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Procedures

Scar Revision Surgery UK

Scar Revision Surgery UK

Scars, the permanent marks that remain after the skin has healed from an injury, can be a cause of concern for many. Whether they arise from accidental injuries, surgical interventions, or burns, scars might affect your appearance and how you feel about your look. Scar revision surgery aims to reduce the visibility of these marks, enhancing the appearance of the skin and, in some cases, improving functionality when scars restrict movement.

This surgery is not about completely removing the scar, which is a common misconception, but rather about improving its appearance so that it blends more seamlessly with the surrounding skin. The techniques used can vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the scar, as well as your individual skin type and the desired outcome. The main aim here is to make the scar less noticeable, thereby improving your appearance.

Download Miss Anca Breahna’s Scar Revision Guide

Scar Revision Guide

 

 

At a glance

Procedure Time
Depends on the type of procedure perfomed
Procedure Anaesthesia
Local or general anaesthesia
Procedure Downtime
Varies based on the intensity and type of procedure
Procedure Frequency
One time.

Table of Contents

What is Scar Revision Surgery?

Scar revision surgery is a specialised procedure designed to improve the condition and appearance of scars across the body. Unlike other cosmetic procedures that may focus on broader aesthetic goals, scar revision surgery targets specific areas of scarred skin to make these less obvious and to integrate them better with the surrounding skin’s appearance and texture.

The procedure requires a tailored approach that considers the type of scar, its location, the skin type of the patient, and the overall health of the skin surrounding the scar. For example, some scars may only require minor surface treatments such as laser therapy or microdermabrasion, while others may need invasive surgical interventions to alter the scar’s size or orientation.

Anca typically uses a combination of surgical and non-surgical techniques. These can include laser treatment to reduce redness and improve skin texture, surgical excision to remove or alter the scar tissue, and even grafting procedures in more severe cases where large areas of skin are affected.


Who Needs Scar Revision Surgery?

Scar revision surgery is suitable for anyone who feels uncomfortable about the appearance of their scars and is looking for a way to make them less noticeable. However, ideal candidates for this surgery are those who have fully healed scars that are not prone to acne or other skin conditions in the affected area.

The suitability of a candidate for scar revision surgery also depends on the type of scar. Some scars, such as keloids, which are thick, puckered, itchy clusters of scar tissue that grow beyond the edges of the wound or incision, or hypertrophic scars, which are red and raised, can often be improved significantly with surgery. Scars resulting from burns or other traumatic injuries that have led to significant surface irregularities might also make a person a good candidate for this procedure.

Before you consider surgery, it’s important to have a consultation with Anca. During this consultation, Anca will evaluate the scar’s characteristics—such as its size, shape, and depth—as well as your overall skin health and medical history. This is important to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Aside from the physical considerations, it’s important that you have realistic expectations about what the surgery can achieve. While significant improvements are often possible, scars cannot be removed completely. The surgery aims to make scars less noticeable and improve the aesthetic harmony of your skin. This can lead to an enhancement in how you view your appearance and often, an increased level of comfort in social or professional settings.


Benefits of the Scar Revision Surgery Procedure

Undergoing scar revision surgery can offer significant advantages, ranging from aesthetic enhancements to functional improvements. The primary benefit, and often the main motivator for patients considering this procedure, is the improved appearance of the scar. This is achieved through various techniques that aim to reduce the prominence of the scar, making it blend more seamlessly with the surrounding skin.

Aesthetic Improvement

One of the most compelling benefits of scar revision surgery is the improvement in the appearance of scars. Techniques such as laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and surgical excision are designed to make scars less noticeable. This can mean flattening raised scars, smoothing pitted scars, or lightening discolouration. For many people, these changes can make a significant difference in how they feel about their appearance and how they present themselves in social and professional situations.

Functional Improvement

Scars, especially those that are tight or large, can sometimes create physical discomfort or even pain. They may also restrict normal movement, particularly if they are located near joints or on the face. Scar revision procedures can help alleviate these issues. By surgically releasing or repositioning scar tissue, surgeons can enhance mobility and reduce discomfort associated with tight scars.

Psychological and Emotional Benefits

The psychological and emotional benefits of scar revision surgery can be profound. Scars that are a result of traumatic injuries or medical treatments can often serve as unwanted reminders of those events. Improving the appearance of such scars can help individuals move past their trauma, leading to an improved mental state and increased personal confidence in their appearance.

Enhanced Skin Health

In some cases, scar revision can improve the overall health of the skin. Techniques used in the process, like laser treatments, can stimulate new skin growth and promote better skin texture and elasticity. This not only helps the treated area but can also have a positive effect on the surrounding skin.

Types of Scar Revision Procedures

Topical Treatments

These are often used for less severe scars and include over-the-counter or prescription creams, gels, and ointments that can help reduce the size, colour, and texture of scars over time. Silicone sheets or gels are particularly popular for their ability to flatten and fade hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Injectable Treatments

For scars that cause depressions or pits in the skin, fillers can be injected to raise the level of the skin, making the surface smoother. This method is generally temporary, as fillers degrade over time and procedures may need to be repeated to maintain the effect.

Surface Treatments

This category includes methods like laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, which remove the outer layers of skin to encourage new, healthier skin to grow. These treatments can be very effective in improving the texture and appearance of scars, although they may require multiple sessions.

Surgical Revision

This involves cutting out the old scar and repositioning or closing the skin in a way that will likely lead to a less noticeable scar once healed. It may be combined with other techniques, such as skin grafts (transferring skin from another area of the body) or flap surgery (moving skin along with its underlying fat, blood vessels, and sometimes muscle from a nearby area to the site of the scar).

How is the Scar Revision Surgery Procedure Performed?

Scar revision surgery can vary greatly depending on the type of scar, the chosen method for revision, and the individual characteristics of your skin.

Surgical Techniques

For more significant scars, surgical removal or adjustment is often necessary. The procedure involves the following steps:

  • Anaesthesia: Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the size of the area being treated, local or general anaesthesia is administered.
  • Excision: Anca carefully removes the scar tissue. This step may involve the use of precise cutting tools to minimise trauma to surrounding tissues.
  • Closure: The skin is then re-aligned or re-positioned. In cases where there is not enough skin to close the wound neatly, a skin graft or a flap of skin from another part of the body may be used.
  • Refinement: Finally, the area is refined to ensure the new scar is less noticeable than the old one. This might involve additional techniques such as laser therapy to smooth out the skin and reduce redness.

Non-Surgical Techniques

Non-surgical methods are less invasive and involve less recovery time. These include:

  • Laser Therapy: This uses focused light to treat scar tissue. It can reduce the scar’s redness and smooth out its surface without cutting into the skin.
  • Injections: Certain types of scars, particularly those that are thickened, may benefit from injections of corticosteroids or other materials that help flatten and soften the scar.
  • Surface Treatments: Dermabrasion and chemical peels are procedures that remove the top layers of skin, which can help reduce the roughness or elevated nature of scars.

Each technique has its indications based on the scar type and desired outcomes, and often, a combination of these methods yields the best results.

Scar revision includes a variety of procedures, each suited to address specific types of scars and patient needs. The choice of procedure will largely depend on the scar’s characteristics—its size, shape, depth, and location—as well as the desired outcome.


Recovery after Scar Revision Surgery Procedure

Recovery from scar revision surgery varies based on the intensity and type of procedure performed. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Post-Surgical Care

  • Immediate Care: Immediately following surgery, you may have dressings or bandages applied to your wounds, and in some cases, you might need to stay overnight in the hospital.
  • Home Recovery: Once home, it’s important to keep the surgical site clean and protected from any strain. Follow Anca’s instructions on how to care for your wound, when to change bandages, and how to recognise signs of infection.
  • Pain Management: Some discomfort is normal after scar revision surgery, and Anca will likely prescribe or recommend pain relief medications.
  • Follow-Up Visits: You will need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and address any concerns.

Healing Time

  • Minor Procedures: Non-surgical treatments like laser therapy or injections might have minimal downtime, with patients returning to normal activities almost immediately.
  • Major Surgery: For more extensive surgical revisions, the initial healing phase can last several weeks, during which strenuous activities should be avoided.
  • Long-Term Care: Even after the wound has healed, the new scar will continue to mature and improve in appearance for up to a year or more. During this time, protecting the scar from the sun is important to prevent darkening and promote optimal healing.

How Much is Scar Revision Surgery in the UK?

The cost of scar revision surgery in the UK can vary widely. Here are some considerations:

  • Consultation Fees: Most surgeons charge a consultation fee.
  • Type of Procedure: Simple procedures like topical treatments or minor laser sessions can cost a few hundred pounds, whereas extensive surgical revisions can cost several thousand pounds.
  • Additional Costs: Remember to account for any aftercare necessities, such as prescription medications, follow-up visits, and possibly corrective treatments.

Cost of Surgery Guide

Cost of Surgery Guide

 

 


Further Reading

 

faq-photo

Procedure

Frequently asked questions

While scar revision surgery is generally safe, like all surgical procedures, it carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, and an adverse reaction to anaesthesia. There is also the possibility of the scar not improving as expected, or even worsening in appearance due to factors like poor healing or the development of new scar tissue. Discussing these risks with Anca beforehand will help you understand the specific risks associated with your chosen procedure.

It’s important to understand that scar revision surgery does not completely remove a scar but rather improves its appearance, making it less noticeable. The effectiveness of the surgery will depend on various factors, including the size, age, and depth of the scar, as well as individual healing processes.

Preparation for scar revision surgery involves following your surgeon’s instructions closely. This may include avoiding smoking, not taking certain medications that can affect blood clotting, and fasting for a specific period before the surgery. Anca might also advise you to keep the area clean and free of any cosmetic products.

The best time to pursue scar revision surgery generally depends on the scar itself. It is usually recommended to wait until the scar matures, which can take anywhere from several months to a year. Mature scars are stable and lighter in colour, which makes them easier to treat and predictably responsive to surgical intervention.

About Anca Breahna – Consultant Plastic Surgeon

top UK cosmetic surgeon anca breahnaMs Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of breast, body and face surgery and minor skin procedures.

As one of the very few female Plastic Surgeons in her region, she is able to offer that unique female perspective, with empathy, attention to detail and personalised care.

Anca Breahna’s surgical training has been largely undertaken within the United Kingdom. She began a rigorous training programme in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 1999, after achieving her medical degree from the University of Bucharest. Miss Breahna attained her PhD degree at the same university in 2007 for her medical research. She then relocated to the UK to further extend her qualifications and training.

Anca’s NHS practice is now focused on Breast Reconstructive Surgery, Skin Cancer Surgery, Hand Surgery and soft tissue reconstruction. Over the last 15 years, through her pursuit of further training and education, Anca has developed a special interest and expert practical experience in a range of Aesthetic Breast and Body Surgery.

It is Anca’s true dedication and commitment to her field, that sets her aside from her peers. Her extensive surgical training means that you are in safe hands. She is renowned for providing exceptional care, support and helping achieve realistic goals for her patients.

Anca will treat you in a straightforward manner, with respect, consideration and empathy to ensure you are comfortable with your choice.

 

 

Your Next Steps

Do your Research

  • Please read our website pages and blogs to learn more about your intended procedure.
  • All Surgery has risks and potential complications. Please read more about the risks of your surgery.

Making The Most Of Your Consultation

  • A Medical Referral from your Doctor before your consultation is not compulsory however  it is recommended.
  • Please arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation with Anca – Car parking is available on-site at all hospitals.
  • You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
  • Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes.
  • Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly read all the documents provided.

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

Please call to find out more about availability, pricing and medical payment plans or to request more information about the procedure, contact us.

How to Book your Consultation with Anca Breahna – Plastic Surgeon

You can book your consultation with Anca by paying the £150 cosmetic consultation fee when you make your appointment. This fee covers further consultations about the same concern.

Contact Anca’s Team

Call Claire on 0800 080 6026 or Joedy on 07538 012918 to arrange your consultation or email us for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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