Though a scar cannot be removed completely it is often possible to make it appear less obvious. This is known as a scar revision.

Surgical scar revision can change the size of a scar, raise depressed scars or lower elevated scars. Scar revision improves the appearance of a scar while leaving another, less obvious, scar in its place.

Because every scar is different and requires a different approach, a consultation with Dr. Gantous will determine the best approach to treat your scar.

Most methods of scar revision can be done in-office using local anesthesia.

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Surgical Scar Revision

With surgical scar revision, a scar is removed and the surrounding healthy skin is joined in a less conspicuous manner. Wide scars can often be excised and closed resulting in a narrower, less obvious scar. Some long scars can be shortened.

Irregular or zig-zag incision lines (rather than a straight incision line) are used to form a new scar that is harder to recognize. This method can also be used to move scars into less obvious places such as the hairline or a natural fold in the skin.

Surgical scar removal works best on scars that are long, prominent, or have healed in a particular shape. Best results are achieved when a scar is removed and wound edges are joined without tension.

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Punch Grafts

Punch grafting is often the best treatment for deep acne scars. This method involves using a small instrument to punch a hole in the skin, remove the scar and replace it with a small plug of new skin (usually taken from the back of the earlobe). The new skin is taped into place for about seven days to permit healing. Though punch grafting produces new scars, the new scar will be smoother and less apparent than was the depressed scar.

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Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion can be used to treat acne scars, chickenpox scars, tattoos, wrinkle lines and surgical scars.

Using an electrical device that removes the top layers of skin, dermabrasion planes down an irregular skin surface. Several sessions may be needed if scars are deep, such as acne scars.

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Laser Resurfacing

CO2 and Erbium lasers are used to burn away fine scars, wrinkles and sun damaged skin. As with dermabrasion, several sessions may be needed with deeper scars.

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Injections

Injectable substances such as Hylaform and Restylane can also be used to fill depressed scars. While improvement is immediate, it is not permanent and continuous treatment is required.

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