Scar Revision

Every time the skin is cut or damaged through its full thickness it will heal with a scar. The scar is the result of the body’s natural repair process. During the wound healing process, all scars become red, raised and lumpy before going through a period of colour changes a texture changes until they finally mature into thin white lines. For some people, and in certain parts of the body, this process of scar maturation takes only a few months whilst in others and in different parts of the body (e.g. the middle of the chest), the process can take up to 2 years before the scar finally matures. Occasionally, the scar can stay red for much longer. It is difficult to predict who is going to produce a bad scar, but in general, patients with black skin or with fair freckled skin and red hair are more likely to make hypertrophic scars (thick red scars that last longer than 18 months) and keloid scars (very thick scars which spread out from the original wound). These are notoriously difficult to treat.

Scars can look conspicuous for a number of reasons. For example, the scar may be irregular in shape; it may have pigment/ or dirt tattooed into it if the wound was not cleaned correctly; it may not have been sutured correctly; the wound may have got infected during the healing process; the scar may have stretched due to tension on the wound while it was healing; the direction of the scar may be out of line with the natural skin creases. In these cases it may be possible to perform a scar revision to produce a cosmetically better scar. Scar revisions are usually done under local anaesthesia. The old scar is excised and the wound sutured using plastic surgery techniques. Sometimes a specific technique called a Z-plasty is used to change the direction of an abnormal scar. Depending on the location of the scar revision, dissolving stitches or stitches that need to be removed may be used.

Scar Revision

AT A GLANCE

Length of surgery:
1 hour
Anaesthesia:
Local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic
Overnight or day case:
Day case
Recovery:
1-7 days off work;
No heavy lifting/gym/sport for 4 weeks
Follow-up:
1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months

Frequently asked questions

Not all scars are suitable for a scar revision. Suitability is a matter for you and Mr Johnson to discuss in clinic, following a thorough analysis of your medical history and a thorough clinical consultation.

The surgery aims to improve the appearance of the scar by making the scar thinner, flatter and paler and therefore less conspicuous.

Before the procedure (if performed under Local anaesthesia) or during the procedure (if performed under general anaesthesia), a mixture of quick acting and long lasting local anaesthetic injections will be given to numb the skin so you will not feel any pain or discomfort during or following the procedure. The numbing effects last several hours. When you get home following the procedure you should take regular paracetamol (making sure you have not exceeded the recommended dose).

The scar from the scar revision itself will become red, raised and lumpy before going through a period of colour changes a texture changes until they finally mature into thin white lines. For some people, and in certain parts of the body, this process of scar maturation takes only a few months whilst in others and in different parts of the body it can take up to 2 years before the scar finally matures. Only when the scar revison fully matures will you be able to appreciate the final result. The scar revision will be long lasting.

Any operation carries with it the risk of complication. Major complications, however, are uncommon following a scar revision. During your initial consultation Mr Johnson will have a full discussion with you about the risks and complications of surgery. Fortunately, with correct patient selection and appropriate procedure selection, the risks are kept to an absolute minimum. It is important that you should be reassured that Mr Johnson will not agree to perform any cosmetic procedure on you unless he feels the benefits significantly outweigh the risks.

Mr Johnson will come and see you on the ward after your surgery. After you have been discharged Mr Johnson will arrange to see you in clinic after 7-10 days to review the wounds. He will then make arrangements to see you in clinic for longer term follow up appointments. You will be given contact details for the hospital and Mr Johnson’s secretary should you wish at any time to discuss further aspects of your care or make additional arrangements for review.

Treatment costs

Initial consultation

£220

Scar revision

The exact surgery cost will be confirmed after your consultation. This will include the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees.

For more information click here

Booking a consultation

To book an appointment to see Mr Johnson please contact his private secretary and practice manager:

Marcia Pillai
Tel: 07780 514777
E-mail: davidjohnson@doctors.org.uk

Make an enquiry

PATIENT REVIEWS

Thank you ever so much for what you have done for me. I’m over the moon with the result. Thanks again. You’ve changed my whole life.

Breast augmentation, Patient KM

Thanks for all you’ve done for me. You’re the best!

Facelift, upper and lower blepharoplasties, fat transfer, Patient RB

I just wanted to say a personal thank you from the bottom of my heart for my nose. To me my nose is perfect. I love it so much. I can’t possibly explain how much you have changed my life for the better. I just wanted you to know how much you have changed me. I am a different person now with so much more confidence. I know to you, you probably think you are just doing your job but you are not – you are making dreams come true, especially mine. Thank you so so so much for making my dream come true.

Rhinoplasty, Patient Debbie

I would like to thank you and your team so very much once again for your kindness and professional service given to me at the Ridgeway hospital. Having my rhinoplasty operation has given me much more confidence.

Rhinoplasty, Patient SS

Just want to say many thanks for all your support and help both before and after my operation. I am very pleased with the results and appreciated your kindness, throughout my stay at the Manor.

Exchange breast implants with capsulectomies, Patient EH

I don’t think I will ever be able to fully let you know just how grateful I am to you. All you have done for me this last year has changed my life for the better in so many ways… I’ll never be able to put into words what your work has done for me, not only physically but mentally. I have more confidence, more courage, and now after these operations more hope. You have given me one of the greatest gifts – the opportunity of an optimistic future. One in which I can now look in the mirror. Thank you so much for your support, your time but most of all your kindness.

Post weight loss body contouring surgery, Patient BP

Many thanks for your kindness and care. You have changed my life for the better.

Brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, thigh lift, Patient JJ

Thank you very much for my new nose! It has made such a difference to me. I no longer worry when people see me in profile. My friends and family who know about the operation have all said how natural it looks and how well it suits me, so thank you for doing such a good job! I really am thrilled, and much happier.

Rhinoplasty, Patient NA

You really do work miracles! Many, many thanks for the fabulous results. Ts superb. Feeling great too.

Abdominoplasty, Patient LB

Thank you so much for your wonderful work. You have given me so much more confidence. Thank you again for everything you have done for me.

Breast reduction and liposuction, Patient MK

I feel the need to write a few lines of thanks following the breast augmentation surgery you performed on me last month. I knew this was something I wanted desperately for a very long time but the final result, I have to say, is above and beyond all my hopes and expectations. I am totally amazed and reeling still at the new me, both physically and mentally.

Breast augmentation, Patient AH

Thank you so much for the amazing surgery that you have done on our little girl. We felt so confident in you, and knew that if we needed to hand her over to anyone, we wanted it to be you. Thank you for allowing her the chance to grow up normally.

Craniofacial surgery, Parents of patient SH

I would just like to say thank you for your care in performing my surgery. You have made a big difference and given me the confidence I needed. You are a true professional.

Rhinoplasty, Patient SJ

A big thank you for everything that you have done for me. It’s a dream come true.

Blepharoplasty, Patient MO

Thank you so very much for doing my surgery, and for your compassion and care. The results are wonderful. You have given me back my self esteem.

Patient EG, Breast reduction

Thank you for repairing me and making me feel normal again! The operation has already had a huge impact on my life.

, Patient SM

Thank you for the fantastic job you have done for my daughter. You saved her life and gave her the best possible chance in life.

Craniofacial surgery, Patient KJ

Thank you for all your care in arranging my breast augmentation. I’m delighted with the results!

Breast augmentation, Patient V

I wanted to thank you for an amazing mastopexy. I’ve never been so happy! The level of care you showed me and my family was fantastic.

Mastopexy, Patient KW

I love my new nose. It means so much to start my new job feeling confident.

Rhinoplasty, Patient NA

This seems so little in thanks for all you have done for me. It seems such a big step to take, but you gave me confidence and encouragement to go on with the operations. Thank you so much… I feel very honoured to have this operation performed by you.

Major scalp reconstruction, Patient PK

Thank you for the lovely job you did on me the other week. I am absolutely thrilled! Thanks for putting me at ease throughout.

Minor skin surgery, Patient GL

Thank you just doesn’t come close! Jacob looks absolutely amazing already and it’s thanks to you. You have changed his life in more ways than one. We really appreciate your knowledge, understanding and support. You are an inspiration. A million and one thank you’s again.

Craniofacial surgery, Patient JL

Thank you so much for fixing our daughter’s ears. They are looking so much better. We are very grateful for your expertise.

Prominent ear correction, Patient OR

Thank you so much to you and your whole team for changing my whole life! I’ve waited and wanted this operation for so long and now it’s done I cannot begin to tell you how much it’s changed my like. Thank you thank you thank you.

Abdominoplasty, Patient TS

I would like to thank you very much for my surgery that, for me, has been a complete success. It has given me loads of confidence and made such a difference to my life.

Breast reduction, Patient EW

I cannot thank you enough for the care and attention during my operation. You have truly changed my life and I am so grateful. I cannot be happier with the results. You and your team are inspirational. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything.

Abdominoplasty, Patient KS

It’s been 10 and a half years since you saved my life in April and May 2006 from necrotising fasciitis. I am always grateful to you.

Emergency surgery, Patient MS

Following my brow lift procedure, I am writing express my great thanks for the treatment and care you have provided. The eyebrow is a brilliant result. I am now so much more at ease with myself and appearance.

Brow lift procedure, Patient GT

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