SKIN SURGERY

Scar revision

All wounds heal with a scar, and most heal extremely well. However, some scars may become thickened, raised or disfiguring. Facial scars can significantly affect a patient's quality of life and although they cannot be completely removed, can often be significantly improved.

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Facial scar revision — close-up portrait

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

Surgical and non-surgical management of facial scars to improve appearance and texture. Options range from steroid injections for thickened scars through to formal surgical revision (Z-plasty, serial excision) to optimise the final result.

Procedure
Scar revision (surgical or injection)
Anaesthesia
Local · Sedation · GA (extensive)
Duration
30 min – 2 hrs
Stay
Day-stay
Recovery
Sutures out 5–10 days

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Scar revision may be considered when:

  • A facial scar has become thickened, raised or disfiguring
  • The scar restricts movement or affects function
  • The scar is more than 6 to 12 months old and has fully matured
  • Local treatments (steroid injections) have not adequately improved the scar
  • Surgical revision (Z-plasty, serial excision) is appropriate for the scar pattern
WHO PERFORMS THIS

The surgeons who perform this procedure

Both surgeons listed below perform this procedure at OMS Specialists. Each carries dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry plus Fellowship from the Royal Australasian or English College.

Mr Richard Cobb, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Richard Cobb

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBBS · MFDS(Eng) · MRCS(Eng) · DHMSA · FRCS(OMFS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
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Mr Ryan Smit, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Ryan Smit

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBChB · MRACDS(PDS) · FRACDS(OMS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
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RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery timeline

  • 0–1 day

    First 24 hours

    Local discomfort and dressings to the surgical site. Simple analgesia. Most patients return to normal activity within a day.

    Red flags · Heavy bleeding, fever over 38.5°C, or severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication.

  • 5–10 days

    Day 5–10

    Sutures removed at 5 to 10 days. Initial scar is red and firm.

  • 6–12 months

    Month 6–12

    Scar maturation continues for 6 to 12 months. The new scar softens, flattens and fades progressively. Sun protection during this window optimises the result.

RISKS & HONESTY

Risks we discuss before consent

  • Realistic outcomes

    Scars cannot be completely removed but can often be significantly improved. Realistic expectations are essential and are discussed in detail at consultation.

  • Recurrent thickening

    Hypertrophic and keloid scars can recur after revision. Combined treatment with steroid injections, silicone gel and pressure garments reduces but does not eliminate this risk.

  • Infection and wound complications

    Infection at the surgical site is uncommon and is managed with prescribed antibiotics. Delayed healing can occur in patients with chronic conditions or smokers.

  • Asymmetry or sub-optimal result

    Despite careful planning, the final result may not match expectations exactly and further revision is occasionally considered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about scar revision

Can a scar be completely removed?

All wounds heal with a scar, and most heal extremely well. However, some scars may become thickened, raised or disfiguring. Facial scars can significantly affect a patient's quality of life and although they cannot be completely removed, can often be significantly improved. The aim of scar revision is to convert a problem scar into a more inconspicuous one — not to make the scar disappear.

What treatment options are available?

This sometimes involves local treatments, such as steroid injections, or formal surgical revision to get the best possible result. Techniques include Z-plasty (to break up a straight-line scar), serial excision (gradual removal over multiple stages), and combined modality treatment with steroid injections, silicone gel and pressure garments. The best option depends on the scar pattern, location and your goals.

How long should I wait after the original injury before considering revision?

Most scar revision is best performed once the scar has fully matured, typically 6 to 12 months after the original injury or surgery. Earlier intervention is occasionally appropriate for scars that are functionally restrictive or rapidly becoming hypertrophic, where steroid injection or other early treatment may help.

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