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Scar revision is performed to correct and reconstruct a scar in order to improve its condition and movement.
Reconstruction and correction of scars treatment includes several techniques including topical creams or gels, injections and surgery.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private reconstruction and correction of scars treatment with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what reconstruction and correction of scars treatment is, looks at the benefits of reconstruction and correction of scars treatment, and what types of treatments are available.
Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.
A scar is a part of your body's natural healing process where a mark is left on your skin after a wound has healed. When your dermis (the middle layer of your skin) is damaged, your skin cells produce extra collagen to repair the wound, resulting in the growth of new, thicker tissue over the wound site.
Some scars may be itchy or painful. Large scars that are close to a joint or involve a muscle can make movement difficult. If your scars are visible, you may feel self-conscious about your appearance which may affect your confidence and self-esteem.
Scars may be caused by:
Some types of scars include:
Fine line scars develop after a minor injury such as a skin cut or uncomplicated wound. They start as a raised scar and flatten and fade as your skin heals, leaving a fine line that often appears lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
Fine line scars may itch for the first few months, but this usually resolves as your skin fully heals.
Keloid scars are formed from collagen produced by your body after a wound has healed and appear as thick, irregular clusters of scar tissue that extend beyond the edges of the original wound. They are red or darker in colour than the surrounding skin. Keloid scars can occur anywhere on your body but are more common in areas where there is less underlying fatty tissue, such as on your face, neck, ears, chest or shoulders. They are more common in people with darker skin. Keloid scars may develop up to a year after the original injury.
Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloid scars, but the scar tissue remains within the boundaries of the original wound. They appear as red, thick raised clusters of scar tissue and normally start to develop within weeks of the original injury. Hypertrophic scars may be uncomfortable and make moving the affected area difficult. They can be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
Atrophic scars are pitted or indented scars that develop when your skin heals below the normal layer of skin. They occur when your skin doesn't produce enough collagen to regenerate the damaged tissue. Atrophic scars are commonly caused by severe acne, chickenpox, or surgery such as mole removal.
Contracture scars occur when your skin and underlying tissue pull together during healing, forming new tissue that is thicker, tighter, and less flexible which can make movement difficult. They commonly occur after a burn. Contractures can also develop where a wound crosses a joint, which can restrict the movement of your fingers, elbows, knees or neck.
At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important as it's where you will meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. Your consultant will spend time getting to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. It is important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your reconstruction and correction of scars treatment, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment.
At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide if reconstruction and correction of scars treatment is a suitable treatment for you and decide on the best option depending on the size, type and location of your scar, your general health and expectations for treatment.
Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your reconstruction and correction of scars treatment. Instructions will also be in your appointment letter. If there's anything you're not sure about, or if you have any questions about how to prepare for your procedure, speak to your consultant or call the hospital for advice.
Being well-prepared for your treatment will help ease any anxiety you may have as well as help your procedure and recovery to go more smoothly.
Before your treatment, tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have, and any medication, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements you are taking.
Depending on the type of treatment you are having, your consultant may tell you to stop taking some medications like blood thinners, isotretinoin or some medications for severe acne for a few days before and after your reconstruction and correction of scars treatment.
If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will not be able to eat or drink anything from midnight on the day of your surgery. Check with your healthcare team about when you can eat and drink before your procedure.
It's important to be in optimal health before your procedure. Being in the best possible health will reduce the risk of complications and allow your procedure and recovery to go more smoothly.
To ensure you are as healthy as possible before your treatment:
There are several types of reconstruction and correction of scars treatments. The best treatment option for you depends on factors such as the type, severity, size and location of your scar, your age, medical history and general health. Your consultant will discuss possible treatment options with you and recommend the best treatment or combination of treatments tailored to your individual needs.
Topical treatments involve treating the surface of your skin. They are usually most effective for minor, newly-formed scars or to prevent the development of scars while your wound is still healing. It may be several months before you see results from topical treatments.
Types of topical treatments include:
Skin resurfacing treatments work by removing the top layers of skin, triggering collagen production and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells. They can help to improve the colour, appearance and texture of scars. Most people need several treatments before they see an improvement in their scars.
Types of resurfacing treatments include:
These treatments involve injecting medication directly into your scar. Injectable treatments work best for raised and keloid scars and can help reduce the size of your scar and improve symptoms such as itching, pain, and irritation. You may need to have several treatment sessions before you see an improvement in your scars.
Types of injectable treatments include:
If your scars are large, severe, are causing you pain or restricting your movement, your consultant may recommend scar revision surgery. Scar revision surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic, but in some cases, a general anaesthetic may be used. Your consultant will discuss the type of anaesthetic with you before your scar revision surgery. If you have a local anaesthetic, you may be given medication to make you feel relaxed and sleepy during your procedure.
Scar revision surgery normally takes between one and two hours.
Some scar revision surgery techniques include:
While it may not completely eradicate your scar, reconstruction and correction of scars treatment offers many benefits including:
Recovery from any type of procedure is different for everyone and recovering from reconstruction and correction of scars treatment depends on many factors such as the type of procedure you had, your general health and individual recovery process.
Your consultant will give you an estimated recovery timeline based on your individual circumstances.
You can help your recovery to go more smoothly by taking things at your own pace, listening to your body and following your consultant's post-operative instructions carefully. Attend any follow-up appointments given to you by your healthcare team and call the hospital if you have any questions or concerns.
Most reconstruction and correction of scars treatment is performed as a day case, meaning you'll be able to go home the same day. If your surgery is lengthy or complex, you may need to spend one or more nights in hospital. Talk to your consultant about how long you can expect to spend in hospital after your procedure.
You will not be able to drive yourself home after your reconstruction and correction of scars treatment. Please arrange for someone to collect you or we can organise a taxi if you prefer.
How soon you can go back to work following reconstruction and correction of scars treatment depends on the type of procedure you had, your individual recovery and the type of job you do.
For minor procedures such as topical treatments, injectables or resurfacing treatments, you may be able to return to work the same or next day. For scar revision surgery, you can expect to take a week or two off work, longer if your job is very active or strenuous.
When you can drive after your procedure depends on many factors including the type of procedure you had, the part of your body that was treated, and your individual healing process. If you had a general anaesthetic, you must not drive for at least 24 hours as your concentration and reaction times may still be affected.
Talk to your consultant about when you can expect to drive after your procedure.
How long it takes to recover from reconstruction and correction of scars treatment varies depending on the type of treatment you had and your individual recovery time.
Recovery from scar revision surgery can take from a couple of weeks to several months.
After your scar revision surgery:
As with any type of surgery, reconstruction and correction of scars treatment carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain any possible risks and complications before your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
We want you to be as well-informed as possible about any potential risks and complications of your treatment as this will allow you to make an informed decision.
Possible complications of any surgical procedure include:
Possible complications of reconstruction and correction of scars treatment include:
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about reconstruction and correction of scars treatment, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in October 2024. Next review due October 2027.
Scars NHS
Scar revision Johns Hopkins Medicine
Scar revision Cleveland Clinic
Scar revision American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Please be aware that the following prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.
Any diagnostic tests that are carried out will incur a fee and if you see a consultant to go through your results they may also charge an extra consultation fee.
Patient pathway | Initial consultation | Diagnostic Investigations | Main treatment | Post discharge care | Guide price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hospital fees | N/A | Not included | £2,845 | Included | £2,845 |
Consultants fees from | £200 | N/A | Included | Included | £200 |
Guide price | £3,045 |