Scar Revision

Scar revision is a set of techniques used to improve the appearance, texture, and color of scars caused by surgery, injury, burns, or severe acne. Dr. Scott Sackman offers scar revision at Enhancements Facial Plastic Surgery in Bethlehem Township, PA, using both surgical and laser approaches depending on the type and location of the scar.

No scar can be completely erased, but most can be made significantly less visible. The right technique depends on whether the scar is wide, raised (hypertrophic or keloid), depressed (atrophic, like acne scars), discolored, or pulling on surrounding tissue (a contracture).

Surgical scar revision involves carefully cutting out the existing scar and closing the area in a way that produces a finer, less visible line. Techniques include simple excision and re-closure, Z-plasty (which redirects the scar along natural skin lines), and W-plasty.

For depressed acne scars and many surface irregularities, CO2 laser resurfacing is often the most effective option. The fractional CO2 laser remodels collagen beneath the scar and gradually softens its appearance over several months. Multiple sessions may be recommended.

For raised hypertrophic and keloid scars, intralesional injections of corticosteroid can flatten and soften the scar without surgery. These are sometimes combined with surgical revision and laser treatment for the best results.

Dr. Sackman has a long-standing reputation for repair work — fixing problems caused by other providers — and scar revision fits squarely within that focus.