Scar Revision

Scar revision includes surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you depending on your scar, skin type and expectations for treatment. 

Scar revision treatment may include: 

• steroid injections – can reduce inflammation and excess collagen production, helping to flatten raised, thickened (hypertrophic) scars

• Botox – paralyses the muscles around a wound during healing to minimise scarring

• laser therapy – can reduce redness and improve the texture of scars

• microneedling – stimulates collagen production and improves texture and redness

• skin peels – remove the top layer of skin, allowing the growth of new, smoother skin 

• cryotherapy – uses extreme cold to flatten and lighten certain types of scars

• scar excision – a surgical procedure to remove excess or raised scar tissue

• Z-plasty – uses triangular flaps of skin to reposition the scar and make it less visible

Scar revision is generally safe, but as with any medical procedure, there’s a small risk that complications or side effects can occur. 

Your consultant will explain all the potential risks of your treatment beforehand and answer any questions you may have. 

Possible complications depend on the type of treatment you are having. 

Complications of non-surgical scar revision treatment may include: 

• mild pain or discomfort

• skin irritation, redness, dryness or a rash

• increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)

• thinning of the skin 

Complications of surgical scar revision treatment may include: 

• bleeding

• poor wound healing

• infection

• recurrent or new scarring

• changes to skin sensation, such as numbness or tingling

• lightening or darkening of the skin 

• fat or flap necrosis (tissue death – this is rare) 

• haematoma – a collection of blood under the skin 

• unsatisfactory, uneven or asymmetrical result

Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your scar revision treatment. 

Tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have, and any medications you take regularly. 

You may need to: 

• stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before your treatment 

• if you are having a general anaesthetic, you won’t be able to eat or drink anything from midnight on the day of your surgery

Recovery after scar revision depends on the type of treatment you have. Your consultant will give you instructions on what to do during your recovery and arrange regular follow-up appointments to check your progress and decide whether any further treatments are needed. 

If you had a surgical scar revision procedure, your wound will be covered with a special dressing or an ointment to keep it moist. Follow your consultant’s instructions on how to care for your wound at home. Any stitches will usually be removed after 5 to 7 days.

You should avoid exposing your wound to the sun or any type of UV light for at least 6 months.

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please contact the clinic for advice.

Please contact our Skin Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our dermatologists and plastic surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book scar revision treatment, you must be referred by either your GP or a dermatologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.