Scar revision is a term for a range of treatments that are used to make a scar less noticeable on your skin.
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Scars develop when multiple layers of skin have been injured, for example by surgery, acne or an accident. The skin has ‘relaxed tension lines’ which develop as a result of underlying muscle activity, and when a cut or injury runs across these lines, the wound will be distorted whenever the underlying muscle moves. Muscle activity can have more negative effects on scar formation when the scar runs at an angle in relation to the relaxed tension lines. Conversely, if a cut is in line with the relaxed skin tension lines, it is known as favourable and will tend to heal more successfully from a cosmetic perspective.
Scar revision is a term for a range of treatments that are used to make a scar less noticeable on your skin. It is possible to surgically alter a scar to make it less visible and/or move it to a less obvious location.
The best way to treat a scar is to prevent it from forming in the first place.
One effective method for reducing scar formation is to inject the muscles surrounding the wound with botulinum toxin (botox), which paralyses the muscles for approximately 2 months allowing the wound to heal without being disturbed by movement of the muscles.
If you are prone to forming particularly wide scars, known as hypertrophic scars, then it may be beneficial to inject a steroid into the scar during the first few weeks of healing, followed by repeated injections every 1-2 weeks.
If the scar already exists, the following options can be considered:
After a scar revision procedure, the wound will be covered with an air- and water-tight dressing (occlusive dressing) or an ointment to keep it moist and any stitches or sutures will usually be removed within 5-7 days. Sun exposure to the wound should be strictly limited for at least 6 months.
Your surgeon will schedule regular follow up appointments to check on the healing process and ascertain whether any additional treatments are required.
Health Insurance
This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.
Self-Pay Available
This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.
Consultation Required
For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.
Next Day Availability
We usually have next day availability for this service, please call us to check availability.
All our private ENT specialists at OneWelbeck in London are leaders in their sub-specialties, providing the highest quality treatment to ensure you receive the best available care. Click on the profiles below to see which of our consultants specialise in Scar Revision.