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Procedures > Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures > Facial Scar Revision

Facial Scar Revision

Facial scar revision is a procedure that reduces the appearance of an unsightly scar caused by an accident, burns, poor healing, or a past surgical procedure. Reducing the appearance of your facial scar can improve your self-confidence and restore function where a scar is restricting facial movement or function.

What can facial scar revision treat?

Facial scar revision addresses such problems as:

  • Facial scarring that interrupts facial harmony
  • Facial scarring that interferes with facial movement and expression
  • Facial scarring that interferes with physical functions such as blinking, chewing, and breathing.

Is facial scar revision right for me?

Facial scar revision is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Facial scar revision may be a good option for you if:

  • You have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance.
  • You are physically healthy
  • You do not smoke

What happens during facial scar revision?

There are many techiques and technologies that can help reduce the appearance of facial scars. Because there are many different types of facial scars and each requires it's own treatment plan, the plan should be tailored to your needs.

When a scar is of the contracture type, one that is tight and generally looks smooth and raised, surgery generally involves removing the scar tissue entirely. Adjacent healthy, unscarred skin is elevated and then moved to form a new incision line.

When a skin flap is not possible, a skin graft may be used. A graft involves taking a section of skin from one area and transferring it to another, and time must be allowed following surgery for new blood vessels and soft tissue to form.

Dermabrasion and laser resurfacing are methods a surgeon uses to make "rough or elevated" scars less prominent, by removing part of the upper layers of skin with an abrading tool or laser light. The scar will remain, but it will be smoother and less visible.

Keloid or hypertropic scars are often treated first with steriod injections to reduce their size. If this is not satisfactory, the scars can be removed surgically, and the incisions closed with fine stitches, often resulting in less prominent scars.

The method used to treat your facial scar will depend on the location and type of scar that must be addressed. During your consultation with your Chicago plastic surgeon, Dr. Weinzweig, your options will be discussed.

What should I expect during the recovery period?

In most cases, scar revision is an in office procedure and you can resume normal activity soon after the procedure.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your Chicago cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig.

What are the risks of facial scar revisions?

All plastic surgery carries risks along with the many rewards as no surgery is risk free. Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, your Chicago plastic surgeon, will explain the risks in your consultation so you can make an informed decision based on your unique situation.