Scar Revision in Turkey, Small Scars (Under 5 cm)

Scar revision is a surgical or semi-surgical procedure that improves the appearance of a scar. The technique used depends on the type, size, and location of your scar, as well as your skin type.

Common techniques for small scar revision include:

• Surgical excision, the existing scar is carefully cut out and the wound is reclosed using fine sutures, creating a thinner, neater scar that follows the natural skin lines
• Z-plasty or W-plasty, the scar is reoriented using a zigzag pattern to break up a straight-line scar, making it less conspicuous and reducing tightness
• Dermabrasion or laser resurfacing, the surface of the scar is smoothed to reduce raised or uneven texture
• Steroid injection, used for keloid or hypertrophic (raised, thickened) scars to flatten and soften them

Types of scars that can be improved:

• Keloid scars, raised, thick scars that extend beyond the original wound
• Hypertrophic scars, raised scars that remain within the wound boundary
• Contracture scars, tight scars that restrict movement, often from burns
• Wide or irregular scars, scars that healed poorly or split open during healing
• Depressed (atrophic) scars, sunken scars that sit below the skin surface

For small scars under 5 cm, the procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia at a clinic. It takes 30-60 minutes depending on the technique required. Your surgeon will assess your scar and recommend the approach most likely to give you the best improvement.

Scar revision for small scars may be right for you if:

• You have a scar under 5 cm that bothers you cosmetically
• Your scar is raised, thickened, widened, depressed, or irregular
• Your scar is in a visible area such as the face, neck, hands, or arms
• Your scar causes tightness or mild restriction of movement
• The scar is fully healed, typically at least 12 months old (scars continue to mature for up to 2 years)
• You are in good general health and over 18
• You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure
• You understand that scar revision improves but does not eliminate scars

During your free consultation, your practitioner will assess your scar, discuss the most appropriate revision technique, and give you a realistic expectation of the improvement. Photographs of your scar will help your surgeon plan the best approach.

Before Your Procedure

Your journey starts with a free consultation, online, by phone, or at a UK consultation day. You will share photographs of your scar, discuss how it affects you, and learn about the revision options available.

Your surgeon will assess the scar type, its location, and your skin type to determine the most effective technique. You will receive preparation instructions, including avoiding blood-thinning medications and stopping smoking.

During Your Procedure

The procedure takes place under local anaesthesia at a licensed clinic. The area is completely numbed, and you remain awake and comfortable throughout.

For surgical excision, your surgeon carefully removes the existing scar tissue and recoses the wound using fine sutures placed in the direction of natural skin tension lines. For other techniques (Z-plasty, dermabrasion, or laser), the appropriate method is applied as discussed in your consultation.

The procedure takes approximately 30-60 minutes for a small scar.

After Your Procedure

You will have a dressing over the site and fine sutures if an excision was performed. You can return to your hotel immediately. Pain is minimal and well-managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Sutures are typically removed after 5-10 days depending on the location. You will receive detailed wound care instructions and silicone scar sheets or gel to support optimal healing.

Recovery from small scar revision is straightforward. The key to the best result is careful wound care and patience, as the new scar takes several months to fully mature.

Days 1-3: Mild swelling and tenderness around the treated area. Keep the wound clean and dry. Dressings should remain in place as instructed.

Days 5-10: Sutures are removed (timing depends on location, facial sutures are removed earlier). The area may appear red and slightly raised, this is completely normal.

Week 2-4: The incision line begins to flatten and the redness starts to fade. You can return to most normal activities. Avoid stretching or putting tension on the area.

Month 1-3: The scar continues to mature and fade. Begin using silicone scar sheets or gel as recommended, these are clinically proven to improve scar healing. Protect the area from sun exposure with SPF 50.

Month 3-6: Significant fading and softening of the scar. Most patients are very pleased with the improvement at this stage.

Month 6-12: The scar reaches its final appearance. It should be significantly thinner, flatter, and less noticeable than the original scar.

Scar revision is a well-established procedure with a good safety profile when performed by an experienced surgeon. The primary goal is to replace a prominent scar with a less noticeable one.

Common effects (expected and temporary):

• Swelling and redness around the treated area, resolves over 1-2 weeks
• Mild discomfort, managed with standard pain relief
• Itching as the wound heals, normal and temporary

Less common considerations:

• The revised scar may initially look worse before it improves, this is normal as fresh scars take time to mature
• Keloid or hypertrophic recurrence, if you are prone to raised scarring, your surgeon may use preventative measures (steroid injections, silicone sheets, or compression)
• Infection, rare, minimised through sterile technique and aftercare instructions
• Asymmetry or irregular healing, uncommon with experienced surgeons

How your safety is managed: Your procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon at a licensed clinic. Local anaesthesia avoids the risks associated with general anaesthesia. Aftercare support and scar management guidance are included.