Scar Removal

The Consultation

Although scars will often fade with time, it is very unlikely they will completely disappear. This can lead to the affected person feeling self-conscious with their appearance if the scar is large in size and is in a place that is particularly noticeable to others.

At your consultation your surgeon will assess the type of scarring you have. This will enable the right kind of procedure to be recommended and a suitable treatment plan to be put in place. Whichever type of procedure is recommended for you, it is important to be realistic about the results that can be achieved. As well as explaining how the procedure will be carried out, including any potential complications or risks, your surgeon will make sure you understand what the area will look like afterwards. The outcome of the procedure may not completely erase the look of your scarring, but it should go a long way to significantly reducing its appearance. Talking with previous patients about their scar removal procedure can help to ease your concerns.

The Procedure

The removal or reduction of a scar can be done through a range of techniques, including: silicone gel or sheets – often used to flatten a raised scar, the sheets are worn over the scar as advised for a recommended amount of time to soften and even out the tissues;

Steroid injections – a series of injections are applied to keloid or hypertrophic scars to reduce a raised or thickened scar;

Laser therapy – pulses of light targeted at a red scar can help to even its tone. This method can also increase collagen production which helps to reduce the look of pitted, or sunken, scars.

Cryotherapy – by freezing a keloid scar, the tissues can flatten and stop growing, as well as creating a more even tone. This type of procedure is more effective on scarring that is still in its early stages;

Dermal fillers – pitted scars can benefit from being filled by an injectable gel, creating an even surface to the skin;

Microneedling – the tone and texture of the skin’s surface is greatly improved by the responses of healing and repair that is produced when microinjections are applied to the skin using a dermaroller;

Surgery – cutting into the scar can often release the tension of a tight scar, especially if it restricts movement or is located at a joint. This can encourage the regrowth of healthier tissues that are softer and more even in tone;

Pressure dressings or skin grafts – used on scar contractures (often caused by burns), these procedures are used on larger areas and can either soften the area of scarring, or replace the surface of the skin altogether.

Aftercare & Results

The treatment area may become discoloured and experience swelling and discomfort for around the first 1 or 2 weeks of the recovery period. The full duration of healing could take several weeks, allowing for the new scar to fully form and fade. Different treatments can have variations with the after effects that are to be expected, all of which will be explained during the initial consultation.

By undergoing a scar revision procedure, new healthier tissues have the chance to grow which can help to improve the tone and texture of the wound. The colouring of the skin can be more in-line with the natural colouring that surrounds the scar and the texture can be softer and more flush to the skin’s surface. By creating a mark on the skin that is less obvious than it was before, it can be less noticeable to others if it is in a visible location. This in turn can help a person to feel more confident and happier with their appearance.