Scar Revision
Medical scar revision to improve the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, traumatic scars, and keloid scars. Evidence-based treatments including laser therapy, microneedling, injectable fillers, and surgical revision performed by Dr. Abram Berens.
Scar revision is a specialized medical procedure designed to minimize the appearance of scars through advanced dermatological and surgical techniques. Dr. Berens offers comprehensive scar treatment for a wide range of scar types, from acne scarring to post-surgical scars to traumatic injury scars.
Treatment approach depends on scar type, location, depth, tissue characteristics, and your skin type. Dr. Berens may use laser resurfacing, microneedling with PRP, dermal fillers for atrophic scars, steroid injections for hypertrophic or keloid scars, chemical peels, dermabrasion, or surgical excision and revision.
Scar revision is a medical procedure requiring careful assessment, realistic expectations, and physician-supervised care. Not all scars can be completely eliminated, but most can be significantly improved with the appropriate treatment protocol.
Real Scar Revision Results
Before and after treatment by Dr. Berens
Medical Disclaimer: Individual results vary significantly based on scar type, age, location, skin type, and patient healing characteristics. These images represent specific patient outcomes and do not guarantee similar results for all patients. All scar revision procedures carry inherent risks and limitations, which Dr. Berens discusses during consultation. Scars cannot be completely removed, but can often be improved in appearance. Images shown are of actual patients treated by Dr. Abram Berens, MD and are used with written permission.
Scar Types
Scars We Treat
Comprehensive scar revision for multiple scar types
Acne Scars
Ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, and atrophic scarring from inflammatory acne. Treatment includes laser resurfacing, microneedling, subcision, dermal fillers, and chemical peels.
• Fractional CO2 laser
• Microneedling with PRP
• TCA CROSS for deep ice pick scars
• Dermal fillers for volume replacement
Keloid & Hypertrophic Scars
Raised, overgrown scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound or stays within the wound boundary. Treatment includes steroid injections, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgical excision.
• Intralesional corticosteroid injections
• Pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Surgical excision with adjunctive therapy
Surgical Scars
Scars from previous surgeries, C-sections, biopsies, or cosmetic procedures. Treatment includes laser resurfacing, steroid injections for thick scars, silicone sheeting, and surgical revision for wide or poorly positioned scars.
• Fractional laser resurfacing
• Surgical scar revision and excision
• Steroid injections for raised scars
• Silicone gel and pressure therapy
Traumatic Scars
Scars from injuries, burns, lacerations, or accidents. Treatment depends on scar depth, location, and tissue quality. May involve dermabrasion, laser therapy, Z-plasty, or tissue expansion for large scars.
• Laser scar revision
• Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion
• Surgical scar revision (Z-plasty, W-plasty)
• Tissue expansion for large scars
Physician-Led Treatment Approach
Medical Assessment
Dr. Berens examines scar type, depth, tissue quality, skin type, and healing characteristics to determine the most appropriate treatment modality.
Customized Protocol
Treatment plan may combine multiple modalities (laser, microneedling, injectables, surgery) staged over several sessions for optimal results.
Long-Term Management
Scar revision is a process, not a single event. Dr. Berens monitors healing, adjusts treatment as needed, and provides ongoing scar management strategies.
Treatment Modalities Available
Evidence-based scar revision techniques
Laser Scar Revision
Fractional CO2 laser, erbium laser, and pulsed dye laser to resurface skin, stimulate collagen production, reduce redness, and improve texture. Multiple sessions typically required.
Microneedling with PRP
Medical-grade microneedling (Dermapen, SkinPen) creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Often combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for enhanced healing.
Injectable Treatments
Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite) to fill atrophic scars. Steroid injections (triamcinolone) to flatten raised hypertrophic or keloid scars. 5-FU injections for resistant keloids.
Chemical Peels & Dermabrasion
TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) for deep ice pick scars. Medium-depth chemical peels for superficial scarring. Dermabrasion for mechanical skin resurfacing.
Surgical Scar Revision
Surgical excision and re-closure with meticulous technique for wide, thick, or poorly positioned scars. Z-plasty or W-plasty to reorient scar direction. Subcision for tethered scars.
Benefits of Scar Revision Treatment
Improved scar appearance and texture
Reduced scar visibility
Smoother, more even skin surface
Improved skin tone and color matching
Increased confidence and reduced self-consciousness
Physician-supervised medical treatment
Evidence-based protocols
Customized to your specific scar type
What to Expect
The scar revision treatment process
1. Medical Consultation
Dr. Berens examines your scar, reviews your medical history (especially keloid history, previous treatments, medications), discusses your goals, and recommends an appropriate treatment protocol. Photography for documentation.
2. Treatment Sessions
Depending on the treatment modality, sessions may take 15-90 minutes. Local anesthesia or topical numbing cream may be used. Most treatments require multiple sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart for optimal results.
3. Recovery & Healing
Downtime varies by treatment type: laser (5-7 days redness/peeling), microneedling (2-3 days redness), injections (immediate return to activity). Dr. Berens provides specific aftercare instructions including sun protection, wound care, and activity restrictions.
4. Results & Maintenance
Improvement is gradual as collagen remodels over 3-6 months. Final results visible 6-12 months after completing treatment series. Some scars may require ongoing maintenance treatments. Dr. Berens monitors progress and adjusts protocol as needed.
Ideal Candidates for Scar Revision
Individuals with visible scars affecting appearance or self-confidence
Patients with acne scars (ice pick, boxcar, rolling)
Those with keloid or hypertrophic (raised) scars
Individuals with surgical scars from previous procedures
Patients with traumatic scars from injury or burns
Those with realistic expectations about scar improvement
Individuals in good general health without active infection
Non-smokers (smoking impairs healing)
Patients willing to follow post-treatment care instructions
Those committed to sun protection during healing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can scars be completely removed?
Scars cannot be completely removed, but most scars can be significantly improved in appearance, texture, and color. The goal of scar revision is to make scars less noticeable, not to make them disappear entirely. Dr. Berens sets realistic expectations during consultation.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies significantly based on scar type, severity, and treatment method. Laser resurfacing typically requires 3-6 sessions. Microneedling may require 4-6 sessions. Keloid injections may require 3-6 monthly injections. Dr. Berens creates a customized treatment plan based on your specific case.
Is scar revision painful?
Most scar revision treatments involve minimal discomfort. Topical numbing cream is applied before laser or microneedling procedures. Injectable treatments (fillers, steroids) may cause brief stinging. Surgical revision is performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Berens prioritizes patient comfort throughout treatment.
When will I see results?
Results are gradual. Some improvement may be visible after the first treatment, but optimal results develop over 3-6 months as collagen remodels. Final results are typically visible 6-12 months after completing the treatment series. Patience is essential for scar revision.
What about keloid recurrence?
Keloid scars have a high recurrence rate (50-80%) even after treatment. Dr. Berens uses combination approaches (surgical excision + steroid injections + silicone sheeting + pressure therapy + laser) to minimize recurrence risk. Patients with keloid history require long-term monitoring and may need maintenance treatments.
How much does scar revision cost?
Cost varies widely based on scar type, size, location, and treatment modality. Single steroid injection: $200-400. Laser session: $500-1,500. Microneedling with PRP: $600-1,200. Surgical revision: $1,500-5,000+. Dr. Berens provides transparent pricing during consultation based on your specific treatment plan.
Important Medical Considerations
Realistic Expectations
Scar revision improves scar appearance but does not make scars disappear completely. Some scars respond better to treatment than others. Keloid and hypertrophic scars are particularly challenging and may require ongoing management.
Risks & Complications
All scar revision treatments carry risks including infection, prolonged redness, hyperpigmentation (especially in darker skin types), hypopigmentation, worsening of scar appearance, keloid recurrence, and unsatisfactory results. Dr. Berens discusses these risks during consultation.
Skin Type Considerations
Patients with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) have higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and keloid formation. Dr. Berens adjusts treatment protocols and laser settings based on your skin type to minimize these risks.