Scar revision-also known as scar aesthetics-is a set of medical and surgical techniques used to reduce the visibility of scars caused by different reasons such as surgery, injuries, cuts, burns, or trauma. Depending on the scar type, location, and skin characteristics, treatment may involve plastic surgery procedures, non-surgical methods, or a combination of both. The primary goal is to make the scar less noticeable, improve texture and color differences, and achieve a more natural skin appearance.
Every patient has a unique skin structure. Skin thickness, elasticity, and tension lines differ from person to person, and these factors strongly affect both wound healing and scar formation. In particular, scars that develop across natural skin tension lines or in areas influenced by frequent muscle movement may become more visible or irregular over time. For example, the forehead area commonly develops lines due to facial expressions. When incisions are aligned with natural skin lines, healing often appears more aesthetic; however, scars created at certain angles or on high-tension areas may become distorted during recovery. This is why scar revision is always planned individually.
The appearance of scars may vary depending on factors such as the type of injury, wound depth, body area, wound repair method, and the person's healing response. Importantly, scar revision can be considered for almost all scar types, including both surgical scars and scars caused by accidental injuries. In either case, the goal remains the same: to improve the scar's look and help it blend better with surrounding skin.
Who Is a Candidate for Scar Revision?
Many patients wonder whether scar treatment can be performed for scars located anywhere on the body. In general, scar revision can be applied to scars on most body regions; however, the treatment approach and recovery process may vary. Some areas respond more quickly, while others may require more time and a more structured plan.
If a surgical scar revision is needed, the patient should not have a medical condition that prevents surgery. For individuals who are not ideal candidates for surgery, laser scar treatment may be evaluated as an alternative. In many scar types, laser-based techniques can provide significant improvement, although outcomes still depend on factors such as scar location, skin type, and scar depth.
Scar revision procedures are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients who wish to treat scars during this period are typically advised to wait until pregnancy and lactation are completed before proceeding with surgical or laser scar revision options.
Are Scar Revision Results Permanent?
In most cases, scar revision results are long-lasting. Surgical scar revision is often completed in a single procedure, depending on the scar characteristics. For laser scar reduction, more than one session may be required. The number of sessions depends on the scar type, depth, and skin response. Once the recommended sessions are completed, results are generally stable and do not require ongoing lifelong laser treatments.
When Should Scar Revision Be Done?
Timing is crucial for achieving the best results. In general, scar revision is recommended 6 months to 1 year after the wound has healed, because scars need time to fully mature. Intervening too early-before scar tissue stabilizes-may reduce the effectiveness of treatment. That said, healing speed differs by scar type: clean surgical scars often heal more predictably, while irregular trauma-related scars may take longer to stabilize. A clinical evaluation can determine whether the scar is ready for revision.
Where Can Laser Scar Treatment Be Used?
Laser scar treatment is a widely used method, especially for smaller or moderate scars. Patients may also choose laser treatment for scars on the face, as well as common injury-prone areas such as hands, arms, and legs. Laser options can help improve scar texture, discoloration, and unevenness, supporting a smoother appearance.
Treatment Process
The best approach in scar management is always preventing problematic scar formation at the earliest stage. However, this is not always possible. For this reason, different scar treatment methods may be preferred, and the most suitable option is determined by the physician after evaluating the scar type, depth, and skin characteristics.
Key points to know about the scar revision process include:
- If the scar is raised, irregular, or thickened (for example, hypertrophic scars), surgical scar revision may be recommended.
- In surgical scar revision, the aim is to remove the scar tissue through an excision and re-close the area in a controlled way, helping the new scar heal thinner, smoother, and less raised.
- Surgical treatment is more commonly preferred for wide scars or scars that are significantly raised above the skin surface.
- Since the procedure is performed under anesthesia, the patient does not feel pain during the operation.
- For smaller scars that are not highly raised, laser scar treatment may be preferred.
- Laser procedures are generally well tolerated, and the patient typically does not experience significant pain or discomfort.
- The most commonly used technique for improving scar visibility is fractional laser treatment.
- Depending on the scar structure, more than one laser session may be necessary for optimal results.
- The number of sessions required for scar improvement may vary based on factors such as the patient's skin type, the depth of the scar, and how the tissue responds to treatment.
- In rare cases, advanced reconstructive methods-such as transferring a skin section from another area to the scar zone-may be considered, although this approach is uncommon and only used in selected situations.
If you are considering scar revision in Turkey or scar treatment near Istanbul, the clinic in Tekirdağ offers an accessible option due to its close location to Istanbul and easy transportation.
After the Procedure
Patients who want to reduce or remove a scar are often just as curious about what the recovery period will feel like as they are about the treatment itself. As you can imagine, the healing process may vary depending on the method used-such as surgical scar revision or laser scar treatment. Therefore, recovery is not identical for every patient.
Here are the key points to know about the post-treatment period:
- If scar removal is performed with surgery, the recovery time may be slightly longer than non-surgical approaches.
- During the early healing phase, it is important to keep the treated area moisturized and protected. In some cases, this may involve occlusive dressings or the use of a topical ointment recommended by your doctor.
- In many procedures, dissolvable sutures are used.
- If non-dissolvable sutures are placed, they are typically removed within 5 to 7 days, depending on the healing status.
- After surgical treatment, the scar often becomes a much thinner line, but it may take time for the scar to fully settle and soften.
- Regardless of the method used, sun protection is essential after scar treatment. A high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen may be recommended to minimize pigmentation changes.
- The healing timeline can vary, but when laser scar therapy is used, improvement and recovery signs may be noticed more quickly.
- After surgical scar revision, it is important to attend your follow-up appointment(s) to ensure proper healing.
- To reduce the risk of infection, patients should pay close attention to hygiene in the treated area.
- Recovery is usually not painful; however, if mild discomfort occurs, prescribed pain relief medication can be used as directed by your doctor.
If you would like to improve the appearance of scars anywhere on your body, scar revision treatment may be a suitable option. For more information or to request an appointment, you can contact our clinic. After a brief clinical assessment, the most appropriate treatment approach-such as laser scar removal or surgical scar revision-can be planned.
For patients searching for scar treatment in Turkey or scar revision near Istanbul, Tekirdağ may be a practical alternative due to its close location and easy access from Istanbul.
