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Summary

• Scar Removal or Scar Revision is a group of surgical and non-surgical procedures designed to improve the appearance and texture of scarring
• While scars are a normal part of the healing process, they can cause discomfort, skin irritation and limit mobility
• Non-Surgical Scar Treatments include silicone dressings, steroid injections and microneedling
• Surgical Scar Revision includes surgical excision and skin pigmentation grafting
• Cadogan Clinic’s team of specialist Consultant Scar Revision Surgeons are experts in all areas of Scar Revision, and deliver the highest standards of patient care and outcomes

What is Scar Removal?

Scar Removal, also known as Scar Revision or Scar Reduction, is a range of different procedures which improve the appearance and texture of scarring to address several functional concerns.

Cadogan Clinic has brought together a team of the best Consultant Scar Revision Surgeons in the UK to deliver the highest standards of patient care and outcomes. 100% of Cadogan Clinic’s surgical patients would recommend the clinic to their family and friends.

Scarring is a normal part of the healing process after any event which involves trauma to the skin. This might include an injury, which is often less controlled trauma, or a surgical incision which is carefully managed to try to minimise further scarring.

Scar Removal or Revision can be performed regardless of the cause of the scar; however, different techniques may be required depending on the type and cause of the scar.

It is important to understand that despite the name, Scar Removal may not completely eliminate the scar tissue. The procedure aims to significantly reduce and improve the appearance and texture of the scar, but the extent depends on the severity of the original scarring and various other factors such as its cause, placement and age.

Scar Revision is an increasingly popular procedure. Between 2023 and 2024, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 4% increase in Scar Revision procedures. Additionally, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reported that Scar Revision was the fourth most popular surgical procedure globally in 2024.

Speaking with a specialist Consultant Plastic Surgeon is the best way to understand what the best treatment is to reduce scarring.

Scar Removal or Scar Revision refers to a range of treatments and procedures that improve the visibility and texture of scarring.

What Are the Different Types of Scarring?

There are several different types of scarring, which vary in terms of their appearance and underlying anatomical cause.

Speaking with a Consultant Plastic Surgeon is the best way to understand different types of scars and how to treat them, in order to achieve the best results.

• Fine line scarring: Usually caused by a controlled surgical incision, this is a single line which is flat or slightly raised, and rarely requires medical treatment.
• Hypertrophic scarring: This is a raised scar which forms within the boundaries of the original injury, caused by an overproduction of collagen as part of the healing process.
• Keloid scarring: Similar to hypertrophic scarring, keloid scarring is raised and caused by an overproduction of collagen. However, keloid scarring spreads beyond the boundaries of the original injury or incision.
• Contracture scarring: Usually resulting from deep tissue injury such as burns, a contracture scar is a tightening and thickening of the tissue.
• White scarring: Caused by damage to the cells which are responsible for the skin’s natural pigment, a white scar can be any size or shape.
• Atrophic scarring: Most often associated with small, localised skin injuries such as Acne or Chickenpox, atrophic scarring is characterised by indents caused by a loss of collagen in the skin.

Some people may be more prone to certain types of scarring due to a genetic predisposition. If you know you have a personal or family history of hypertrophic or keloid scarring, it is important to make your surgeon aware of this before any procedure to allow them to take preventative measures and provide additional specialist aftercare.

There are several types of scars that develop for a wide range of reasons and require different treatments depending on their cause and severity.

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Why Do People Have Scar Removal?

People choose to undergo Scar Removal for a number of reasons. Although scarring may be seen as a purely aesthetic issue, there are several functional concerns which can arise, affecting quality of life:

• Discomfort: Hypertrophic and keloid scars, especially, can be uncomfortable or itchy
• Friction: Thickened or raised scar tissue can rub against clothing, causing pain and persistent skin irritation
• Mobility: Raised and contracture scarring can limit movement and mobility, due to tightened or thickened tissue
• Visibility: Overly visible scarring can affect confidence and cause self-consciousness
• Emotional trauma: Scarring can be a constant reminder of a traumatic event, which may continue to affect mental wellbeing

Effective Scar Revision is a highly empowering and transformative procedure which restores confidence, comfort and quality of life.

The reasons behind Scar Removal are often highly personal and require a bespoke approach from a specialist Consultant Plastic Surgeon to achieve the highest quality results.

What Are the Different Types of Scar Removal?

There is a wide range of non-surgical and surgical options to address scarring concerns. Having a variety of treatment options is essential to being able to deliver personalised treatment plans which achieve optimal outcomes.

Non-Surgical Scar Treatment

Non-Surgical Scar Revision is typically most effective when performed in the early stages of scar development. It can deliver high-quality results without the commitment of a surgical procedure.

Silicone Dressings and Gels

Silicone dressings and gels are a popular option for flattening and softening raised and thickened scar tissue during the maturation phase. For silicone dressings and gels to be effective, it is essential to use them while the scar is still developing, as they aren’t suitable to reduce a scar which has already fully developed.

Silicone dressings and gels work by:

• Hydrating the skin and scar tissue, making it softer and more flexible
• Normalising collagen production to flatten the scar tissue and prevent excessive growth and development

Many surgeons also recommend using silicone dressings and gels as a preventative measure, especially in patients who may be prone to hypertrophic and keloid scarring. You cannot use silicone dressings or gels on a fresh injury or incision, and treatment usually starts 2-3 weeks into the healing process.

Silicone dressings and gels are an effective treatment for all types of scarring, but are most often used in keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment.

Steroid Injections

Steroid Injections are an effective treatment to flatten and shrink raised scars, and are also commonly used in keloid scar removal.

Injecting steroids into thickened and raised scar tissue works in several ways:

• Excess collagen is broken down, and collagen production is slowed to flatten scarring
• Blood vessels in the area are restricted to temporarily reduce blood flow to the scar tissue, reducing development and evening out the skin tone
• Inflammation is calmed to reduce discomfort and itching

Steroid injections can be used on scars at any stage as long as the skin is fully healed, but they are effective on older scars, even several years after the original injury.

Most patients find that to be effective, 3-6 sessions of Steroid Injections are required, administered every 3-6 weeks, depending on the treatment plan your Consultant Plastic Surgeon advises.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a non-surgical treatment which is regularly used to improve the appearance and texture of scarring, in particular atrophic scarring.

Tiny sterile needles are used to precisely puncture the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process. In treating scarring, this works by:

• Encouraging collagen production to add volume to depressed scars
• Thickened scar tissue is broken down to soften the area
• Stimulating blood flow to the area to improve overall skin tone

For Microneedling to be effective, multiple sessions are required, every 4-6 weeks. 

Microneedling is a popular and effective Non-Surgical Scar Treatment for atrophic scarring, especially that has developed from Acne or Chickenpox.

Surgical Scar Revision

Surgical Scar Revision is typically most suitable for patients who have found that Non-Surgical Scar Treatments haven’t been successful, who have extensive aged scarring, or who require repigmentation treatment.

Options for Surgical Scar Revision are able to achieve high-quality, long-term results in cases where Non-Surgical Scar Treatments aren’t suitable or haven’t been effective.

Scar Revision

Scar Revision is a procedure which involves surgically excising scar tissue to improve the appearance and visibility of scarring.

It is important to remember that all surgical procedures carry a risk of scarring, so the original scar may be replaced with a smaller, less conspicuous scar.

Scar Revision typically involves making an incision to remove the original scar before reclosing the area. When treating contracture scarring, a W or Z shape may be used when closing the area to improve mobility.

Surgical Scar Revision can also be highly effective in reducing hypertrophic and keloid scarring. However, it is essential that these cases are handled by a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with experience in managing hypertrophic and keloid scars to prevent the same concern from recurring. Your surgeon may recommend using Non-Surgical Scar Treatments, such as silicone dressings, as a preventative measure in order to reduce the risk of a new hypertrophic or keloid scar from developing.

Depending on the needs of the patient and the extent of the original scarring, Scar Revision can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic and typically takes 1-2 hours to complete.

White Scar Treatment

Also known as Micro Dermal Melanin Grafting or Hypopigmented Scar Treatment, White Scar Treatment is a minor surgical procedure which restores the natural pigmentation to white scar tissue. White Scar Treatment is a highly innovative approach to Scar Revision which was originally developed in Taiwan.

White scarring occurs because the melanocyte cells, which produce melanin, the skin’s natural pigment, have been damaged. Once this lack of pigmentation is established, the skin can’t naturally restore pigmentation in the area.

White Scar Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, and each session takes 1-2 hours to complete. A small amount of healthy skin is removed from an inconspicuous area, such as behind the ear. This skin sample is then processed to extract the melanin, before being transplanted into the white scar tissue.

Most patients require 2-4 treatments, 2-3 months apart, to fully restore the pigment to the area.

White Scar Treatment is a highly effective option for patients who have lost pigmentation due to scarring. However, on its own, it cannot address scar texture, and isn’t suitable to treat keloid scarring.

There are several highly effective non-surgical and surgical options available to address a wide range of scarring. Depending on your concerns and desired outcomes, a single treatment may be appropriate, or your surgeon may recommend a combined approach to achieve the best outcome.

Both non-surgical and surgical Scar Revision are effective in improving the appearance of scarring, whilst improving functional concerns such as reduced mobility and discomfort.

Results Following Scar Removal

The results achieved from all types of Scar Removal and Revision are highly personal and dependent on the nature and severity of the original scar.

It may not always be possible to guarantee a certain result following Scar Revision, and it is important to discuss your desired outcomes alongside what your surgeon is able to achieve to understand the realistic results you can expect.

Although the exact results will vary between individuals, the results you can expect typically include:

• Smaller or less visible scarring
• A flatter scar with reduced texture
• Improved skin tone and pigment
• Reduced discomfort and itching
• Resolved skin irritation
• Improved confidence and quality of life

It is important to remember that certain types of Scar Removal are designed to address specific concerns, such as White Scar Treatment for hypopigmented scarring, and that they may not comprehensively address other concerns, such as scar texture. It is essential to speak with a specialist Consultant Plastic Surgeon who can develop a bespoke treatment plan to effectively address your personal concerns and achieve your desired outcomes.

While the primary result of any Scar Revision procedure is a reduction in scar size and an improvement in scar texture, specialist treatments may be required to achieve specific results.

Scar Revision Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after Scar Revision is typically straightforward, although the exact length of recovery will vary depending on the surgical techniques used and the size of the revision.

Your Consultant Plastic Surgeon will discuss your recovery during your initial consultation to ensure you can fully prepare ahead of your procedure. It is essential that you follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to prevent complications and ensure you achieve your desired results.

Cadogan Clinic includes a comprehensive recovery package with all surgical scar revision procedures:

• Follow-up appointments: You will have at least two post-operative appointments with your Consultant Surgeon and our specialist surgical nurses to monitor your recovery and assess your results
• 24-hour recovery support: Cadogan Clinic’s specialist surgical nurses are on hand 24/7 to assist with any recovery and aftercare questions you have
• Post-operative dressings: If your surgeon has recommended that you use silicone dressings or gel, these will be provided by your medical team

Non-Surgical Scar Treatment Recovery

Downtime following Non-Surgical Scar Treatment is usually minimal, although your Consultant may ask you to follow some general aftercare guidelines to ensure full healing:

• Hydration: Especially after treatments such as Microneedling, it is important to drink plenty of water to allow the skin to heal fully
• Exercise: Depending on your treatment, you may be asked to limit exercise and strenuous activity for up to 7 days
• Bathing: You should avoid submerging the treated area in water including hot tubs, swimming pools and baths for up to 7 days after Microneedling and steroid injections

Scar Revision Recovery

• Swelling and bruising: It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising following your Scar Revision, which should resolve within 10-14 days
• Sleeping position: Depending on the placement of your Scar Revision, you may need to adjust your sleeping position for 2-3 weeks to protect the treated area
• Exercise: You should avoid all exercise and strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting, for 4-6 weeks to allow for optimal healing
• Full recovery: Most patients are fully recovered within 6 weeks after Scar Revision procedures

While recovery time after Non-Surgical Scar Treatment is usually a few days at most, recovery from Surgical Scar Revision can take up to 6 weeks. To ensure you achieve the best results, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s recovery and aftercare instructions.

When Should I Have Scar Removal?

While plenty of people have scars which they don’t feel any need to have revised, for other people scarring is a source of discomfort or embarrassment.

It is recommended to consider Scar Revision if you have a scarring concern which is affecting your quality of life:

• Limited mobility
• Discomfort or itching
• Skin irritation
• Low confidence
• Impacted emotional wellbeing

Although not all scars benefit from medical treatment or intervention, the results of bespoke Scar Revision treatment can be highly beneficial and transformative.

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Frequently Asked Questions