Understanding Scar Revision
Every wound resulting from surgery, an accident or disease process heals with some degree of scarring. In some cases, abnormal scarring can occur, adversely affecting aesthetic appearance or function. This is particularly relevant when scars are tight or cross a joint, where they may restrict movement.
Hypertrophic scars are thick red raised scars that remain within the boundaries of the original wound. Keloid scars extend beyond these boundaries. Both can be itchy, uncomfortable and cosmetically concerning.
Your Surgical Journey
Your surgical journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Collins at The Surgery. This allows time to discuss your goals and expectations and develop a surgical plan tailored specifically to you.
The approach depends on the type and characteristics of the scar. Hypertrophic and keloid scars are often managed with multimodal therapy, including steroid injections, topical silicone treatments and compression therapy. In selected cases, surgical scar revision may be appropriate and can involve excising or releasing the scar and carefully rearranging the tissue to reduce tension, improve contour and refine overall appearance.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery depends on the extent and complexity of the surgery. Smaller scar revisions are often performed under local anaesthetic as a day procedure, while more complex cases may require a general anaesthetic and a short hospital stay.
For desk-based roles, return to work is usually possible within a couple of days after minor procedures and within one to two weeks following more complex surgery. More physically demanding roles may require a longer recovery period.
Management and Next Steps
Management is guided by the type of scar and its impact on both function and appearance. A combination of non-surgical and surgical treatments is often used to achieve the best possible outcome.
A consultation with Dr Collins allows for a personalised assessment and discussion of your treatment options. Ongoing scar management strategies, such as silicone therapy or compression garments, may be recommended to support long-term results.
Scar Revision in Dunedin with Dr Anne Collins
Frequently Asked Questions
A hypertrophic scar is a thick red raised scar that remains within the boundaries of the original wound. It may improve over time without treatment but can remain prominent or symptomatic.
A keloid scar is a thickened scar that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound. These scars can continue to grow over time and may be itchy, uncomfortable and cosmetically concerning.
In some cases, particularly with keloid scars, surgery alone can lead to recurrence or worsening of the scar. For this reason, treatment is carefully planned and often involves a combination of therapies, including steroid injections, topical silicone treatments and compression therapy, rather than surgery to optimise outcome.
The surgical technique depends on the type and characteristics of the scar. It may involve excising or releasing the scar and rearranging the surrounding tissue to reduce tension, improve contour and refine overall appearance.
A Z-plasty is a surgical technique used to release tight or restrictive scars. It involves rearranging the skin in a Z-shaped pattern to lengthen the scar and improve range of movement. This is particularly useful when scars are tight or cross a joint.
Scars are permanent and cannot be completely removed. There is a risk that they may become more noticeable again over time, particularly with keloid scars. Ongoing scar management, including steroid injections, topical silicone treatments and compression therapy, may be recommended to help reduce this risk and optimise outcome.
Recovery depends on the extent and complexity of the surgery. Smaller scar revisions are often performed under local anaesthetic as a day procedure, while more complex cases may require a general anaesthetic and a short hospital stay. Specific aftercare instructions will be provided to support your recovery.
For desk-based roles, return to work is usually possible within a couple of days after minor procedures and within one to two weeks following more complex surgery. More physically demanding roles may require a longer recovery period.
Driving is usually possible after one to two weeks, once you can safely control the vehicle and perform emergency manoeuvres comfortably.
The final appearance of the scar depends on the type of scarring and the procedure performed. While the aim is to improve contour, function and overall appearance, scars are permanent and cannot be completely removed.
Silicone therapy is widely used in scar management and has strong clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness. It works by hydrating the scar and helping to regulate collagen production, which can reduce redness, thickness and overall prominence. Silicone is available in the form of gels and adhesive sheets or tape and is often recommended as part of a structured scar management programme.
Many scars, particularly hypertrophic and keloid scars, respond best to a combination of treatments. This may include steroid injections, silicone therapy, compression and, in selected cases, surgery. Using multiple approaches helps reduce recurrence and optimise outcome.
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