Scar revision may begin with the application of topical creams, cortisone injections or pressure bandaging to assist the body in the healing process. The result from these methods are variable. Some improvement is usually evident and occasionally the need for surgical revision is eliminated. Surgery is an attempt to replace an unsightly scar with a scar that is less noticeable. This may involve changing the direction of a scar or shifting it to a nearby skin crease or facial line. Surgery is usually done as an outpatient and early healing may take 2-3 weeks. However, it may be 6-12 months before all of the redness disappears and the final improvement is seen. Also the outcome of surgery may be enhanced by combining it with dermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing to further enhance the result.

BEFORE		AFTER
37-year-old woman two months following revision of an appendectomy scar