Scar Revision Surgery

What is Scar Revision Surgery?

Scar revision refers to a set of medical and cosmetic procedures designed to improve the appearance, texture, or function of scarred skin. Whether a scar is raised, sunken, tight, or discolored, treatment aims to make it less noticeable and more consistent with the surrounding skin.

Depending on the scar type and location, treatment may involve surgical excision, laser therapy, microneedling, injectables, or a combination of techniques.

At Clarus Dermatology, every scar revision plan is highly individualized and based on the age, size, depth, location, and overall impact of the scar.

Types of Scars We Treat

We treat a wide range of scars, each requiring a specific approach:

Acne Scars: Rolling, boxcar, or ice pick scars left behind by moderate to severe acne
Hypertrophic Scars: Thick, raised scars that stay within the boundaries of the original wound
Keloids: Overgrown scars that extend beyond the original injury site
Contracture Scars: Often from burns or trauma, these scars can restrict movement
Surgical or Injury Scars: Prominent or disfiguring scars left after surgery, injury, or lacerations
Stretch Marks (Striae): May be improved with microneedling or fractional laser treatment

Overview

Scars are the body's way of healing the skin after injury. A scar's appearance depends on the type of wound and where it is on the body, but other factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, and heredity can also play a role.

Scars may fade over time or with treatment, but they will never completely disappear.

Causes

When the thick layer of skin, called the dermis, is damaged, the body repairs it with collagen, eventually forming a scar.

Scars are caused by trauma to the skin from incisions or burns, and can also be caused by conditions such as acne or chickenpox.

Appearance

Scar tissue looks different than normal skin, and typically appears flat and paler than surrounding skin. Scars can vary greatly in appearance depending on location, cause, age, and skin type.

Acne scars can form deep pits, while burn scars often have a wavy, stretched appearance. Young, and dark-skinned persons may develop raised scars.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the type of scar, and may include topical applications, steroid or collagen injections, laser resurfacing, or surgical removal.

Scars cannot be completely removed, but treatment can help make them less noticeable.

Scar Revision Treatment Options

We offer several treatment methods depending on the type, depth, and location of the scar. Options may include:

Surgical Excision: Removes the scar entirely and re-closes the area using advanced closure techniques to minimize new scarring
Laser Resurfacing: Fractional or CO₂ lasers improve scar texture, reduce discoloration, and soften visible edges
Microneedling (with or without PRP): Stimulates collagen to improve pitted acne scars, surgical scars, or stretch marks
Steroid Injections: Flatten raised hypertrophic scars or keloids by reducing excess collagen
Dermal Fillers: Elevate depressed scars (such as boxcar or atrophic acne scars) for a smoother skin surface
Subcision: Releases fibrous bands that tether rolling scars beneath the skin, often combined with fillers or microneedling
Chemical Peels: Improve superficial discoloration and uneven skin tone through gentle exfoliation

In many cases, combination therapy delivers the most dramatic results.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Not every scar requires treatment, but for those that cause discomfort, self-consciousness, or functional limitations, revision may be a valuable option.

Scar revision may be appropriate for individuals who:

Have stable, mature scars (typically 6–12 months old or more)
Are seeking either cosmetic improvement or relief from functional limitations
Are in good overall health and non-smokers, or able to stop smoking during healing
Have realistic expectations about outcomes
Are free of active infections or inflammation at the treatment site

An in-person consultation helps us determine which approach is safest and most effective for your skin type.

We recently saw a young patient here at Clarus Dermatology who needed to have a surgical revision of a traumatic scar.

What to Expect During & After the Procedure

Your care starts with a detailed evaluation of the scar’s type, age, and location. Treatment planning is based on this assessment and your skin’s needs.

Most procedures are performed in-office, including microneedling, laser resurfacing, steroid injections, and minor surgical excision
Some treatments may involve local anesthesia, depending on their depth and intensity
Downtime can range from minimal to moderate, based on the technique used
Healing may take a few days to several weeks, with full results appearing gradually
Post-care instructions are essential, and following them closely helps minimize risks like pigmentation changes or recurrence

While some improvements are visible quickly, others appear gradually as the skin remodels over time. Multiple sessions may be recommended for best results.

Risks and Considerations

All medical procedures carry some risk. With scar revision, common considerations include:

Redness, swelling, or temporary bruising at the treatment site
Temporary changes in pigmentation (more common in darker skin tones)
The possibility of scar recurrence—especially with keloids or hypertrophic scars
In rare cases, the scar may worsen or fail to improve as expected
Multiple treatments may be needed for optimal outcomes

Strictly following your aftercare plan can help minimize complications and support effective healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can scars be completely removed?

No treatment can erase a scar completely. However, many techniques can dramatically improve the texture, color, and visibility of a scar.

How long before I see results?

It depends on the treatment. The effects of fillers show results almost immediately. However, laser or microneedling can take several weeks to reveal full improvement.

Will insurance cover scar revision?

It depends on whether it’s deemed medically necessary. For example, it may cover a contracture that limits movement. Cosmetic treatments, however, are usually out-of-pocket.

How do I know which treatment I need?

The treatment that fits your needs hinges on the specifics of the scar and your goals. We’ll evaluate your scar and skin type during your visit and recommend the approach that offers the best likelihood of improvement.

Is laser or surgery better for acne scars?

It depends on the scar’s depth and shape. Lasers improve surface texture and tone, while surgery or subcision may be better for deeper or tethered scars. In many cases, combination treatments are ideal.

Schedule Your Scar Revision Consultation Today

No two scars are exactly alike, and neither should the treatments be. At Clarus Dermatology, we offer personalized care that targets the unique needs of your skin. Whether you’re looking to revise a surgical scar, smooth acne marks, or flatten a keloid, our team will develop a strategy designed for optimal, lasting improvement.

Book your consultation today to take the next step toward smoother, more confident skin.

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