Scar Revision: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Scar Revision?
A plastic surgeon usually performs scar revision. Scar revision is surgery to improve or reduce the appearance of scars. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Scar tissue forms as skin heals after an injury, such as an accident, or after surgery.
Scar revision also restores function. It corrects skin changes caused by an injury, a wound, poor healing, or earlier surgery. A scar cannot be completely erased.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Scars can be noticeable because of their size, shape, or location. They can be raised or depressed. They may differ in color or texture from the healthy skin around them.
These problems may point to a need for scar revision.
- A keloid is an abnormal scar. It is thicker than the rest of the skin and differs in color and texture.
- A scar that distorts other features or causes problems with normal movement or function.
Keloids extend beyond the edge of the wound and are likely to come back. Contractures are scars that restrict movement. Skin and the tissue under it pull together during healing. They can form when a large amount of tissue is lost, such as after a burn.
How to prepare
Before scar revision surgery, you may be asked to do the following.
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
- Stop smoking well in advance of surgery.
- Avoid aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, because they can increase bleeding.
What happens during it
Depending on how much surgery is needed, you may be awake with local anesthesia. You may be sleeping with sedation, or deep asleep with general anesthesia. There are several ways to improve the appearance of scars.
- The scar may be removed completely and the new wound closed very carefully.
- Microneedling or a laser may be used to soften the surface of the scar.
- Dermabrasion removes the upper layers of the skin with a special wire brush. New skin then grows over the area.
- A steroid injection may be given to soften or shrink the scar.
Some scars restrict movement, and surgery removes the extra scar tissue. The surgery may use small cuts on both sides of the scar. These make V-shaped skin flaps, called Z-plasty.
Recovery
After keloid revision, a pressure or elastic dressing may be placed over the area. It helps keep the keloid from coming back. Stitches are usually removed after 3 to 4 days on the face. On other parts of the body, they are removed after 5 to 7 days.
Your return to normal activities and work depends on the type, degree, and location of your surgery. Your provider will likely tell you to avoid activities that stretch the new scar. These can widen it. Apply sunscreen to keep sunlight from permanently tanning the healing scar.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Anesthesia and surgery in general carry risks. These include reactions to medicines, blood clots, and infection. Scar revision surgery has its own risks. These include scar recurrence, keloid formation or recurrence, and the wound separating or reopening.
Who performs it
Scar revision is plastic surgery. It is done to improve the condition or appearance of a scar anywhere on your body.
Common questions
Can scar revision erase a scar?
No, a scar cannot be completely erased.
When should I have scar revision?
It is not always clear when to have scar revision done. Scars shrink and become less noticeable as they age. You may be able to wait until the scar lightens in color.
Will I be awake during scar revision?
It depends on how much surgery is needed. You may be awake with local anesthesia. You may be sleeping with sedation, or deep asleep with general anesthesia.
Does every scar need surgery?
No, not every scar needs surgery. Your treatment options depend on the type and degree of scarring. They can include simple topical treatments, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical revision.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Scar revision
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Scar Revision
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Scar Revision Preparation
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
