Scar revision is designed to improve or disguise the appearance of an existing scar. Scars tend to improve on their own with time and therefore surgery to revise a scar is not usually carried out for at least six months after the original injury or operation. Scar revisions can be carried out under either general anaesthetic (i.e. you are put to sleep completely) or local anaesthestic (an injection to make the area numb).
What does the operation involve?
There are many different types of scars and treatments vary according to the type and size of the scar. Some scars are cut out and restitched carefully.
What can I expect after the operation?
Scar revision is not a particularly painful operation although it might be necessary for you to take simple painkillers (e.g. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen) afterwards. The discomfort is usually worse for the first few days although it may take a week or so to completely disappear. If your surgeon feels that infection may be a problem, you will be given a course of antibiotics. Swelling and bruising is variable and is generally worse for the first few days after the operation. The swelling can be reduced by using cold compresses and sleeping propped upright.
How long will I be in hospital?
If the surgery is carried out under local anaesthesia you will not stay in hospital. If a general anaesthetic is necessary, you might need to stay in hospital overnight.
Do I need to take any time off work?
This varies enormously from person to person and also depends on what type of job you do. Most people require a couple of days off work. You should remember that you cannot drive or operate machinery for 48 hours after a general anaesthetic.
Do I need to do anything when I get home?
Taking care of the wound after scar revision is very important. A dressing may be put over the wound after the surgery. You need to keep the wound dry until the stitches have been removed or until you have been advised by your surgeon that it is alright to wash the wound. Stitches are usually removed after a week. Depending on the type of scar it may be necessary to continue dressing the wound after the stitches have been removed.
What are the possible problems?
ï Some oozing from the wound is not uncommon in the first day or so after surgery. If bleeding is a problem when you get home, it can usually be stopped by applying pressure over the area for at least 10 minutes with a clean handkerchief or swab.
ï Infection is uncommon particularly if antibiotics have been prescribed.
ï It is usual for a scar revision to appear red for several weeks after surgery.
ï Even in the best hands unsightly scars can reappear despite scar revision. If your surgeon thinks this might happen to you additional forms of treatment may be suggested (e.g. steroid injections into the scar).
Types of scars
Scars can be many colours such as pink, red, purple, white, brown, skin-coloured or darker than the skin around it.
They can also be itchy, painful or uncomfortable.
Types of scars and what they look like | |
Type | Symptoms |
Fine-line scar | Can be slightly raised to start, but usually flattens and fades over time without treatment |
Atrophic scar | Can be a deep, small hole in the skin that looks like a deep pore, or it can be a larger and slightly sunken mark; usually happens after acne or chickenpox |
Usually raised, hard and smooth, it grows to be bigger than the original wound, and the area where the scar is may be uncomfortable or difficult to move; it does not usually flatten or fade without treatment | |
Hypertrophic scar | Usually raised and firm, it does not grow to be bigger than the original wound; the area where the scar is may be uncomfortable or difficult to move; it usually fades and flattens over time |
Contracture scar | Feels tight and the area where the scar is may be difficult or painful to move; it usually happens after a burn |