Scar Revision

Ohio cosmetic surgeon Dr. Faisal Quereshy recommends scar revision to patients with the following cosmetic concerns:

• Large or unsightly scars
• Keloid scars (painful, itchy, overgrown scars)
• Hypertrophic scars (raised, widened scars)
• Contractures (tight, contracted scars)
• Hyperpigmented scars

Scar Revision Surgery

There are several surgical techniques that can be used to improve the appearance of scars. For large, unsightly scars, excess scar tissue is often cut away, and the wound is re-closed to create a smaller, more discreet scar.

Complex flap surgeries, such as the Z-plasty procedure, designed to arrange scars along natural skin folds and creases to make them less noticeable are also popular for scar revision.

Donor skin products, such as Alloderm, or skin taken from other body areas may be grafted to scarred areas to improve their appearance. Tissue expanders used to grow new skin that can be surgically grafted to the scar revision site are also used.

For patients prone to keloids and hypertrophic scars, scar revision surgery is riskier and typically only attempted if other treatment options, such as steroid injections, fail to produce results.

In addition to scar revision surgery, other procedures such as dermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing or CO2 laser resurfacing may be used for scar revision. Injectable fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse or fat injections may also be used to correct depressed scars, such as acne scars.

Scar Revision Recovery and Results

After scar revision, stitches are typically removed within one week. During the recovery period, a compression garment may be used to prevent reformation of keloid scars in patients who are prone to developing them. 

It is extremely important to protect the treated area from the sun to avoid darkening your newly revised scar, as sun exposure on healing skin leads to hyperpigmentation. 

Unless scar revision surgery is extensive, most people don't experience more than a day or two of downtime after the procedure. Keep in mind that it takes a few months to see your fully-healed, revised scar.

Scar Revision Surgery Preparation

Preparation for scar revision will vary based on the type of procedure you plan to undergo.

Dr. Quereshy will help you prepare for your scar revision procedure and provide you with aftercare instructions and necessary prescriptions well in advance so you feel relaxed and ready for surgery. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you will be required to quit using them at least six weeks before scar revision, as they can compromise healing.

Two weeks before and after scar revision surgery, you will be directed to discontinue taking medications and supplements that can thin the blood, such as ibuprofen, aspirin and vitamin E. Abstain from alcohol for one week prior to surgery, and do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery if you are having general or sedation anesthesia. If local anesthesia is going to be used, this will not be necessary.

Let Dr. Quereshy know if you notice any signs of infection or illness prior to your scar revision procedure, as it is imperative you be in good health before undergoing cosmetic surgery of any kind.

Dress comfortably the day of surgery, and depending on the location of the scars being treated and the nature of your scar revision procedure, you may be instructed not to wear makeup, nail polish, jewelry, other metal items or contact lenses. Bring glasses to help you read necessary paperwork if needed.

Scar Revision Treatments in Cleveland, Akron, Medina

The Visage Surgical Institute is located in Medina, Ohio and serves local scar revision patients, as well as those from the greater Cleveland and Akron metro areas. For more information about scar revision, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Quereshy, please call (330) 721-2323.