Revision
Scar revision is a great procedure for people of all ages, and you may be a good candidate if you:
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations
- Decided to go through with the procedure on your own
- Are unhappy with the appearance of a scar
- Do not have active infections or acne breakouts.
Scar revision is a very personal and individualised procedure.
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Types of Scar Revision and Scar Removal Treatments
There are many options to reduce and minimize the appearance of scars on the skin. The best procedure, however, depends on the location and severity of the scar, as well as the health of the patient. Most importantly, it depends on the extent of revision the patient desires. Treatment options for scar revision include:
- Subcision: This procedure is optimal for treating indented scars. Fibers beneath the scar are broken up with a needle, effectively raising the tissue to the elevation of the surrounding skin.
- Excision: This procedure is used to treat severe skin-tightening scars known as contracture scars. A scalpel is used to remove the scar and damaged tissue, and a skin graft is placed to restore the appearance of skin.
- Punch Elevation: This treatment is effective for treating certain types of acne scars. A punch tool is used in place of a scalpel to remove small quantities of skin without damaging surrounding tissue. The base of the scar is then elevated, making the scar appear less pronounced.
- Surface Treatments: Cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and skin bleaching are effective in treating skin discolorations. However, multiple treatments are required to achieve noticeable results.
- Laser Treatments: Laser treatments can be used to gently remove damaged skin and reveal new, undamaged skin. These treatments also stimulate collagen production, which results in long-lasting results as the body will naturally continue to heal.
- Fillers: Dermal fillers can be used to fill in indented scars. This results in a smooth and even appearance to the surrounding skin.
Patients are advised to stop smoking and avoid blood-thinning medications prior to undergoing scar revision procedures.
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Preventing Scarring After Injuries
The appearance of a scar after injury depends on the healing process of the wound. Some scars are hard or impossible to avoid. However, there are ways to take care of your injury to reduce your risk of permanent scarring.
Here are some tips:
- Keep your wound clean
- Change bandages daily
- Follow your doctor’s instructions if you have stitches
- Keep the wound out of direct sunlight
- Don’t pick at the wound
- Keep the wound moist with petroleum jelly
As always, be sure to listen to your doctor’s advice – they know what needs to be done to prevent further injury. If you do end up with an unsightly scar, your doctor will help you choose the best scar revision option for you.
Recovery From Scar Revision
As most treatments for scar revision are minimally invasive, they tend not to require downtime. Patients do report minor swelling, discomfort, and discoloration for a few weeks following treatment. The results of scar revision treatment are immediate. However, the final results may take a few months to fully appear.
Why Choose Elite Plastic Surgery for Scar Revision in Grand Rapids?
Scar revision requires careful technique and an experienced surgical eye. At Elite Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, your care is led by board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Our team includes:
- Shannon Armstrong, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.: Board-certified plastic and hand surgeon with fellowship training and hospital leadership experience.
- William T. Cullen, M.D., F.A.C.S.: Board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with over 20 years of experience.
- Matthew Martin, M.D.: Board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in hand surgery and academic teaching experience.
- Matthew Fahrenkopf, M.D.: Board-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training from the Mayo Clinic in hand surgery and reconstruction.
With decades of combined experience, our surgeons focus on thoughtful planning and individualized treatment to help improve the appearance of scars safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are the Risks of Scar Revision Treatments?
Due to the non-invasive nature of most procedures, scar revision is considered to be generally safe. However, no procedure is without its risks. Risks of scar revision include:
Infection
Bleeding
Reaction to anesthesia
Numbness of the skin
Skin discoloration
Sensitivity
Poor healing
A secondary procedure may be necessary if uneven or poor healing occurs. Some forms of scar revision come with the risk of developing a secondary scar. Be sure to ask your doctor about all your concerns prior to your procedure.
How Long Should I Wait After an Injury or Surgery Before Considering Scar Revision?
In most cases, it’s best to wait until the scar has fully matured before pursuing revision treatment. Scars typically take 6 to 12 months to settle, soften, and fade. During this time, the color, thickness, and texture can continue to change.
However, if a scar is causing significant discomfort, functional problems, or emotional distress, an earlier evaluation may be appropriate.
Can Older Scars Be Treated, or Is Scar Revision Only Effective on New Scars?
Older scars can absolutely be treated. While newer scars may respond well to certain therapies, many revision techniques are effective even years after the original injury or surgery. The type of scar, its location, and your skin characteristics matter more than the age of the scar itself. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess whether surgical or nonsurgical options are likely to improve its appearance.
Will My Insurance Cover Scar Revision?
Insurance coverage depends on whether the procedure is considered cosmetic or medically necessary. If a scar causes pain, restricts movement, or results from trauma or reconstructive surgery, insurance may provide partial or full coverage. When the goal is purely cosmetic improvement, it is typically not covered.
Our team can help you understand your options and determine what documentation may be required.
Can Scar Revision Improve Tightness or Restricted Movement Caused by a Scar?
Yes, in certain cases. Some scars, particularly contracture scars from burns or significant injuries, can pull on the surrounding skin and limit movement. Surgical scar revision may release tight tissue and improve flexibility and function. Your surgeon will evaluate the depth and severity of the scar to determine whether revision can help improve both comfort and mobility.
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Schedule a Consultation for Your Scar Treatment in MI, or Call for Questions
Tired of seeing your unsightly scar every day? Learn more about scar revision and find out if you are a good candidate. Call (616) 459-1907 to schedule a consultation with our team in Grand Rapids, MI. Tired of seeing your unsightly scar every day? Learn more about scar revision and find out if you are a good candidate. Call 616-459-1907 to schedule a consultation with our team in Grand Rapids, MI.
