Scar Revision

Whether your scar is small or large, how it affects your confidence and well-being is very personal. If you have a bothersome scar, we encourage you to learn about scar revision at Richmond Plastic Surgeons. Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation.

Scars are part of your body’s natural healing process. Unfortunately, these changes to the skin are not always aesthetically pleasing. With scar revision by one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, you can minimize the appearance of your scar so that it is less noticeable. Richmond Plastic Surgeons offers scar revision for men and women in Richmond, Midlothian and surrounding areas of Virginia.

What is Scar Revision?

Each person’s body generates scars in a unique way. Some people have more prominent scars while others have scars that are barely noticeable. The nature of the scar also depends on:

Depth and size of the injury
Blood supply
Direction of the resultant scar
Color and thickness of the injured skin

Scars also affect people in different ways. Some people are comfortable with their scars while others try to hide or cover up their scars. The way a specific scar affects you is very personal and depends on where the scar is on your body or face.

Benefits of Scar Revision

Plastic surgery does not achieve a complete removal of a scar but will minimize the scar by:

Softening the texture
Reducing the width
Changing the color

The overall goal in scar revision is to help the scar blend better with the surrounding skin rather than to completely remove the scar.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Scar Revision?

Scars take up to one year to fade, so we recommend that you wait at least this long before having scar revision. The procedure helps with the most common types of scars, such as:

Clusters of raised, thick scar tissue (keloids) that are red or dark in color. These are most common in people who have dark skin. Keloids typically appear on the earlobes, breastbone, and shoulders, but may develop anywhere on the body. Keloids not only represent a significant cosmetic concern, but the scars may also itch and extend beyond the original wound.

Injuries, such as burns, that result in a large amount of skin loss develop a special type of scar known as a “contracture.” These scars are unique because they limit movement, especially when located near a joint. Contractures may extend deep below the surface of the skin to the ligaments and muscles.

Hypertrophic scars have a similar appearance as keloids. The difference is that hypertrophic scars will only develop within the boundaries of the original wound.

Facial scars are the most obvious and therefore represent the most common cosmetic concern.

What Do I Need to Do Before Having Scar Revision?

When you are considering scar revision, you want to feel confident that the treatment will not make your scar worse or create new scars. You can feel confident that your scar revision will produce the best possible results by first scheduling a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.

How Long Does It Take to Perform Scar Revision?

The length of time it will take for your scar revision depends on the technique and type of scar. Some scar revisions can take as little a15 minutes while others may take one hour or longer. Your plastic surgeon explains your procedure during the consultation appointment.

What Should I Expect on The Day of My Scar Revision?

Scar revision is performed using several techniques. Your surgeon chooses a technique based on the type and nature of the scar.

Injecting steroid medication directly into the scar is the most common first measure for scar revision. This should eliminate any itching, redness, and burning associated with keloids.
If steroid injections do not produce the desired results, your surgeon may recommend surgery to remove the scar tissue. The surgeon uses techniques that minimize the scars resulting from the procedure.

Skin grafts may be needed for contractures. The extra tissue allows for a greater range of movement and reduces the appearance of the original scar.
Z-Plasty is a technique that revises a scar by moving it closer to a natural fold or crease in your skin. The technique also helps in cases where the skin is under tension caused by a contracture.
Dermabrasion is effective for treating some facial scars.

What to Expect After Scar Revision

For minor scar revision, you can resume your activities immediately after the procedure. More extensive scar revision may require that you stay home from work for a few days and limit your activities. We will explain your post-surgical care during your consultation and before we release you after the procedure.

FAQ

Will I Have Scars After Getting Scar Revision?

You will still have a scar after your scar revision procedure, but it will be much less obvious than before the procedure.

When Will I See the Results?

You will see the results of your scar revision immediately after the procedure.

What Are Possible Complications of Scar Revision?

By following the instruction provided by your plastic surgeon, you can minimize the risk of complications, such as: Infection, improper healing, and bleeding.

How Long Will the Results of Scar Revision Last?

Scar revision provides permanent results.

How Much Does Scar Revision Cost in Richmond?

Insurance does not cover the cost of scar revision except in very special cases. We will explain your costs after the consultation. For your convenience, Richmond Plastic Surgeons accepts several forms of payment, and financing is available through CareCredit®.