Parkwood Skin Clinic logo
A patient at Parkwood Skin Clinic has a stretch mark on her shoulder.

Parkwood skin clinic

Scar Revision & Management

hypertrophic scar on the tummy

Understanding Scar Revision

Scar revision is a surgical or non-surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of scars and making them less noticeable. Scars can result from various causes, including injuries, surgeries, burns, and acne. While scars are a natural part of the healing process, they can sometimes cause aesthetic concerns or functional impairments. Scar revision seeks to minimize the appearance of these scars, blending them more seamlessly with the surrounding skin.

Types of Scars

  • Hypertrophic Scars: Raised scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound.
  • Keloid Scars: Overgrown scars that extend beyond the original wound boundary, often raised and thick.
  • Atrophic Scars: Depressed or sunken scars, often resulting from acne or chickenpox.
  • Contracture Scars: Scars that tighten the skin, potentially restricting movement, usually resulting from burns.
  • Stretch Marks: A type of scar resulting from rapid skin stretching due to growth spurts, pregnancy, or weight gain.

Scar Revision Techniques

Surgical Methods

  • Excision: Surgically removing the scar tissue and closing the wound with fine sutures, resulting in a less noticeable scar.
  • Skin Grafting: Transplanting healthy skin from another area of the body to the scar site, often used for large or severe scars.
  • Z-Plasty: Repositioning a scar to align with natural skin folds and reduce its appearance.
  • Tissue Expansion: Placing a balloon under the skin near the scar to stretch the skin and use it to replace the scarred area.
keloid scar on the arm
keloid scar chest

Non-Surgical Methods

  • Laser Therapy: Using concentrated light beams to reduce redness, improve texture, and stimulate collagen production.
  • Microneedling: Creating micro-injuries in the scar tissue to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting steroids into the scar tissue to reduce inflammation and flatten hypertrophic and keloid scars.
  • Cryotherapy: Applying extreme cold to shrink keloid and hypertrophic scars.
  • Dermabrasion: Using a specialized instrument to sand down the top layers of the skin, smoothing out the scar.

Topical Treatments

 

Choosing the Right Treatment

Selecting the appropriate scar revision technique depends on various factors, including the type, size, and location of the scar, as well as your skin type and overall health. Consulting with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Recovery and Results

Recovery times can vary depending on the treatment method used. Non-surgical treatments generally have shorter recovery periods, while surgical methods may require more extended healing times. It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-treatment care instructions to ensure optimal results.

Prevention Tips

  • Proper Wound Care: Clean and dress wounds properly to minimize the risk of severe scarring.
  • Sun Protection: Use sunscreen or protective clothing to prevent scars from becoming darker.
  • Avoid Picking at Scabs: Allow scabs to fall off naturally to avoid worsening the scar.

We Will Help You Every Step Of The Way

over 15 years of medical experience

Book a Consultation