Whether disfiguring or simply unattractive, scars can take an emotional toll, especially when they are highly visible. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anthony Miller understands the impact that scarring can have on your self-image, and is committed to helping you restore your appearance and confidence.
To learn how Dr. Miller can help you address the appearance of scars, call 714-379-9777  today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve patients from throughout California, including Huntington Beach, Orange County and Newport Beach.
What Scar Revision Treatments Does Dr. Miller Offer?
Dr. Miller will first determine what type of scar you have, the location, the maturity, and other factors before recommending a treatment. Most scars are revised with one of the following methods:
- Steroid injection
- Surgery
- Laser therapy
- Silicone scar gel or tape
There are other revision techniques that are less common, but a consultation with Dr. Miller is necessary to determine the best option for you.
How Effective Are Scar Revision Treatments?
When it comes to scar revision, individual results will vary. Scars, especially mature ones, can be difficult to fully remove. Oftentimes their appearance can be softened and made less obvious. It’s also difficult to predict the results because each person’s body scars differently and will therefore respond to revision techniques uniquely. Overall, most of our scar revision patients are satisfied with the ultimate results.
How Long Does A Scar Revision Treatment Take?
For steroid injections, you will usually receive a series of several injections spaced three to four weeks apart. For surgical treatment, the time required is the consultation plus the one to two hour procedure.
How Soon After The Scar Revision Treatment Will I See Results?
It depends on the method used. Steroid injections are performed over a course of months. You may begin to see good results within several months, and most people are happy with the final results that appear after about one year.
Surgical results have a similar timeline. Once the procedure is performed, you will need to wait a while for the redness and swelling to go away. You will notice an improvement after several weeks, and again after several months, with final results generally taking shape a year after surgery.
Overall, it can take some time for the results to finalize. It’s important to be patient and remind yourself of how you’ll feel once the scar is less noticeable.
Is Scar Revision Painful?
Most people tolerate scar revision quite well. If you are receiving steroid injections, you may feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted, but the pain lasts only a moment and goes away quickly. Most people do not have lingering discomfort after the steroid injections. As the months go by, you may notice a reduction in the itching caused by the scar, which is usually a welcome change for people who have been dealing with uncomfortable scars.
If surgery is performed to revise your scar, the area will be numbed and you won’t feel any of the procedure. Afterward, you may experience mild pain and discomfort over the next few days. Most patients are able to relieve the discomfort with acetaminophen. Every person has a different pain threshold and experience of surgical recovery, but rest assured that we will make sure you know what to expect and what your options are if you experience postoperative pain.
Scar Revision Tailored For You
No two patients or scars are exactly the same, which is why your scar revision treatment must be fully customized to your unique needs. Dr. Miller’s approach to your scar treatment will depend on a variety of factors, such as:
- Your age
- Your general health
- Your current medications
- Your skin’s texture and tone
- The blood supply to the scar
- The location of your scar
- The depth of injury
During your free initial scar revision consultation, Dr. Miller will review your medical history and assess your scar. He will explain all of your treatment options and recommend the treatment plan that can best meet your expectations. It’s important to understand that while scars can never be completely eliminated, they can be diminished or camouflaged.
Common Types of Scars
Before undergoing any scar revision treatment, it is essential to understand the type of scar you have. This will determine the treatment strategy used by Dr. Miller. Some of the most common types of scars include:
- Atrophic scar: This type of scar results from the body’s inability to regenerate tissue. Atrophic scarring often occurs after chickenpox or acne. They can simply lie flat, or appear indented or depressed.
- Hypertrophic scar: This type of scar is caused by the overproduction of collagen by the body’s reaction to a trauma or injury of some kind. A hypertrophic scar appears raised and red, and can restrict movement if it is located near a joint.
- Keloid scar: This type of scar, like a hypertrophic scar, results from the body’s overproduction of collagen in response to injury. Keloids are typically treated with steroid injections.
Why Choose Dr. Miller?
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anthony Miller understands scarring and performs scar revision treatments to effectively minimize the appearance of scars. During your initial consult, he will evaluate your scar and recommend the treatment strategy that is best for you. Depending on your unique situation, he may recommend a surgical, non-surgical or combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments to attain the optimal result.
No scar can be completely eradicated, but a comprehensive strategy can greatly improve its appearance. Dr. Miller will explain your treatment options and design a plan tailored specifically for you.
Benefits of Scar Revision
Scar revision procedures offer both physical and emotional benefits to individuals who are self-conscious or physically uncomfortable due to noticeable scarring. Some of the primary advantages include:
- Improved Appearance:Â Scar revision can significantly reduce the visibility of a scar by blending it with the surrounding skin tone and texture.
- Enhanced Skin Function:Â In cases where scars restrict movement or cause tightness, such as contracture scars, revision can restore mobility and skin flexibility.
- Boosted Confidence:Â Minimizing the appearance of prominent or disfiguring scars can help patients feel more comfortable in social, professional, and intimate settings.
- Customization Options:Â Various techniques (surgical, laser therapy, dermabrasion, and injectable treatments) allow for a personalized approach based on scar type, location, and severity.
- Minimal Downtime (for Non-Surgical Options):Â Many non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments require little to no recovery time, making them convenient for busy lifestyles.
Candidates for Scar Revision
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for scar revision, but many people with noticeable or problematic scars can benefit from consultation and treatment. You may be a good candidate if:
- You have a raised, sunken, discolored, or stretched scar that affects your appearance or comfort.
- Your scar has healed poorly or resulted from trauma, surgery, acne, or burns.
- You are in generally good health with no medical conditions that could impair healing.
- You have realistic expectations about what scar revision can achieve. It may improve appearance, but complete scar removal is unlikely.
- You are a non-smoker or can quit during the healing period to support optimal results.
- Your scar is fully healed and mature, typically at least 6-12 months old, depending on its type and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my scar revision consultation?
What is the recovery time after scar revision?
Recovery varies depending on the technique used. For non-surgical treatments such as laser therapy or microneedling, you may experience redness, swelling, or mild peeling for a few days, but downtime is minimal. Surgical scar revision typically involves a few days to a couple of weeks of healing, with stitches removed within 5-14 days and full results becoming visible over several months.
Will my scar come back after revision?
Scar revision significantly improves the appearance and texture of a scar, but it does not completely erase it. In some cases, especially with keloid or hypertrophic scars, the scar can return or form again after treatment. To avoid recurrence, Dr. Miller may recommend preventive strategies such as pressure garments, silicone sheets, or corticosteroid injections post-treatment.
What can I do at home to support scar healing?
To promote optimal healing, follow all post-treatment instructions provided. General at-home care includes:
- Keep the area clean and moisturized.
- Avoid sun exposure and use SPF 30.
- Apply silicone gel or sheets as directed.
- Avoid picking or scratching the healing skin.
- Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods.
Schedule Your Free Scar Revision Consultation Today
If you live in the Huntington Beach, Orange County or Newport Beach areas of California and are considering scar revision treatment, contact Orange County Cosmetic Surgery today by completing the form on this page or calling 714-379-9777  to schedule your free initial consultation with Dr. Miller. We look forward to meeting you!
