Scar Revision

Scars can range from superficial to disfiguring. Some can even restrict movement, inhibiting quality of life.

Woman with Long Blonde Hair and Blue Dress

While there is no way to erase this natural outcome of the body’s wound healing process, a scar revision procedure can often make a scar considerably less conspicuous. This procedure can also improve scars that interfere with normal physical functions.

Why choose Dr. Hyman for scar revision treatments?

Dr. Hyman is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has decades of experience and has performed thousands of procedures with expert precision and artistry. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center and is on staff at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Dr. Hyman’s facility is state-of-the-art and has a perfect safety record. Patients can expect an extraordinary level of personalized care and a scar revision treatment performed on-premises, in private, rather than at a busy, impersonal hospital or outpatient clinic.

Dr. Hyman gives considerable attention to each patient, never overschedules his day, and remains available to answer any questions or concerns patients may have. His warm, relatable bedside manner instantly sets patients at ease and gives them the peace of mind that they are in the hands of a truly exceptional and compassionate surgeon.

Should I have a scar revision procedure?

Dr. Hyman will consider several factors when assessing whether a scar revision procedure is right for you. Typically, he does not recommend surgery if it has been less than one year since your injury or surgery, as many scars fade to being far less visible over time. Along with time, Dr. Hyman will consider the type of scar you wish to treat. Some types of scars, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars, may respond better to alternative treatments, such as steroid injections. Scar revision treatments are often a good option for revising the following types of scars:

Hypertrophic scars

Excess collagen at an injury site can cause these thick, raised scars that stay within the borders of the wound. The outgrowth consists of fibrous tissue. These scars typically develop within a few weeks of the injury and often fade naturally over time. Excision is an option for hypertrophic scars that do not improve on their own after one year.

Contractures

Burn injuries and scars over joints are common causes of scar contractures, which can impede your ability to move normally. In short, skin is lost due to the injury, and as the remaining skin heals, it tightens to an uncomfortable degree. Removal or releasing of the scar and replacement of healthy tissue can be an effective way of treating contractures.

Facial scars

Facial scars often cause self-consciousness. A scar revision procedure can often reduce the appearance of a facial scar through excision or tissue repositioning.

Acne scars

Acne breakouts may have left your skin with an uneven surface that can’t be hidden with makeup. Dr. Hyman offers several treatments to create a smoother complexion that is blemish-free. Excising the scars or performing Morpheus 8 treatment is the standard protocol.

What can I expect from my scar revision procedure?

Though everyone is different and surgery times vary based on the size, severity and location of your scar, revision surgery generally takes one to two hours. To start, anesthesia is administered by our board-certified Anesthesiologist if indicated. Local anesthesia is usually adequate in most circumstances. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Hyman will perform the revision and then place stitches and apply a dressing to the site.

Fading surgical scars

While every surgery is performed with the least invasive method, no surgery can occur without incisions. These small wounds trigger the body’s reaction to trauma, which forms a scar. If you have had a surgical procedure that left you with a visible scar, Dr. Hyman offers treatments that can significantly fade discoloration, such as creams and lasers. These scars can be smoothed and made far less visible with one of the advanced treatments offered at Dr. Hyman’s boutique surgery center in NYC.

Non-surgical scar revision options

Dr. Hyman may recommend non-surgical treatments to minimize the appearance of minor scars. Available options include:

Morpheus8 – This radiofrequency (RF) treatment can reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Soft-tissue fillers – Recessed facial scars can be improved with injectable dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvederm, and sometimes micro fat-grafting. Results from fillers are temporary, so repeated treatment is necessary to maintain your desired look.
Laser - Using light-based therapy to penetrate the skin without damaging or burning it to provide energy to the deeper scar tissue to breakdown scar tissue and blanch blood vessels causing discoloration.

Getting started with your personalized consultation

To find out if scar revision surgery or another treatment can improve the appearance of your scar, call us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hyman. He will evaluate your condition and advise you which treatment will achieve the best outcome. You will enjoy his direct, relatable personality and the privacy, safety and luxury of his world-class clinic. He treats patients throughout the New York City area, including those in and beyond Manhattan.