Scar Revision: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

The patient undergoes a series of test to ensure that all the parameters are normal. The patient’s medications are adjusted in preparation of the surgery. The patient is also advised to avoid aspirin and other herbal supplements.

The non-invasive procedure available to treat minor scars includes topical treatment, surface treatments such as chemical peeling, light therapy, skin bleaching agents.

For the more severe scars, it is best suited for a surgical revision. They may be done for cosmetic reasons or to restore function to a part of the body that is restricted by a scar or both. The surgery is done under anaesthesia.

Types of Scar revision surgeries are mentioned below:

Skin Grafts and Skin Flaps: This procedure involves the removal of healthy skin tissue from one part of the body and grafting it on the site of the scar. Skin flaps are similar to skin grafts, but the section of skin used has its own blood supply.

Z-Plasty: A surgeon cuts along either side of the scar and creates angled flaps. This helps in repositioning or changing scar direction, reduce scar tension and make the scar less visible.

Tissue Expansion: This procedure helps the body grow additional skin to cover the scars. An inflatable balloon is placed under the skin near the scar site and gradually stretches the skin. The extra skin tissue is used for the procedure.

The initial healing phase of a surgical scar revision may include localized swelling, discolouration or discomfort and may take 1 to 2 weeks. Healing will continue for several weeks and as the new scar heals it will slowly refine and fade. Optimal results can be expected after a single procedure.  The patient can resume normal activity as the swelling decreases.