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Scar Revision and Excision: Improving Scarring in London

Scar Treatments/Scar Revision & Excision

Rejuvenate your skin and become a more confident and happier version of yourself with a scar revision procedure at The London Scar Clinic. Our surgical professionals restore skin vitality and improve the appearance of scars related to acne, surgery, and trauma.

Table of contents:

A doctor examines a patient's shoulder, assessing her skin for scar revision procedure in a medical clinic.

What is scar revision?

A scar revision procedure minimises or, in some cases, eliminates the scars on our skin. Surgical and non-surgical variants of this treatment exist, though all share the same goal – restoring the confidence you have lost due to your scars. A secondary goal of surgical scar revision often comes in restoring functionality, such as improving the flexibility of your skin if scarring has caused tightening.

The specific treatments available – from traditional to laser scar removal – vary depending on the size, location, and nature of your scar. Some choices remove the bulk of your scar as part of an excision. Other scar revision procedures focus instead on matching the scar’s colouring with that of the skin, essentially hiding it from view.

The London Scar Clinic maintains a team of highly skilled surgeons who make it their life’s work to provide quality scar revision surgery to our patients. A typical revision with us takes one to two weeks to heal, with effects becoming visible within 12 to 18 months post-treatment. Get in touch today if you wish to discuss scar removal or revision with The London Scar Clinic.

What are the types of scars?

Given that the type of scar you have affects surgical scar removal, it is helpful to understand those different types. Raised scars – named “hypertrophic” scars – take on a thick and raised appearance, with the latter issue sometimes presenting functionality problems such as preventing you from wearing certain types of clothing. You may also have keloid scars, which are quite large and lumpy.

Atrophic scars take on a sunken appearance, indicating that the scar results from healing that has taken place underneath your skin but is still visible. Finally, there are contracture scars – tightening of the skin resulting from scar tissue forming over a wound, which creates a “pulling” sensation upon healing.

Almost all of these scar types can be treated with scar revision surgery.It is important to note that keloids have a high rate of reoccurrence, meaning scar revision needs to be combined with other treatments like laser or radiotherapy to avoid recurrence. You are welcome to discuss your scar type with experts from The London Scar Clinic consultant to determine the most suitable pathway for you.

“Saw Mr Ioannis Goutos for a scar on my hand. Had a full hour with the doctor, which I believe is unusually long for a Harley Street appointment, in a good way. I felt all my questions were answered. Questions I didn’t even know I had were also answered. I will use this same service for scars from any future surgeries. Thank you again!”

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A healthcare professional in navy scrubs, protective eyewear, and a face mask performs a laser treatment on a patient's face. The patient, lying on a treatment bed with protective goggles, receives the procedure in a clinical setting.

What are the benefits of scar removal?

Beyond the aesthetic benefits that the excision of scar tissue delivers, there are several other reasons to consider this procedure.

Increase your range of motion

Deep-seated scar tissue can inhibit your range of movement by creating a feeling of “tightness” that did not exist before. Scar revision removes the tissue that causes these functionality issues so you regain freedom of movement.

Pain reduction

Even a healed scar can cause some pain and discomfort, particularly in the case of contracture scars that create a pulling sensation in your skin. Itching and irritation are also common. All can be minimised or eliminated via scar revision.

Improved skin texture

Raised scars and those with uneven edges create a textured feel that you may wish to minimise with scar excision or removal. Beyond matching colouring, the procedure smoothens your scar’s texture so your skin feels renewed and vibrant whenever you run your hand over your scar.

Close-up of a young woman with a radiant smile, fresh skin with mild acne and scars, wrapped in a white towel. Her natural glow suggests post-treatment care, possibly related to scar revision or skincare therapy.

Who is suitable for scar revision surgery?

Scar revision at The London Scar Clinic is a viable procedure for almost any patient who wishes to improve the appearance of their scars.

It is a particularly effective procedure when confronting the challenges that result from scarring caused by past surgeries, accidents, and injuries, each of which creates trauma on your skin. You may also find the surgery helpful in counteracting the persistent scars caused by skin conditions like acne or burning.

However, there are some instances in which surgical scar revision may not be suitable for you:

  • The area you wish to rejuvenate is the subject of active acne or a skin infection
  • You have a medical condition that inhibits your body’s ability to heal the wound

In all cases, The London Scar Clinic has consultants who will work with you to discuss which scar revision treatment is your best choice and, where appropriate, discuss alternatives. Our consultation plan not only ensures your treatment is tailored to your specific scar but also ensures realistic expectations based on the recommended treatment.

“Excellent experience through and through. Friendly staff and extended team. Mr Leon-Villapalos is an exceptional communicator and made me feel at ease throughout both of my procedures with him.”

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Scar revision surgery – procedure details

Though our specific procedures vary depending on the nature of your scar, the following offers an overview of what you can expect before, during, and after scar revision.

Before the procedure

Our first step is always an evaluation – conducted by a highly-trained specialist at The London Scar Clinic – during which we assess your medical history and candidacy for the procedure. Typical points of interest include any medications you currently take, the conditions associated with those medications and other recent surgeries.

We recommend arriving at your appointment with details about these discussion points. Photographs will also be taken, both for the surgery and for “before and after” comparisons.

The scar revision surgery procedure

The scar removal procedure itself begins with the administration of a local anaesthetic. Your specialist will discuss this with you beforehand. Local anaesthetic is used for smaller scars, and sedation is typically used for larger or more complex scars.

We perform your scar revision by making small incisions around the scar tissue. This process lets us remove the tissues, with sutures and adhesive strips closing the wound. A dressing is then applied, with the process taking between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on your scar’s nature. Arrange your appointment with The London Scar Clinic specialists if you wish to learn more details about the scar revision process.

Recovery, outlook, and aftercare

Expect your consultant to recommend leaving your sutures in place for between five and 14 days. The exact period depends on your scar’s size and location. Downtime is also required for scar revisions, with the typical period being about two weeks.

You may see immediate improvements to your scar’s appearance after the surgery. However, it often takes between 12 and 18 months for the full effects – and outcome – of your treatment to become visible. Again, your consultant at The London Scar Clinic will discuss this with you both pre-and post-surgery to ensure your process expectations are accurate.

Scar revisions before and after examples

laser treatment before and after on a woman's back
Scar Excision before and after

Scar removal in London

The specialists at The London Scar Clinic are experts who are happy to provide you with any information you need about scar revision. Get in touch with us today – we hope to welcome you to our clinic soon.

FAQs

What are the risks and side effects of scar revision surgery?

Minimal risk characterises our surgical scar revision process. However, you may experience slight swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort – all symptoms that disappear within two weeks of surgery.

How much does surgical scar revision cost?

We can only answer this question as part of a consultation, as each scar excision is a personalised process revolving around your scar, size, and location. Your consultant at The London Scar Clinic will discuss pricing after examining your scar.

What kind of anaesthesia is used?

Many scar revisions can be completed using a local anaesthetic applied to the target area. Complexity in your scar’s nature can alter this procedure, sometimes necessitating sedation.

How long does a scar revision take?

Between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the type of scar you have.

Related treatments

woman touching her scar on her arm

Accreditations

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