Scar revision through plastic surgery can improve or minimize scars, restore function and correct disfigurement resulting from injury or previous surgery.

Thousands of successful scar revisions are performed each year, but you should be aware of potential risks. Postoperative complications such as infection, blood clots, and scar recurrence are uncommon and can be treated. Surgical fees and operative facility costs vary widely, based on the length and complexity of the operation.

There are various surgical approaches to scar revision. The technique employed and the extent of the surgery depend on the type of scar tissue and what your surgeon deems appropriate.

Hypertrophic scars are an excessive development of a scar tissue in an incision or wound. In a typical case, the surgeon makes incisions to allow removal of excess scar tissue. Occasionally remaining tissue is repositioned so that the skin will heal in a more normal pattern. Fine sutures close the wound and a dressing is applied.

Keloid scars grow beyond the edge of the wound, often creating a thick, puckered effect very similar to a tumor. In a typical operation, the scar is excised at the point where it meets normal tissue. The wound is closed with deep absorbable sutures and fine skin sutures. To discourage recurrence of the Keloid, a pressure dressing may be placed over the area following the operation.

Burn scars or other massive injuries resulting in the loss of a large area of skin often may form a hypertrophic scar which can cause a contracture, a restriction of the normal function of adjacent muscles, tendons, and joints. When there has been minimal skin loss, the scar can be excised and the contracture eliminated while the patient is under local or regional anesthesia. The surgeon first makes an incision to remove the excessive scar tissue. Then, an additional series of small incisions are made on both sides of the scar site using a technique called Z-plasty, which creates V-shaped skin flaps. The flaps are repositioned and interlocked to cover the area exposed by the excised scar tissue. Fine sutures close the wound.

With facial scars the surgeon excises the scar and then uses a Z-plasty to create two skin flaps, one on either side of the resultant wound. The flaps are rearranged at a different angle to more closely follow facial contour. Fine sutures are used to close the wound and a light dressing is applied. Sutures are removed several days after surgery. Some facial scars can be treated using a technique called dermabrasion. Using a high-speed rotary wheel similar to fine grain sandpaper, high and irregular spots of the scar are abraded, leaving a much smoother surface.

After surgery or dermabrasion, scars blend more naturally with an individual's facial contour and skin tone. The patient should avoid excessive exposure to the sun for several months following treatment. Although you may be up and about shortly after most surgery, your plastic surgeon will advise you on the proper schedule for resuming your usual routine. The decision on when to return to work and normal activities depends on how fast you heal and how you feel. .