Scar revision in Dubai –
a finer, flatter, better-placed scar.
Scar revision cannot erase a scar, but it can often replace a wide, raised, depressed or badly placed scar with a finer one that blends better with the surrounding skin. Dr Saba Al Marush assesses body scars from previous surgery or injury and explains honestly what can be improved.
Scar revision is a surgical procedure that improves how a scar looks and sits. The unfavourable scar tissue is removed and the skin is closed again carefully, with as little tension as possible. The aim is a scar that is narrower, flatter and less noticeable. Treatment takes place at Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital, Dubai Healthcare City.
What is scar revision?
Every scar goes through a long maturing process. Most fade and flatten with time, but some heal wide, stretched, raised, sunken or tethered to the tissue underneath, or sit in a position where they are easily seen.
In scar revision, Dr Saba removes the unfavourable scar and closes the skin again in careful layers. Where it helps, the line of the scar can be adjusted so that it sits more naturally. The result is still a scar, and it goes through its own maturing period, but the aim is one that is finer and less noticeable than before.
Scars that may be improved.
Scar revision is most often considered for:
- wide or stretched scars that have spread as they healed
- raised (hypertrophic) scars that have not settled with time and conservative care
- depressed or tethered scars that pull or dip below the surrounding skin
- scars from previous body surgery, for example after a caesarean section, a tummy tuck or breast surgery, including uneven ends or folds of skin at the end of a scar
- scars from injury on the body
Keloid scars, which grow beyond the edges of the original wound, tend to come back after surgery. They need a careful assessment, and surgery alone is often not the right answer.
Is scar revision right for you?
Scar revision may suit you if:
- your scar has fully matured, which usually takes many months
- the scar bothers you because of its width, height, position or the way it pulls
- you are in good general health and do not smoke, or can stop before and after surgery
- you understand that the aim is improvement, not a scar-free result
What scar revision cannot do. No technique can remove a scar completely, and no surgeon can guarantee how your skin will heal. Some scars are better managed without surgery, with time, silicone and sun protection; our guide to scar management after plastic surgery explains these steps. Dr Saba will tell you honestly if revision is unlikely to help.
Your scar revision.
Assessment
Dr Saba examines the scar, asks how and when it formed and how your skin has healed in the past.
Planning
The technique is chosen for your scar; sometimes a revision is combined with another body procedure, such as a mini tummy tuck.
Procedure
The scar is removed and the skin closed in careful layers, under local or general anaesthesia depending on its size and position.
Aftercare
Wound care, scar care, sun protection and follow-up visits while the new scar matures.
What recovery involves.
Expect some swelling, bruising and tenderness around the treated area at first. Dr Saba will explain how to care for the wound and when the stitches are removed or dissolve.
Avoid stretching or putting strain on the area while it heals, and protect it from the sun: in Dubai, UV exposure can darken a healing scar. A new scar often looks pink at first and fades and softens gradually over many months.
When scar revision is part of a body surgery such as an abdominoplasty, Dr Saba’s rule of a compression garment for 3 months after surgery applies.
Your questions, answered.
Can scar revision remove my scar completely?
When can a scar be revised?
Can a caesarean or tummy tuck scar be revised?
Can keloid scars be treated with surgery?
Is scar revision painful?
How should I look after the new scar?
Related procedures.
