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Scar Revision

Scars form naturally when a wound heals. If the appearance of a scar makes you feel self-conscious, you may want to consider scar revision.

Click for a list of Kaiser Permanente locations offering scar revision in Northern California.

Proper scar revision treatment will depend on the type of scar to be treated, the scar’s size, and the tone and texture of the surrounding skin. During your consultation, talk with your physician about what’s right for you.

What treatments are available?

The most common scar revision treatments offered at Kaiser Permanente are filler injections, vascular laser treatment, laser skin resurfacing, steroid applications and injections, and tissue rearrangement. All of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and if necessary, under local or general anesthetic.

Filler injections are used to raise sunken scars. Collagen is injected into the area, producing immediate results. Although, collagen is a natural protein, you will need to take a test to make sure you aren’t allergic to it before you begin treatment. Filler injections are not permanent—your body will slowly absorb the collagen, so you will need to repeat the injections every few years.

A vascular laser helps ease the discoloration of a red scar by reducing the blood vessels that supply blood to the area. The treatment may cause a mild stinging sensation, but no anesthetic is required.

Laser skin resurfacing removes the top layer of damaged skin, allowing new, smoother skin to form. This procedure can be very effective for small facial and acne scars.

Steroid applications and injections can reduce scars that are raised, thick, or red. Steroids are applied or injected directly into the scar to break down collagen cells inside. Steroid injections may also ease the pain or itching that some scars cause.

Tissue rearrangement involves cutting the skin around your scar and re-suturing the area. The new scar is usually smaller and aligned to follow the natural contours of your skin, making it less noticeable.

Scar revision may noticeably improve the size, color and texture of a scar, but it will not completely remove a scar, and many scars don’t respond to revision techniques. It’s important to talk with your physician to make sure your expectations are realistic.

I'm interested! What's my next step?

Click on the link below to locate a Kaiser Permanente Cosmetic Services center near you.