Scar revision surgery cannot remove a scar. It replaces a wide, raised, tight or badly placed scar with a new one designed to be less noticeable, usually under local anaesthetic with no overnight stay. The new scar takes up to a year to settle, and it may not end up looking better.
At Lux Plastic Surgery, Consultant Plastic Surgeon Professor Sandip Hindocha (GMC number 6122218) chooses the technique for each scar. He will tell you at consultation whether revision is likely to help your scar, or whether waiting or another treatment would suit you better. To ask about a consultation, send an enquiry through the contact page.
What is Scar Revision Surgery?
Scar Revision Surgery is a specialised procedure aimed at improving the appearance of scars that are raised, visible, or cause discomfort. It involves techniques designed to reduce the size and visibility of scars, aiming to help them blend in with the surrounding skin. Common types of scars treated through this surgery include those from surgery incisions, burns, acne, or traumatic injuries.
Scar revision surgery is different from basic cosmetic treatments, as it addresses deeper skin layers and involves methods such as excision, skin grafting, or laser treatment, depending on the nature and severity of the scar.
Service Details
Expected Surgery Time
2 Hours
Done Under
Local Anaesthesia or IV Sedation
Hospitalisation
No
Next Follow-up
2 - 3 days after procedure
Why is Scar Revision Surgery Needed?
Many individuals seek Scar Revision Surgery for one of two reasons. Some have a scar that is wide, raised, sunken or a different colour from the skin around it, and want it to be less noticeable. Others have a scar that tightens across a joint, pulls or is uncomfortable, and want it released. Revision can make a scar less obvious, but the skin will not look as if it had never been injured.
What can scar revision do?
A less noticeable scar
The main aim of Scar Revision Surgery is to improve the scar’s appearance. A wide scar can be made narrower, a raised scar flatter and a sunken scar more level, or a scar can be redirected to lie along a natural skin crease, where it shows less. How much it changes depends on the scar, your skin and how you heal.
What to weigh up
A revised scar is still a scar. It is usually red for several weeks and can take a year or more to settle. Scar Revision Surgery does not always improve a scar, and an unsightly scar can come back after revision, even in experienced hands. Keloid scars, which grow beyond the edge of the original wound, need particular care: the NHS says surgery to remove a keloid scar is not usually recommended, because it is likely to grow back bigger.
Personalised Care at Lux Plastic Surgery
At Lux Plastic Surgery, your care is planned around you. We understand that each scar is different, and so are the expectations of each patient.
What to Expect During Scar Revision Surgery
Consultation and Planning
Before the procedure, you’ll meet Professor Hindocha for a consultation. During this meeting, you’ll discuss the type of scar, your goals, and any concerns you may have. We’ll assess the size, location, and depth of the scar and recommend an approach, whether it’s surgical excision, skin grafting, or laser treatment. We’ll ensure you fully understand the procedure and set realistic expectations for the outcome.
The Surgical Procedure
On the day of surgery, Scar Revision Surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortable. The procedure may involve excising the scar tissue, repositioning the skin, or using other techniques like dermal fillers or laser therapy. The type of technique will depend on the nature of your scar and the surgeon’s recommendations.
Recovery Process
After the surgery, you’ll experience some swelling and discomfort, but these symptoms are usually temporary. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including guidelines on how to care for your wound and manage any post-operative discomfort. Most patients can resume light activities within a week, with full recovery taking several months.
Healing Stages of Scar Revision Surgery
Stage 1: Immediate Recovery
During the first few days after Scar Revision Surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These symptoms are normal and can be managed with prescribed medications. It’s important to rest and follow aftercare instructions carefully.
Stage 2: Mid-Recovery
In the weeks following surgery, swelling will start to reduce, and the scar will begin to flatten. You may notice some changes in the appearance of the scar as it begins to heal. During this time, follow-up appointments let Professor Hindocha check how the wound is healing.
Stage 3: Long-Term Healing
The final appearance of the scar can take several months to fully develop. Full healing can take up to a year. It’s essential to be patient, as scars often improve gradually over time.
Who is Suitable for Scar Revision Surgery?
Who it may help
Those most likely to benefit from Scar Revision Surgery have a scar that has had time to settle and still bothers them, because of how it looks or because it is tight or uncomfortable. Common examples include scars from surgical procedures, injuries, acne, or burns.
Age and Health Considerations
Patients of all ages can undergo scar revision surgery, provided they are in good health. It’s important that your skin and overall health are assessed first, because both affect how a scar heals and whether revision is worth doing.
Who it may not suit
A scar is not usually revised until at least six months after the injury or operation, because it goes on changing, and a scar can take up to two years to fade. Revision is also less likely to help if you tend to form keloid scars, or if you are hoping the scar will disappear. If Professor Hindocha thinks waiting or a non-surgical treatment would suit you better, he will say so at consultation.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Scar Revision Surgery
Who carries out the operation?
Scar revision at Lux Plastic Surgery is carried out by Professor Sandip Hindocha, a GMC-registered consultant plastic surgeon. You can check his registration on the GMC register (GMC number 6122218).
Why Choose Lux Plastic Surgery?
At Lux Plastic Surgery in Bedford, your treatment is planned around your scar and what you want from it. The clinic also offers Expert Laser Skin Resurfacing and Skin Lesion Removal in Bedford.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the different types of scar revision surgery?
Scar revision surgery can involve various techniques such as excision, laser treatments, or skin grafts. Professor Hindocha will recommend a method based on the type of scar and where it is.
2. How long will it take to recover from scar revision surgery
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, but most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Full healing can take up to a year.
3. Will scar revision surgery completely remove my scar?
No. Scar Revision Surgery cannot erase a scar. It aims to make it less noticeable, but the result depends on the scar and how you heal, and occasionally a revised scar looks no better, or worse.
4. Is scar revision surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the surgery. Post-surgery discomfort can be managed with medications.
5. How much does scar revision surgery cost in Bedford?
The cost varies depending on the complexity of your case. Professor Hindocha’s fee is quoted individually in writing after consultation. The scar revision cost guide explains what affects the price of Scar Revision Surgery.
Considering Scar Revision Surgery?
Your consultation is with Professor Sandip Hindocha, a GMC-registered consultant plastic surgeon. He will examine you, talk through whether this procedure is appropriate for you, and explain the risks and the likely recovery before you decide anything.
Clinics in Bedford, London, Manchester, Cheshire and Newton-le-Willows.