Scars left from surgical procedures, injuries, burns, or acne can be the reason for cosmetic or emotional concern for many people. While some scars are light and fade over time, others remain visible and can affect many individuals’ self-esteem. Fortunately, today we have many effective and modern technologies for their treatment, from laser technologies to injections and specialised cosmetic procedures. 

This article will explain who is a good candidate for this type of procedure and what factors affect the choice of the right method. Assessing the scar type, its position, skin, and patient expectations is essential for achieving successful and natural results. 

What Is Scar Revision?

Scar revision is a medical and cosmetic process that aims to improve the appearance of the damaged skin from injuries, burns, surgical procedures, or acne. The aim of the procedure is not to fully eliminate it but to minimise its texture as much as possible, fading its texture and improving its colour, making it less visible. 

This procedure can be performed in different ways, depending on the type and depth of the scar. Laser technology treatments, microdermoabrasion, chemical peeling, cortisone injections, hyaluronic acids, and, in more advanced cases, surgical interventions for tissue reshaping. Choosing between these methods will be with the help of the surgeon, based on skin characteristics and the desired results.

The Most Common Types Of Scars That Can Be Treated

Hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic signs are elevated from the surface of the skin, red or pink, that are usually created after surgical procedures or deep wounds. They cause a feeling of tension or itching, but are limited to the damaged area. These signs can be improved with treatments such as cortisone injections, laser therapy, or restorative surgeries in more complex cases. 

Keloids

Kleoids are elevated signs that go beyond the initial scar borders and can continue to grow over time. They are most common in individuals with darker skin colour and those who have a genetic predisposition. The treatment of these scars is more complex, and it can include a combination of steroid injections, laser, cold therapy, and sometimes even surgery. 

Atrophic scars (acne scars)

These scars are located deep down in the skin, caused by severe acne, varicella, or not properly healed. They create an unequal appearance of the skin surface and usually require treatments such as microdermoabrasion, chemical peeling, CO2 laser, or hyaluronic acid injections to smooth out the surface. 

Pigmented scars

Pigmented scars are those that have changed their colour, becoming darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than the other part of the skin. They usually show up after light burns, acne, or sun exposure. The treatment includes whitening products, chemical peeling, IPL light therapy,y or laser to improve skin colour and tone. 

Signs after surgical interventions

Many patients want to improve the appearance of their scars as a result of pre-existing surgical interventions such as cesarean cut, abdominal procedures, or breast procedures. Depending on their shape and location, their appearance can be improved by revision surgery, laser therapy, or a combination of treatments that aim to improve the appearance and avoid pressure or pain on the surrounding area. 

Who Are The Ideal Candidates For This Treatment?

Suitable candidates for scar revision are individuals who don’t feel happy with the appearance of one or more scars in their body and are looking for a cosmetic and functional improvement. They usually have visible scars that have not improved with time and significantly affect self-esteem, comfort, or movement. 

The most suitable individuals for these treatments are those who:

• Have mature signs, who have surpassed the active healing phase (6 months from formation).
• Are have good health and don’t have any active infection or important skin issues. 
• Have realistic expectations and understand that the goal is improvement, not complete removal of the sign.  
• Are not smokers or are ready to quit smoking throughout the treatment process, since smoking slows down healing. 
• Have healthy and elastic skin that reacts well to laser treatments, peeling, or surgery. 
• Want to follow after-care instructions and to effectively avoid the sun and other irritating factors. 

Every candidate will be individually examined by the surgeon, taking into account the type, size, location, and colour of the scar, and the patient’s medical history. This ensures that the chosen treatment is safe, effective, and suited to the patient’s specific needs. 

When Is This Treatment Not Recommended?

Although scar revision is a relatively safe procedure, it is not suitable for everyone. Some individuals might be at a higher risk of complications and will not benefit from the results as expected. That is why careful examination from the surgeon i essential for avoiding risks and deciding on the best treatment process. 

Scar revision is not recommended if:

• The scar is still fresh (less than 6 months) since the body still needs its time to heal.
• You have an active skin illness, such as infection, dermatitis, psoriasis, or open wounds near the treated site. 
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding, especially for laser treatments or chemical products.
• You smoke regularly and are not ready to quit it for some time since smoking will negatively impact the healing process. 
• You have blood clotting disorders or take blood-thinning medications.
• You have unrealistic expectations. This means you expect the scar to completely fade instead of just improving its appearance.
• You are prone to developing keloids or hypertrophic scars even after small tissue damage. 

In these cases, the medical professional will recommend postponing the treatments, changing the treatment option, or a more detailed care before and after the procedure. Patient safety and treatment efficiency are the main priorities. 

How Is The Initial Assessment Performed By The Doctor?

The initial assessment is the main step towards scar revision, since it helps the surgeon understand the nature of the scar and choose the right treatment method. During the consultation, the surgeon will carefully assess the condition of the skin, scar location, its size, and the type that should be improved.

During this phase, the surgeon will:

1. Visually examine the scar, its colour, structure, depth, and if there is an active inflammation.
2. Will ask about the patient’s medical history, including previous surgeries, what has caused the scar, and the way it has developed with time. 
3. Discuss the patient’s expectancies to understand how he feels and what the expected results are. 
4. Asses the patients skin type, elasticity and sensitivity, which affect the way body reacts to the treatment.
5. Can take clinical pictures, which help monitor the progress before and after the treatment. 

At the end of the examination, the patient will propose a personal treatment plan, which can include one or more treatment plans such as laser, injection, chemical peeling, or simple surgeries. The patient will also be informed about the number of sessions, recovery time, and after-care. This phase will set the foundation for a successful treatment and realistic expectations.

The Most Common Methods For Treating Scars

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is one of the most advanced methods of treating signs, especially hyperpigmentation, keloids, or pigmented lesions. This treatment works by lightening skin layers and stimulating the regeneration of new cells, improving its shape, colour, and texture of the scar. The most commonly used types include the fractional CO2 laser and the pulsed laser.

Cortisone or steroid injections

These treatments are used for hypertrophic scars and keloids. Cortisone helps reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of the scars, making them smoother and softer. The treatment will be performed in separate sessions and will be combined with other therapies. 

Chemical peel

This method uses controlled acids (such as glycolic or trichloroacetic acid) to exfoliate the surface layers of the skin and promote the formation of a new, smoother layer. Peeling is effective for mild acne scars, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone.

Microdermabrasion and dermaroller

These techniques include mechanical stimulation of the skin, promoting the production of collagen to soften the appearance of the scar. Microdermabrasion uses a device that wears away the surface of the skin, while the dermaroller includes micro-needles that create small canals on the skin to improve the absorption of regenerating products. 

Scar revision surgery

In cases when the scar is too deep, visible, or affects movement, scar revision surgery might be recommended. This includes the removal of the existing scar and closing the wound with a refined technique that reduces its appearance. This method is commonly used as a last resort when non-invasive treatments are not effective. 

Hyaluronic acid

They are used for atrophic scars – those located deep in the skin as a result of severe acne. Fillers are injected into the surface to balance the structure with the remaining part of the skin. The results are immediate but temporary, and they should be repeated every couple of months. 

Light therapy (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-invasive technology used to treat red, brown, or unevenly pigmented scars. It works by absorbing pigment into the skin and reducing the appearance of blemishes over time.

In most cases, the combination of two or more treatments will bring better results, depending on the type of scar and the patient’s skin type. Assessment from a professional surgeon is essential for choosing the most effective treatment. 

After Care And Recovery Process

After scar revision treatment, proper aftercare is essential for guaranteeing a smooth recovery process and amazing results. Every method, whether it is laser, chemical peeling, or surgical intervention, has its own healing period. During this time, the skin will be in its most sensitive stage and will definitely need extra protection. 

During the first few days, it is normal to notice redness, a burning sensation, dry skin, or skin that begins to turn white and fall off. He surgeon might recommend the use of calming creams, pomades that contain regenerative ingredients, or local antibiotics when there is a risk of infection. It is very important not to touch or rub the treated area and not to scab the skin that will fall off on its own.

Sun exposure should be totally avoided for at least 4–6 weeks, since UV sun rays can worsen the pigmentation, leaving permanent scars. Applying suncream with 50+ SPF every day is mandatory, even on rainy days.