Is Scar Revision Right for Me?
Oct 15, 2024
Scars are a natural part of your body’s healing process after injury or surgery. When your skin is injured, your body works to repair itself by producing new tissue to close the wound, but this tissue is different from the original skin.
The result? A scar. Scars can be raised, discolored, or tight depending on the type and depth of the injury. For some, scars are just minor cosmetic issues — but for others, they can be a source of discomfort and impact self-esteem. That’s where scar revision treatments come into play.
Our dermatology team at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center specializes in scar revision, and we can help you find a solution that smooths your skin and restores your confidence. Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking about scar revision.
Scar revision is a procedure designed to improve the appearance of a scar, making it less noticeable. While it can't completely remove the scar, the goal is to minimize its appearance so it blends more naturally with your surrounding skin.
Scar revision treatments can also improve the function and flexibility of your skin, particularly when scars form as a result of trauma or surgery that restricts movement. Every scar is unique, and we develop a customized treatment plan based on your scar and its location.
Not all scars require treatment. But if you’re self-conscious about a scar or if a scar is causing discomfort or restricting movement, scar revision may be a good option for you.
In general, the best candidates for scar revision are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to improve the appearance or function of a scar. Our experienced team can assess your individual case and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.
At Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center, we use several different techniques for scar revision. The best method for you depends on the type and severity of your scar, and here are some of the most common treatments we offer:
Dermabrasion is a procedure that removes the outer layers of your skin using a specialized tool. This technique can smooth out raised scars or surface irregularities, allowing new skin to grow back that is more even in texture and color.
Dermabrasion is particularly effective for treating acne scars or other superficial facial scars. Immediately after treatment, your skin may appear red and swollen, but it typically heals within a few weeks and leaves behind a smoother and less noticeable scar.
Laser therapy is one of the most popular and effective options for scar revision. It works by targeting the pigmented cells in the scar tissue, breaking them down, and promoting the growth of new, healthier skin cells.
Laser treatments can reduce the size, color, and texture of scars. Lasers are also less invasive than surgical options, and we can use them on a variety of scar types, including hypertrophic (raised) and keloid scars. In most cases, we recommend multiple sessions to achieve optimal results.
For thicker or raised scars, like keloids, steroid injections can be an effective treatment. These injections help to reduce the size and appearance of the scar by breaking down the excess collagen that makes the scar raised.
Depending on your situation, we might recommend injections on their own or in conjunction with other treatments like laser therapy or surgery to further improve your scar’s appearance.
If you have a large, deep scar or one that restricts movement, you might be a good candidate for surgical scar revision. Scar surgery involves removing the scar tissue and carefully repositioning your skin to create a smoother, less noticeable scar.
Sometimes, we may need to use skin grafts or tissue expansion techniques to achieve the best result. Surgical scar revision typically requires a longer recovery time, but it can significantly improve both the appearance and function of your skin.
Ready to learn more about scar revision? Schedule a consultation at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, and find out how we can help you feel more confident in your skin. Call us at 201-836-9696 or book online now.