Surgical scar revision can improve the way scars look by changing the size, depth, or color. However, no scar can ever be completely erased, and no technique will return the scar to its normal uninjured appearance. Surgical scar revision typically results in a less obvious mark. Because each scar is different, each will require a different approach.

Who is a candidate for Scar Revision

There are several factors that determine the positive outcome of scar revision; the location, size and age of the scar, just to name a few. The most important step in the treatment of scars is careful consultation between you and Dr. Popham to find out what bothers you most about the scar, and deciding upon the best treatment.

The Scar Revision Procedure

Surgical scar revision is a method of removing a scar and rejoining the normal skin in a less obvious fashion. The surgical removal of scars is best suited for wide or long scars, those in prominent places, or scars that have healed in a particular pattern or shape. Wide scars can often be cut out and closed, resulting in a thinner scar, and long scars can be made shorter. A technique of irregular or staggered incision lines, rather than straight-line incisions, forming a broken-line scar which is much more difficult to recognize, may be used. Sometimes, a scar's direction can be changed so that all or part of the scar that crosses a natural wrinkle or line falls into the wrinkle, making it less noticeable. This method can also be used to move scars into more favorable locations, such as into a hairline or a natural junction (for instance, where the nose meets the cheek). Best results are obtained when the scar is removed and wound edges are brought together without tension or movement (pull) on the skin.

Depending on the scar, surgical scar revision might not be the procedure of choice. Dr. Popham might incorporate the use of dermabrassion, steroid injections, laser resurfacing, fillers, punch grafts or chemical peels. Each scar is different and each might require a different approach to achieve the best results.