Scar Revision Surgery

Summary

Procedure time
30-60 min

Anaesthesia
Local or general

Hospital stay
Optional

Support garment
None

Exercise
From 1 month

Recovery
7-14 days

Final results
6+ months

What is Scar Revision Surgery?

Scar revision surgery is a group of techniques used to improve the appearance or function of existing scars. Scars may result from surgery, injury, burns or acne and can vary in thickness, texture and visibility.

Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include surgical excision, steroid injections, skin grafting, flap techniques or laser treatment depending on the nature of the scar.

Why Choose Scar Revision with Dr Stefano Cotrufo?

With expertise in plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery, Dr Cotrufo offers a personalised approach to scar treatment. Every case is carefully assessed to determine the most appropriate technique and achieve the best possible improvement in appearance and comfort.

What Can Scar Revision Surgery Achieve?

• Reduce the visibility of scars caused by surgery, injury or burns
• Improve the appearance of acne scarring
• Make keloid scars less noticeable
• Improve hypertrophic scars
• Release tight or restrictive scar tissue
• Improve overall skin contour and texture

Results vary depending on scar type, skin quality and individual healing response.

Is There an Alternative to Scar Revision Surgery?

Surgery isn’t the only route to improving the appearance of a scar. Creams and injections can also help reduce how noticeable it is, depending on the type and severity of scarring involved. During your consultation, Dr Cotrufo will assess your scar and talk you through which treatment, or combination of treatments, is best suited to your individual circumstances.

Preparing for Your Scar Revision Surgery

In the lead-up to your surgery, Dr Cotrufo may ask you to make a few changes to help ensure the best possible outcome:

• Undergoing blood tests and other medical checks
• Stopping smoking
• Adjusting or temporarily stopping certain medications
• Avoiding aspirin, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Avoiding alcohol
• Avoiding sun exposure, particularly on the area being treated
• Not making any significant changes to your diet

If you’ll be having a general anaesthetic, you’ll also be given specific fasting instructions to follow beforehand.

Scar Revision Procedure

Procedures typically take 30–60 minutes depending on complexity.

Contracture scars: Scar tissue is removed to improve movement and tightness
Keloid scars: Often treated with steroid injections, sometimes surgery or grafting
Hypertrophic scars: Usually treated with steroid injections
Facial scars: May be excised and closed with fine sutures or treated with laser
More complex scarring: May require skin grafting or flap surgery

After Your Scar Revision Surgery

You may need to stay overnight after your procedure, depending on the type of scar revision performed, and your healing process will vary accordingly. In general, you can expect:

• To start walking as soon as you feel able
• Swelling and bruising to settle within around 7–14 days
• Your wound to be kept dry, possibly with bandages or other support for some time
• Any sutures to be removed 7–14 days after surgery
• Saunas, steam baths and sunbathing to be avoided for several months
• Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and hot or spicy food to be avoided for around a month
• Full results to take upwards of six months to settle and fade

You’ll attend follow-up appointments with Dr Cotrufo, who is also available by phone if you have questions during your recovery.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

Follow-up appointments with Dr Cotrufo ensure healing is progressing as expected. Telephone support is also available during recovery for advice and reassurance.