Scar Revision 

A scar is your body’s natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin. Scars may be formed for several reasons, including infections, surgery, injuries, or tissue inflammation. Many of you may live with scars on your body, even if they are uncomfortable and unattractive. But not anymore! You do not have to carry the burden of ugly-looking scars on your body that may negatively impact your appearance and lower your self-esteem and worth. With the tremendous advancement in the field of cosmetology, there are several options to get those ugly scars removed. This is possible through scar revision treatments, which aim to alter the appearance of a scar. 

This informative blog will highlight various scar revision treatments and how you can benefit from them. So scroll down to explore scar revision.  

What is a Scar? 

Scars are visible signs that remain after a wound has healed. They are the unavoidable results of infections, injury, or surgery. Their development and appearance can be unpredictable. A scar is usually composed of fibrous tissue and may appear anywhere in your body. Its composition can vary and may appear flat, lumpy, sunken, or colored. Depending on the type of scar and its location, it may be painful or itchy. 

Types of Scars

These include the following:

Hypertrophic Scars

• These thick clusters of scar tissue develop directly at the wound site.
• They are raised and uncomfortable and have red bumps that may widen with time.
• They may be hyperpigmented (darker in color) or hypopigmented (lighter in color). 

Keloids

• These are larger than hypertrophic scars and can be painful and itchy
• They extend beyond the edges of an original wound.  

Contractures 

• These scars restrict movement due to skin and underlying tissue that pull together while healing. 
• They usually occur due to large tissue loss, as seen in burns.

What is a Scar Revision?

Scar revision is a medical treatment or procedure performed to reduce the appearance of scars, which are marks left on the skin after wounds heal. Depending on the type and location of the scar, there are several types, ranging from topical creams to surgery. 

The main purpose of this procedure is to closely match the color and appearance of the scar to its surrounding skin, though it cannot eliminate the scar. Scar revisions are most often recommended for cosmetic reasons; however, some scars may require treatment since they can be painful and limit the body functions of the area being affected.  

Who Needs a Scar Revision?

You may consider a scar revision procedure if you have unwanted scarring in your body due to the following reasons:

• Severe acne
• Burns either due to accidents or radiation therapy
• C-section births
• Surgery for cleft lip
• Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery 
• Skin infections
• Traumatic injuries  

How Should You Prepare for a Scar Revision?

When you have a scar, get yourself checked by a dermatologist (a doctor specializing in conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) to determine the type of scar and method of scar revision. Inform the doctor if you have any medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension, a history of surgery or injury, or any other medical conditions. 

Your doctor may advise the following to help you prepare before a scar revision:

• Consume a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients to promote healing.
• Avoid alcohol or smoking at least 10 hours before the procedure
• Stop taking vitamin or herbal supplements for at least two weeks before the procedure
• Stop taking blood thinners or anticoagulants at least one week before the scar revision 
• Stop active acne treatment until your doctor advises you to do so

What Are the Different Scar Revision Techniques? 

Your doctor will evaluate your scar to determine what type of scar revision suits your needs. 

Scar revision techniques may include:

Topical Treatment

• Your doctor will apply topical medications directly on the scar.
• This is a non-invasive procedure and does not require needles, cuts, and suturing
• This is effective for newly formed and mild scars.
• Types of topical treatment include:
• Pressure therapy
• Polyurethane dressing 
• Silicone gel 
• These methods are used 12 to 24 hours daily for weeks to months. 

Injectables

• Your doctor may inject medications directly into the scar to shrink it and reduce its size and appearance. 
• These are most useful for raised scars and keloids.
• You may require multiple injections for desired results.
• Types of injections include:
• Bleomycin injections
• Dermal fillers
• Corticosteroids
• Cryotherapy (freezing therapy)

Skin Resurfacing

• Skin resurfacing treatment works by removing the superficial layer of the skin to reveal smoother, undamaged skin. 
• Types of skin resurfacing treatment include:
• Chemical peels
• Dermabrasion
• Dermaplaning
• Laser therapy micro needling
• Skin bleaching

Surgery 

• Sometimes, severe scars may require extensive surgical intervention, especially if the scars cause pain and movement restriction.
• Common surgical procedures include:
• Z-plasty 
• W-plasty
• You may require skin grafts if you do not have sufficient healthy skin to close the wound.  

What Are the Steps of a Scar Revision Procedure?

You can expect the following steps during a scar revision treatment:

Step 1: Anesthesia

• You may receive local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on your doctor's decision.
• This helps ease pain and discomfort during the procedure for optimal results.

Step 2: Treatment

• Your doctor may recommend the type of scar revision needed based on the type of scar, its severity, and its location. 
• You will receive topical medications, injectables, skin resurfacing, or surgical treatment. 
• Your doctor may advise a combination of treatments to achieve desired results. 

Step 3: Closing The Incision 

• This applies to surgical procedures for scar revision, which requires layered closure where the excision extends to tissues below the skin or in the areas with a high degree of movement. 
• This may either involve sub-dermal closure or flap closure. 

Step 4: Placing a Dressing 

• Once the procedure is completed, regardless of the technique used, your doctor will provide a soothing dressing to aid in healing. 
• This also prevents or lowers the risk of infections that may hinder optimal healing.  

Summary 

Scar revision is a treatment to reduce the appearance of a scar and any discomfort it may be causing. Several techniques, such as topical medications, injectables, skin resurfacing, or surgical intervention, may be helpful in reducing the size and appearance of an existing scar. Your doctor determines the type of technique required based on the type and location of the scar. If you have an ugly-looking scar, do not ignore it; seek medical help to improve your appearance and boost your confidence.