What to Expect After Your Scar Revision Surgery

Scars are your body’s natural way of healing wounds and protecting you from outside invaders. However, scar formation is unpredictable: Some you barely notice, while others affect the look and texture of your skin.

At Associated Skin Care Specialists, our board certified dermatologists offer various treatments to minimize the appearance of scars. While lasers, chemical peels, and injections are effective for many scars, some require a more involved approach such as scar revision surgery.

If you’re considering surgery for your scar, here’s what you need to know about recovery and how to achieve the best results. 

When we consider scar revision surgery

Scars come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Our dermatologists typically recommend the noninvasive treatments mentioned above — lasers, injections, or chemical peels — before turning to surgery.

However, we may suggest scar revision surgery if a scar is:

• Large
• Restrictive 
• Painful
• Highly visible

While surgery is an effective treatment for life-altering scars, we want to point out that no procedure can completely eliminate scars. Further, it’s possible that surgery may create a new scar. 

What to expect after scar revision surgery

We customize scar revision surgical plans based on scar type, size, and location. What happens after your procedure depends on these factors. 

However, there are common experiences during the healing process, and you can expect some discomfort, along with swelling and redness, during the first couple of weeks. This is normal, and we may provide corticosteroid injections to minimize the side effects and support the healing process.

While the swelling and pain fade quickly, healing is gradual and may take 12 to 18 months until you see the final results of your surgery. 

At-home care tips

Following your dermatologist's wound care guide is crucial for reducing complications and ensuring the best possible outcomes after surgery. Below are some general post-surgical care steps that can support the repair process and minimize surgical scarring:

1. Wash daily with soap and water
2. Apply petroleum jelly to the scar to keep the skin moist
3. Cover with a clean bandage

Petroleum jelly reduces risk of infection and prevents scabbing. Wounds with scabs take longer to heal and increase risk of developing into more noticeable wounds.

We also recommend protecting the skin and wound from the sun with clothing or sunscreen to prevent skin discoloration. 

While many people are satisfied with the results of a single scar revision surgery, some may require additional procedures to achieve the best outcomes. 

Are you unhappy about the look of one of your scars? We can provide guidance on the types of procedures that can improve the look of your skin. 

Call the office nearest you today to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. We provide dermatology care at our offices in Blaine, Eden Prairie, Fridley, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, and Coon Rapids, Minnesota.