scar revision

Scar revision is usually not recommended for any scar that is flat, not adhering, and less than one to two millimeters wide. Scar revision may be indicated for scar tissue that is itchy, painful, adherent, widened, or if there is “step-off” between the wound edges. Scar revision is also indicated for any scarring that may restrict movement, such as across a joint. Alternatives to scar revision include steroid injection, which reduces the thickness of a scar, and may relieve itching or pain associated with a scar.

Patients who scar heavily are advised that recurrent adverse scarring may occur following scar revision. The scar revision may lengthen and rearrange the direction of the scar in a more favorable direction. Scar revisions may be helpful when the original wound was blunt, and affected a larger area than was originally suggested by the size of the original open wound. In that case, the larger segment is removed and the new, larger wound is closed using atraumatic surgical technique.