Scar Revision
What is Scar Revision ?
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Why do you need Scar Revision ?
Scar revision is indicated for:
- Cosmetic reasons:
- Hypertrophic scars (raised, red scars within original wound boundary).
- Keloid scars (raised scars extending beyond wound, more common in darker skin tones, 5–15% incidence).
- Widened or depressed scars (e.g., from surgery, like the FUT scar in hair transplants you asked about).
- Functional reasons:
- Contractures: Tight scars restricting movement (e.g., from burns, as in burn reconstruction you asked earlier).
- Scars causing pain, itching, or irritation.
- Associated conditions:
- Scars from trauma, burns, surgery (e.g., cesarean, as in your earlier obstetrics queries), or acne.
- Timing:
- Typically performed 6–12 months after initial injury (once scar matures); earlier for functional issues like contractures.
The procedure aims to reduce scar visibility, improve texture, or release tightness, using surgical excision, repositioning, or non-surgical methods, with results varying based on scar type and patient factors.
Why Do Scar Revision Costs Vary in Philippines?
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Scar Revision Procedure
- Before Surgery Evaluation:
- Assessment:
- Physical exam: Evaluates scar type, size, location, and skin quality.
- Blood tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile (for surgical revision).
- Photos: For planning and comparison.
- Discussion: Surgical vs. non-surgical approach, expected improvement (scars can’t be fully erased).
- Consent: Risks, including recurrence, are explained.
- Assessment:
- Surgical/Non-Surgical Techniques:
- Scar Revision:
- Performed under local anesthesia (small scars) or general anesthesia (large/contractures), lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Techniques:
- Excision and closure: Scar excised; wound closed with fine sutures in layers to reduce tension; often used for widened scars.
- Z-plasty/W-plasty: Scar reoriented into zigzag pattern to break up straight-line scar and release contractures; improves appearance and function.
- Skin grafting/flap surgery: For large scars or contractures (e.g., burns); healthy skin grafted or flap transferred to cover defect.
- Dermabrasion: Sands down raised scars (e.g., acne scars); used for surface-level scars.
- Laser therapy: Fractional CO2 laser resurfaces scar; reduces redness and thickness; often non-surgical or combined with surgery.
- Adjuncts:
- Steroid injections: For keloids/hypertrophic scars; reduces thickness (often post-op).
- Silicone sheets/gel: Applied post-op to flatten scars.
- Closure: Fine sutures; dressings or silicone sheets applied.
- Intraoperative Tools:
- Scalpel: Excises scar.
- Laser: Resurfaces scar tissue.
- Microsurgery tools: For flaps (if needed).
- Scar Revision:
- After Surgery:
- Hospital stay: Same-day discharge (minor revision); 1–2 days (grafts/flaps).
- Care: Keep incision clean; silicone sheets for 3–6 months; avoid sun exposure.
- Pain management: Mild pain for 1–3 days; managed with acetaminophen.
- Instructions: Avoid stretching scar area; physiotherapy if contracture released.
Recovery After Scar Revision
- Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge (minor); 1–2 days (extensive).
- Post-Surgery Care:
- Pain/Swelling: Mild pain for 1–3 days; swelling resolves in 1–2 weeks.
- Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks; light activities in 3–5 days.
- Incision: Sutures removed in 5–10 days; new scar fades in 6–12 months.
- Scar care: Silicone sheets/gel for 3–6 months; sun protection to prevent darkening.
- Results: Initial improvement in 4–6 weeks; final scar appearance in 6–12 months.
- Follow-Up:
- Visits at 1 week (suture removal), 1 month, and 3 months.
- Photos: At 3–6 months to assess improvement.
Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full scar maturation takes 6–12 months. Success rate: 80–90% report improved scar appearance or function; keloids may recur (10–50%) without adjunctive therapy.
Risks and Complications
- Surgical Risks:
- Bleeding (1–3%): Hematoma at site; may need drainage.
- Infection (1–3%): At incision; treated with antibiotics.
- Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.
- Post-Surgery:
- Keloid/hypertrophic recurrence (10–50%, keloids): More common in prone individuals; managed with steroids or radiation.
- Widened scar (2–5%): If tension high; may need re-revision.
- Asymmetry (1–3%): If scar reorientation uneven; may need touch-up.
- Skin discoloration (2–5%): Hyperpigmentation; often temporary with sun protection.
- Long-Term:
- Persistent scar (5–10%): Scar never fully disappears; revision improves but doesn’t erase.
- Sensation changes (1–3%): Numbness or hypersensitivity; usually resolves in 3–6 months.
Report fever, severe swelling, or signs of infection (e.g., redness, pus) promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes the need for scar revision?
Scars from surgery, trauma, burns, or acne; may be raised, widened, or restrict movement.
Can I avoid scar revision?
Yes, if cosmetic: Non-surgical options (e.g., laser, silicone sheets, steroids); surgery needed for functional issues or significant scarring.
Is scar revision painful?
Mild pain for 1–3 days, managed with medication; discomfort subsides quickly.
How soon can I resume normal activities?
Light activities: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 4–6 weeks; avoid stretching scar area for 2–4 weeks.
Is scar revision covered by insurance in India?
Covered for functional issues (e.g., contractures); rarely for cosmetic—confirm with your provider.
Signs of complications?
Fever, severe swelling, or signs of infection.
Will my scar disappear completely?
No, but 80–90% see improvement; scars are minimized, not erased; results vary by scar type.
Lifestyle changes post-surgery?
Use silicone sheets, avoid sun exposure, refrain from stretching scar, and attend follow-ups.
Conclusion
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Looking for Best Hospitals for Scar Revision
Note: we are not promoting any hospitals
We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)
- click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
| City | Minimum Price (₱) | Maximum Price (₱) |
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Angeles City |
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Antipolo |
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Bacolod |
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Bacoor |
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Baguio |
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Butuan |
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Cagayan de Oro |
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Caloocan |
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Cebu City |
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Dasmariñas |
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Davao City |
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General Santos |
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General Trias |
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Iligan |
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Iloilo City |
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Las Piñas |
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Makati |
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Malolos |
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Manila |
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Muntinlupa |
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Parañaque |
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Pasay |
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Pasig |
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Puerto Princesa |
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Quezon City |
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San Fernando |
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San Jose del Monte |
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Taguig |
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Valenzuela |
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Zamboanga City |
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Disclaimer
This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.