Evaluate What Makes the Scar Noticeable
Every scar heals differently. Dr. Pero considers the depth, width, texture, color, elevation, and orientation, along with the surrounding skin, to identify which characteristics can be meaningfully improved.
Scars from injuries, previous surgery, or abnormal healing can remain noticeable because of differences in texture, color, depth, width, or position. Scar revision uses surgical and non-surgical techniques to make a scar less conspicuous and help it blend more naturally with the surrounding skin.
At North Texas Facial Plastic Surgery, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Colin Pero tailors treatment to the type of scar, how it has healed, and the degree of improvement that can realistically be achieved.
Scar revision does not completely remove a scar. Instead, treatment is designed to improve the characteristics that make the scar noticeable.
Depending on the scar, treatment may help:
Reduce raised or uneven scar tissue
Soften differences in texture or contour
Reposition a scar so it follows natural facial lines more favorably
Improve depressed or indented scars
Improve the appearance of discoloration
Reduce the width or irregularity of a scar
Some scars may respond to a single treatment, while others benefit from a combination or staged approach.
Scars can heal in different ways depending on the original injury, wound depth and location, skin characteristics, and individual healing response. Identifying the type of scar helps determine which treatment may provide the most meaningful improvement.
Indented scars that sit below the surrounding skin, sometimes following acne, injury, or tissue loss.
Thickened scar tissue that remains within the boundaries of the original wound and may appear raised, red, or discolored.
Raised scars that extend beyond the boundaries of the original injury and may also cause itching or discomfort.
Scars from previous procedures, accidents, or injuries that may be noticeable because of their width, texture, orientation, or location.
Scars that tighten during healing and may restrict movement when they involve areas where skin mobility is important.
Dr. Colin Pero believes aesthetic care should enhance your natural features rather than produce an overdone look. He specializes exclusively in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face, head, and neck.
Facial scars can be especially noticeable when they disrupt natural skin texture, contours, or facial lines. Dr. Pero evaluates not only the scar itself, but also how it interacts with the surrounding anatomy to determine the most appropriate approach for improving its appearance.
Every scar heals differently. Dr. Pero considers the depth, width, texture, color, elevation, and orientation, along with the surrounding skin, to identify which characteristics can be meaningfully improved.
The position and direction of a scar can be just as important as its size. When surgical revision is appropriate, Dr. Pero considers natural facial creases, contours, and skin tension when planning the correction so the revised scar can blend more naturally with the face.
Some scars are best addressed in stages rather than with a single procedure. Surgical revision may improve the scar’s position or shape first, followed by dermabrasion or another resurfacing treatment to further refine texture and blending as healing progresses.
There is no single treatment that works for every scar. Dr. Pero considers the scar’s type, depth, location, age, color, texture, and surrounding skin when developing a treatment plan.
Gels, tapes, compression, or other topical therapies may be used for selected scars or as part of the healing process following another scar revision procedure.
Certain raised or hypertrophic scars may respond to steroid injections. These treatments can help reduce excess scar tissue and improve the thickness or texture of the scar.
Fillers may be appropriate for selected depressed or indented scars. By adding volume beneath the scar, treatment can create a smoother transition with the surrounding skin. Results are temporary and vary depending on the filler used and the characteristics of the scar.
Dermabrasion removes controlled layers of skin to encourage new skin formation and improve surface irregularities. For selected scars, it can help soften the transition between scar tissue and the surrounding skin.
Other resurfacing treatments may also be considered depending on the scar and skin characteristics.
Deeper, wider, irregular, or poorly positioned scars may benefit from surgical revision. This typically involves removing the existing scar and carefully repositioning the skin to create conditions for a less conspicuous scar as the area heals.
Surgical scar revision involves more than simply removing an existing scar. On the face, the direction and position of a scar can significantly affect how noticeable it appears.
The existing scar may be carefully removed before the skin edges are repositioned and closed. The goal is to create a more favorable environment for the new scar to heal.
When appropriate, Dr. Pero may change the direction of a scar so that it follows natural facial creases, contours, or skin lines more closely. This can help the scar blend more naturally with the surrounding face.
Long, straight scars can sometimes draw the eye because of their uniform appearance. Selected scars may be revised into a less linear pattern to improve camouflage within the surrounding skin.
The technique used depends on the scar’s location, surrounding anatomy, and the amount of correction needed.
Scar revision may be appropriate when a scar has sufficiently healed to evaluate which characteristics are likely to remain.
You may consider an evaluation if a scar:
The appropriate timing varies. Some scars benefit from additional maturation before revision, while certain scar problems may warrant earlier treatment. Dr. Pero evaluates the scar and healing process before recommending when to proceed.
Treatment is tailored to the scar, its healing, and the type of correction needed.
Dr. Pero examines the scar, surrounding skin, healing history, and any previous treatments.
He recommends the most appropriate approach, which may include surgical revision, resurfacing, injectables, topical treatment, or a combination.
Treatment is performed in the office or an appropriate surgical setting, depending on the procedure and extent of correction.
You’ll receive personalized aftercare instructions, with follow-up visits to monitor healing and determine whether additional treatment may be beneficial.
Recovery varies depending on the treatment performed and the extent of correction.
Temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness may occur.
Swelling, discoloration, and discomfort are common during early healing, with wound care and activity restrictions based on the procedure.
Redness and sensitivity vary depending on the treatment and depth of resurfacing.
Dr. Pero provides personalized aftercare instructions and follow-up to support healing and monitor the revised scar as it matures.
Scar revision is designed to make a scar less noticeable rather than remove it completely. Improvement develops gradually as the treated area heals and the new scar begins to soften, flatten, and fade.
Results vary based on the original scar, its location, treatment performed, skin characteristics, and individual healing. Some scars may benefit from staged or additional treatment to achieve further improvement.
If a facial scar remains noticeable because of its texture, depth, width, position, or color, Dr. Pero can evaluate how it has healed and determine which treatment may provide the most appropriate improvement.
Contact North Texas Facial Plastic Surgery at (469) 278-7958 or request your consultation online. We welcome patients at our Dallas and Plano locations.
No. Any injury to the deeper layers of skin can leave a scar. Scar revision is intended to make the scar less noticeable by improving characteristics such as its position, width, depth, texture, or contour.
No. Treatment may include topical therapy, injections, dermabrasion or other resurfacing, surgical revision, or a combination of techniques. The appropriate approach depends on the scar.
Dermabrasion may improve selected facial scars by smoothing surface irregularities and helping the scar blend with surrounding skin. It may be performed alone or as part of a staged scar revision plan.
Initial healing occurs before the scar reaches its final appearance. A revised scar continues to soften, flatten, fade, and mature over the following weeks and months.
Risks depend on the treatment performed and may include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, changes in pigmentation or sensation, contour irregularities, unfavorable scarring, and the need for additional treatment. Dr. Pero will review the risks relevant to your treatment plan during your consultation.
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