Scar Revision: What is it and How is it Done?

What is Scar Revision?

Scar revision, also known as scar removal, treatment, or aesthetics, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of deep scars on the body.

The tissue referred to as a scar is the wounds left after surgical operations. It is inevitable for a scar to remain after every surgical procedure; however, the appearance of this scar being as aesthetic as possible and hidden is left to the skills of the surgeon. Plastic surgeons, in particular, are very meticulous about this.

It is necessary for scars to heal within approximately 4 weeks. Scars that still show no signs of healing after the 6th week are referred to as chronic scars. These scars can be corrected with scar revision.

Can Scars be Completely Erased?

The belief that scars will completely disappear after scar revision surgery is not correct. It is medically impossible for no scar to remain in the area where a cut is made in the body; therefore, a scar remains to some extent after surgical procedures. The goal of scar revision surgery is not to eliminate these scars but to improve the appearance of poorly healed wounds as much as possible.

When is Scar Revision Done?

It is recommended to wait at least 6 months before performing surgical intervention on a scar that has not healed properly. Most doctors extend this period up to 1 year. During this time, the scar becomes more pronounced. Factors such as the individual's skin type, accompanying diseases, age, and genetic characteristics can cause the scar to change over time. Waiting for a while rather than intervening early will be healthier. However, remember to get the clearest information from the surgeon who performed the operation. By consulting your doctor, you can plan the right time for surgery.

How is Scar Revision Done?

Scar revision surgery is mostly performed under local anesthesia. The technique, duration, and difficulty of the surgery vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the scar. The most commonly used classic technique in scar aesthetics is the surgical excision of the scar and re-stitching it in a smoother manner. In addition to this, scar revision can also be done using techniques such as skin grafting, skin flap usage, fat injection, and laser techniques.

In the skin grafting technique, after the scar is removed, skin from another part of the body is taken and placed over the wound. In the skin flap usage method, skin from another area is added to the scar site without removing the scar.

Fat injection and laser methods are not as effective as surgical methods and may require several sessions of application.

Are the Treatment Results Permanent?

The results obtained with scar revision surgery are permanent. The operation does not need to be repeated. Definite results are achieved in one go.

Sometimes, multiple sessions may be required to achieve effective results with laser application; however, the obtained appearance is permanent.

How Long is the Recovery Time After Scar Revision?

The healing process of scars varies depending on factors such as the individual's genetic structure, race, skin type, age, and the size of the wound. Since scar revision can be applied to different parts of the body, it is not accurate to give a specific date for the healing time.

Generally, wounds on the face heal faster than wounds on other parts of the body. The first 2 weeks are critical for the healing process. Social activities can be fully resumed within an average of 6 weeks. Although the healing process may take a little longer to complete, significant improvement is made after this time.

What Should be Considered After Scar Revision? The most important thing to consider during the healing process after scar treatment is to keep the scar moist. Regular dressing changes and the use of prescribed creams and ointments should not be neglected. Dissolvable stitches are usually used in the surgery, and stitches do not need to be removed.

Another important issue to consider after surgery is to protect the scar from sunlight. Direct exposure of the scar to sunlight can adversely affect the healing process. Lastly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hygiene in the surgical area and keeping the wound clean is necessary.