Scar Revision FAQs: Living Without Painful Reminders

Life has a way of leaving little reminders in our skin. These scars can symbolize resilience and hope, but sometimes, scars are unwanted souvenirs of a time you’d rather forget. Painful moments, traumatic events, and chronic conditions can stare back at us from scars on our skin.

With scar revision at Pinnacle Dermatology, you can take control by finally giving your skin what it needs to close the chapter on unwanted skin damage. Learn everything you need to know about scar revision from the team at Pinnacle Dermatology!

What Are Scars? 

Usually composed of fibrous tissue, scars are the body’s way of repairing damaged skin from injury, infection, inflammation, or surgery. Scars can vary in appearance and can be flat, swollen, lumpy, and various colors. As we age, scars can age along with us, and it’s not unusual for scars to change over time. Scars can change in color, or become smoother as collagen breaks down at the site of the wound.

What Are the Types of Scars?

There are five main types of scars: contracture, depressed, flat, keloids, and raised. Burns often cause contracture scars and can lead to constriction in movement. As the name suggests, a contracture scar is characterized by skin contracting, which causes tightness in the affected area. 

• Depressed scars: often occur on the face and result from acne, chickenpox, or injury. They usually have a pit-like appearance and are sometimes called “ice-pick” scars. 
• Flat scars: are usually itchy but not painful. Most flat scars appear raised but, over time, become dull and less noticeable. Flat scars are common after minor cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. 
• Keloid scars: are raised scars that span beyond the injury site due to an overproduction of collagen. Keloid scars can be itchy, painful, and restricting.
• Raised scars: Like keloid scars, raised scars occur because of excess collagen production and are—as the name suggests—raised above the skin. Raised scars, or hypertrophic scars, do not extend beyond the injury. 

What Is Scar Revision?

Scar revision covers numerous treatments to improve the aesthetic appearance of a scar, improve itchiness or pain, and even restore function to a part of the body affected by the scar. Scar revision is personalized to meet the needs of the individual and can include topical treatments, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical operations.  

What Scar Revision Treatment Is Right for Me?

No matter the type of scar, there’s a revision treatment for you at Pinnacle Dermatology. Several factors impact which scar revision treatment is right for you, including the type of scar, medical history, and any symptoms, such as pain or restricted movement. 

Topical treatments, like gels and tapes, can reduce discoloration and refine your scar’s appearance. Our minimally invasive techniques include steroid-based injections to improve the appearance of your scar. For deeper scars, surgical techniques can remove the scar and close up the wound. Sometimes skin grafting may be needed to close the injury, but your surgeon will discuss the ins and outs of the procedure with you in depth. 

Am I a Candidate for Scar Revision Treatment?

If you’re living with painful reminders you’d like to be rid of, scar revision may be right for you. We recommend scar revision for those who aren’t suffering from other skin conditions or illnesses. If you’re wondering if scar revision surgery is right for you, we encourage you to reach out to our team to learn more. 

How Should I Prepare for My Consolation?

Before your consultation, we recommend you consider your goals and expectations for your treatment. You can expect to be asked about your medical history, drug allergies, current medications, and other health-related questions. 

Your provider will examine your scar at your consultation and recommend a preferred scar revision treatment option to achieve your desired results.  

Heal Your Past with the Help of Scar Revision 

Scar revision can be the skin-healing answer you’ve been looking for. Whether topical, minimally invasive, or surgical, we can help rejuvenate your skin and improve your unwanted scar. When you choose Pinnacle Dermatology, you can expect a customized treatment plan curated just for you. Feel comfortable in your skin again with Pinnacle Dermatology. 

Interested in Learning More About Scar Revision? Call Us Today!

Proudly serving Beaufort & Bluffton, SC, Pinnacle Dermatology is dedicated to your healing and restoration. With years of experience, our team of experts can improve your scar so that you can feel comfortable and confident. Call us at (843) 524-5550 or contact us online!