A scar is the trace that is left on the skin after a wound has healed. Sometimes scars fade well, but some can also stay quite noticeable, either by being darker or lighter than the surrounding skin, or by being visibly raised or textured.

How large a wound is and how it heals (if it becomes infected, for example) will affect the scar that remains, but there is also a random element. The way a scar will end up looking is always a bit unpredictable—particularly if there has been no real effort to minimize it.

If you have a visible scar that you find unattractive due to its appearance or location, you should consider exploring the possibility of having it “revised” through plastic surgery. Whether your scar is always visible to the world by being on a hand or on your face, or inhibits the wearing of bathing suits or other more revealing clothing, you can change your appearance to one that is more satisfying.

Scar Revision Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeons are highly skilled at closing their incisions so as to disguise or minimize scarring. Scar revision is the use of these advanced plastic surgery wound-closure techniques to “replace” an existing scar with one that is hopefully much less evident. Although scars cannot be erased entirely, it is quite possible that a scar from an injury or earlier surgery can be made less noticeable.

In some cases, plastic surgery skin treatments such as dermabrasion may be recommended in place of surgical incisions. This will depend on the type, size, and location of the scar.

Experience and Innovation to Improve Patient Outcomes

At The Plastic Surgery Clinic we perform approximately 150 to 200 scar revision procedures per year. As highly trained, experienced, and accredited plastic surgeons, Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin are very accomplished at finishing all of their surgical procedures with as little visible scarring as possible. Indeed, the goal of all plastic surgery is to give the patient as natural and unblemished a result as possible.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge

If you are considering this important surgery please explore the links on the left to learn more. If you have more questions about whether Scar Revision Plastic Surgery in Toronto / Mississauga is for you, please contact us at [email protected] to set up a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin.

How Scar Revision Plastic Surgery is Performed

Scar revision is very much a situation that differs from patient to patient in terms of what can realistically be achieved. The ultimate goal is to get the existing scar to blend in better with the surrounding skin (in both colour and texture).

To this end, if a surgical procedure is used, the existing scar will be cut away, and the resulting incision will be (re)closed using advanced plastic surgery suturing techniques. This may include a layered closure with suturing under the skin as well as on the surface. If possible, the scar may be moved to a less conspicuous location using procedures similar to those used in procedures such as arm or thigh lifts.

The type of anaesthesia used will depend of the amount of revision that is being attempted. In many cases, the procedure will take less than two hours and patients can be home on the same day.

Where Your Scar Revision Plastic Surgery is Performed

Your Scar Revision Plastic Surgery can be performed right on site in the state-of-the-art facilities of The Plastic Surgery Clinic. The Clinic meets or exceeds national, provincial, and municipal health care facility standards in such important areas as equipment quality and infection control.

If you prefer, you can choose to have your surgery at one of the hospitals where the board-certified cosmetic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Clinic enjoy privileges. These include the Mississauga site of the Trillium Health Centre and the University Health Network in Toronto.

No matter where you choose to have your surgery, there is always a surgeon on call to respond to your concerns. In addition, a board-certified anaesthesiologist will administer your local or general anaesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and be there as you wake up.

Best Candidates for Scar Revision Surgery

The best candidates for scar revision plastic surgery are those who have a scar that bothers them, but are otherwise healthy. Underlying skin conditions or diseases (such as severe acne) around the scar area will complicate the surgery.

Smokers should quit for at least two weeks before and after surgery, because smoking inhibits healing.

A realistic expectation of the results is also very important. To this end, Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin are always careful to explain everything about your procedure as clearly as possible, including the risks and the most likely outcomes.

Scar revision surgery can have a positive effect on your self-esteem. Feeling better about your appearance can make you feel better about yourself. Studies show that this kind of surgery often improves quality of life. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin.

Preparing for Scar Revision Surgery

Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin are proud to have helped so many patients in Toronto and Mississauga feel more confident by helping to minimize scars that have made them feel self-conscious. This may allow them to wear more revealing clothing without embarrassment or to face the world with greater confidence.

Because surgery of any sort can make patients feel nervous or apprehensive, Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin listen carefully to a patient’s desires and provide expert guidance on what each type of surgery can and cannot do. They will carefully explain the potential benefits, as well as the risks, in order to make you feel secure and comfortable with the procedure.

Your consultation will involve a physical examination, including a thorough medical history, and a discussion about your goals with surgery.

Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin will spend as much time as you need to make sure both you and your surgeon know exactly what you want. It may not always be possible to meet all your expectations with surgery, so it is crucial that you understand what a realistic outcome is likely to be.

Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad or Dr. Austin will examine you to determine exactly what procedure or combination of procedures will best help you meet your goals. For scar revision, how best to address your particular scars will be carefully discussed. Your surgeon will work with you to recommend the procedure that will help you come closest to achieving your desired results.

Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to prepare for surgery in order to achieve the best result, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking certain vitamins and medications. Smokers should plan to stop smoking for a minimum of one or two weeks before surgery and during recovery, as smoking decreases circulation and interferes with proper healing. You may also be asked to refrain from taking aspirin, anti-inflammation drugs, or certain herbal supplements, as they may increase bleeding during the surgery.

Recovery Following Scar Revision

Many scar revision operations can be performed at The Plastic Surgery Clinic as a day surgery procedure using a local anaesthetic. More complex cases may require general anaesthesia, after which a friend or relative will need to come and pick you up and stay with you at home for at least 24 hours.

After scar revision surgery, bandages will cover the new incisions for a couple of days. If sutures have been used, they may be removed after a week.

Normally, any swelling or discomfort will be gone within two weeks. As far as the results, full healing of the incision may take up to a year to reach its final state, although the general appearance of the new scar will be clear sooner than that.

Scar Revision Risks & Complications

Dr. Lista, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Austin perform 150-200 scar revision procedures each year. The results are ordinarily positive and complications are rare. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery, and there are specific complications associated with this procedure. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you thoroughly during the consultation process.

Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but may require a hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon as possible after the surgery. At our state-of-the-art plastic surgery clinic in Toronto, patients are given anti-embolic stockings which they are asked to wear for one week following surgery. We also have a specialized device called a sequential compression pump that gently massages the patient’s legs during surgery and, combined with the stockings, greatly decreases the risk of blood clots in the legs.

Poor healing, which can result in conspicuous scars, may require a second operation. Smokers are advised to quit, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Please keep in mind that at The Plastic Surgery Clinic, we will treat any complication that may arise.

Scar Revision Before & After Photos

Most of the scar revision patients at the Plastic Surgery Clinic are very happy with the results. Scar revision can disguise formerly obtrusive scars and create a much more blended look to the skin. It normally takes time for the scars to fully fade, however, so it is important to have some patience.

Scar revision results are normally long-lasting—and may even continue to improve as time goes on.

Any plastic surgery procedure may have an impact on your friends and family. Some may not see much difference, while others may act resentful. If this happens, remind yourself of your goals going into surgery and remember that you did this for yourself and your own satisfaction, not to please anyone else.

When you visit our clinic for a free consultation, a wide range of before and after photos of actual scar revision results will be made available to you.

Scar Revision Photo Gallery

Most of the scar revision patients at the Plastic Surgery Clinic are very happy with the results. Scar revision can disguise formerly obtrusive scars and create a much more blended look to the skin. It normally takes time for the scars to fully fade, however, so it is important to have some patience.

Scar revision results are normally long-lasting—and may even continue to improve as time goes on.

Any plastic surgery procedure may have an impact on your friends and family. Some may not see much difference, while others may act resentful. If this happens, remind yourself of your goals going into surgery and remember that you did this for yourself and your own satisfaction, not to please anyone else.

When you visit our clinic for a free consultation, a wide range of photos of actual scar revision results will be made available to you.

How Much is Scar Revision Surgery?

Scar revision plastic surgery can improve the appearance of your skin and boost your self esteem, but it isn’t usually covered by OHIP or other provincial or corporate health plans unless it needs to be removed for medical reasons. At The Plastic Surgery Clinic we love helping our patients achieve their goals, and we don’t want the perceived cost of this surgery to get in the way of you learning more about it. This is why we offer complimentary consultations in which you will learn more about the surgery, the details, and the realities of the procedure, as well as an accurate estimate of cost. You will be pleased to learn about our affordable financing options, as well, so that you can make the most of who you are, sooner.

To find out more about the cost of scar revision plastic surgery, please contact us by phone or e-mail or by filling out the Request for Information form below.