Scar revision in London
If you feel like your aesthetics have been negatively impacted by a particular scar, you may wish to consider scar revision surgery.
Centre for Surgery offer the full range of techniques for scar revision. We even specialise in C-section scar revision.
All our doctors are on the GMC specialist register. Our London dermatology clinic at 106 Crawford Street was recently inspected and rated as good across all 5 domains.
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Type of scars
When the skin heals from a cut or trauma, it will result in a scar. Some areas of the body are more susceptible to scarring, with the middle of the chest and the top of the shoulders being some of the worst areas. Scarring will also be impacted by which direction it runs across the skin – scars within the lines of the skin often heal better than ones going across.
There are numerous types of scars which may occur on your body. Every type of scar will require different treatments.
Scar types include:
Post-traumatic scars: this will occur as the result of traumatic incidents including an accident, disease, or a previous surgery. This type of scar requires a surgical revision, where the tissue will be re-positioned.
Burn scars: these scars may appear across a large section of skin. Scar removal will involve excising the scar tissue. Healthy, unscarred skin will be lifted and a new incision line will be formed. In cases where this is not an option, tissue expanders or skin grafts will be used.
Hypertrophic scars: these often have a thick texture which may negatively impact your self-confidence. Hypertrophic scars are treated by removing excess scar tissue and repositioning the scar, allowing it to be less visible.
Keloid scars: when skin overproduces collagen while healing, a keloid scar will form. This will make the scar look much larger than the original wound, and will be raised above the skin. Keloid scars are treated through the removal of the hard collagen within the scar, with the skin then being closed. After the scar revision, the site will need to be monitored in case the keloid returns.
Atrophic scars: these scars are considered to be the opposite of hypertrophic scars. Atrophic scars will generally have an indentation and will lack soft-tissue substance. This type of scar can be treated with a surgical release as well as a fat transfer.
Ideal candidates for scar revision
Scar revision can benefit any person whose life is being negatively impacted by their existing scar, either because of functional or aesthetic concerns. Factors such as age and skin type are usually not a concern, however, some skin types will be prone to worse scars than others.
You will be a suitable candidate for laser scar removal if you have a scar on your body which you wish to improve the appearance of.
You will have to be at least 18 years old to undergo laser scar removal.
It is important to have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Laser scar revision will not completely remove the scar. It will, however, improve the aesthetic appearance of the scar and make the scar less noticeable.
You will need to be a non-smoker, or be able to stop smoking at least two weeks before having treatment – read more here.
You may also need to stop taking certain medications – read more here.
Prior to undergoing treatment, you will have a consultation with one of our surgeons who will be able to assess the scar. In some instances, your scar may be better treated with surgical scar removal.
Laser scar removal removes the top layer of the skin, while also stimulating the production of new collagen, leaving you with newer, tighter and healthier tissue.
For laser scar removal, Centre for Surgery uses Fotona’s SP Line multi-application laser system.
There are many advantages to undergoing laser scar revision, including:
- Reducing the appearance of the scar
- Improved skin texture
- Narrowed pores
- Increase the volume of the skin
- Skin resurfacing
Scar revision surgical techniques
Centre for Surgery performs a full range of treatments for scar revision, including surgical treatments, fat revision and non-surgical options. In most cases, we will be able to treat your scar the same day as your consultation (subject to suitability).
Laser
Laser scar revision is done using Fotona’s SP Line laser system, which involves dual-wavelength scar-revision therapy.
The first wavelength is the Er:YAG wavelength, which is used for ablation of scar tissue and collagen remodelling.
It also uses the Nd:YAG wavelength which improves the aesthetic appearance and tissue quality of the scar.
This is a handheld device which precisely targets the scar, reducing its appearance.
The laser will only target the area where the scar is and will leave the surrounding skin and tissue undamaged. Other non-surgical procedures will target the entire area, while laser revision allows for more control, resulting in precise and accurate treatment.
You will start to see results immediately after treatment. However, you may need to undergo multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.
This is performed as a day procedure, so you will be able to return home once the procedure is complete.
Surgical treatments
Scar revision surgery (excision, release and approximation).
W-Plasty
Skin and soft-tissue flaps.
Tissue expansion (skin expander treatment).
Serial excisions.
Skin grafting (split-thickness and full-thickness).
Dermabrasion.
Fat transfer
Fat grafting.
Lipo-dermal grafts.
Microsurgical fat grafting.
Non-surgical treatments
Centre for Surgery offers a variety of non-surgical scar treatment options, including laser treatment, steroid injections, microdermabrasion and chemical skin peel.
Scar revision recovery
Laser scar revision is a non-surgical procedure, so there is minimal recovery time.
You may notice some redness or swelling on the treated area, which should last around 24 hours. You may wish to place an ice pack on the area to help reduce any symptoms.
You may need to undergo multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.
Your recovery period will vary depending on the size and location of the scar.
You will be able to return home the same day as your procedure, once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off.
After surgery, you may feel some pain and discomfort. This can be managed by taking pain medication. You may have to wear supportive dressing or garments after the procedure, however, this will depend on the size and location of the scar.
You should be able to resume work within one week. You will need to avoid strenuous activity and exercise for six weeks.
You will need to take care of the surgical area. You will need to avoid too much sun exposure, by either wearing clothes or using sunscreen.
Scar revision before and after
Closure of lip piercing scar:
Before
After:
FAQs
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Am I eligible for laser scar removal?You will be eligible for treatment if you have a scar which you are wanting to improve the appearance of without resorting to surgical removal.
You will need to be at least 18 years old to undergo treatment. -
What type of laser is used for scar revision?At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons use Fotona’s SP Line laser system. This is a dual-wavelength laser. This includes the Er:YAG laser, which works on the collagen remodelling and scar tissue ablation. The second laser is Nd:YAG, which improves the tissue quality of the scar and the aesthetic appearance.
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Does laser treatment hurt?You may feel some level of discomfort during the treatment. While the laser treatment is occurring, a cooling spray will be emitted, which will prevent any damage to your skin.
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Why should I have scar revision surgery?Scars can often leave patients feeling self-conscious and cause low self-esteem, and surgery can be an attractive solution. Patients may have tried other non-surgical options and not have achieved the desired results. In some instances, scars can cause pain or discomfort, and surgery is able to reduce tightness.
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How long will the procedure take?The length of the procedure will vary depending on what method was used. Scar revision can take between one to two hours to complete.
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What anaesthetic will be used?Scar revision will be performed under a local anaesthetic. You will be awake throughout the procedure but will not feel any discomfort in the treatment area.
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When can I go back to work?This will depend on the size and location of the scar that has been treated, but patients will generally be able to return to work within one week. Patients may feel pain and discomfort for a few days following the procedure and should avoid strenuous exercise for the following six weeks.
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What care do I have to take after the procedure?It is important that you take care of the surgical area, particularly while outside in the sun. This can be done by using sunscreen or covering up the operated area. Massaging the site is also an effective way to take care of the area after a procedure. This will help to soften the skin and accelerate hearing.
Those who had skin flaps or grafts will often be required to return for follow up appointments for monitoring of the graft site.
All wounds will have to be kept dry for at least one week after the procedure. Make sure to consult with your surgeon for the exact aftercare you will require. -
Will I have to wear a garment after surgery?Depending on the type of surgery you have received, supportive dressing and further garments may be required to be worn on the site of the scar.