Scar Revision in Chico, CA

While your body has an amazing capacity to heal, this recovery often does not occur evenly. As the skin repairs itself, it can leave scars that are a different texture and color from the surrounding skin. In some cases, scar tissue can also feel tight and uncomfortable long after the initial wound has closed. 

We offer scar revision services at NorthState Plastic Surgery for those seeking improvements in the appearance and comfort of their scars. We have both surgical and non-surgical options, with methods that are guided by the type of scar you have and how it affects the surrounding skin and movement. These services are available to patients throughout the Chico area. 

How Scars Form

Scars develop as part of the body’s natural repair process after the skin is injured by surgery, trauma, burns or inflammation. When the skin is broken, the body produces collagen, a structural protein that helps close and strengthen the wound. This collagen is laid down quickly to protect the area, but it is not arranged in the same smooth, organized pattern as uninjured skin.

During this process, the body sometimes overproduces or underproduces collagen. Too much collagen leads to raised and thickened scars, while too little causes depressed or indented areas. Wound depth, location, skin type, genetics and other factors will determine which type of scar forms and how severe the scar is. 

What Is Scar Tissue? 

Scar tissue is the fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after an injury. While healthy skin has plenty of elastin that allows it to stretch and move easily, scar tissue is denser and less flexible, which makes it stand out from the surrounding skin. Scar tissue can sometimes affect movement or sensation when it forms near joints in areas that frequently bend and stretch. Some scar tissue can also become tight or irritated, and scar revision surgery or other methods may be considered to improve it.  

What Is Scar Revision? 

Scar revision refers to medical treatments used to improve the appearance, texture or physical effects of scars after the skin has healed. These treatments help scars blend more naturally with surrounding skin. Scar revision does not remove a scar entirely, but can help make it less noticeable or easier to live with. We use several different treatments based on the type of scar. Common methods include:

• Topical creams, gels, or patches
• Non-surgical treatments
• Scar revision surgeries

We will look more closely at each of these treatment methods in the sections below.

Types of Scars That Can Be Treated

• Hypertrophic Scars: Hypertrophic scars form when the body produces too much collagen as it heals, causing the scar to become raised and thick. These scars stay within the original boundaries of the injury rather than spreading. 
• Keloid Scars: Keloid scars also come from an overproduction of collagen, but they extend beyond the original wound into the surrounding skin, often feeling more dense or rubbery than other tissue. Keloids can develop months after healing and may continue to change in size or shape without additional injury. 
• Atrophic Scars: Atrophic scars happen when the skin does not produce enough collagen. It leaves pits in the skin instead of raised areas. Acne is one of the most common causes of this type of scar, but they can also form from surgery or injury. 
• Contracture Scars: When there is a greater amount of skin damage, sometimes the tissue can tighten as it heals. Contracture scars commonly occur with burns, but may also happen in other situations, such as surgery. 

Scar Characteristics That Can Affect Your Treatment

Size and Thickness

Certain treatments may be more appropriate based on how thick and widespread the scar is. Some scars may involve more layers of tissue and extend deeper, in which case we may recommend surgery. Smaller and more superficial scars may benefit from topical treatments or minimally invasive methods. 

Color

Scars can range from red to brown, and everything in between. Sometimes it is darker than the surrounding skin tone, and other times it is lighter. Injury can also darken the color of the skin in a condition called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” or PIH. PIH does not involve scar tissue, but instead just affects the pigment of the skin. However, this concern can also be treated alongside scar correction with lasers or other skin resurfacing methods. 

Location

Where a scar is located on the body influences how it heals and the type of treatment we may recommend. Scars near joints or contracture scars may need to be treated with greater care and could require surgical methods. Certain areas of the body may be more likely to develop wider and thicker scars, and blood supply and sun exposure can also impact the body’s ability to heal. 

Age of the Scar

Newer scars may still be actively changing as the body continues to remodel collagen. Sometimes newer scars are more responsive to less invasive treatments. Older scars can still be addressed, but the method we use may be different. 

A Closer Look at Scar Revision Treatment Options

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are often used for new or mild scars, or may be helpful in addition to more invasive scar management methods. They work on the surface of the skin using ingredients that moisturize, oxygenate, reduce inflammation and protect the skin. Some options include:

• Silicone gels and sheets: Silicone regulates moisture and oxygen on the skin’s surface to support balanced collagen formulation as the tissues heal. Gels, like bioCorneum+, are ideal for facial areas or small scars, and sheets are used for large, raised scars or as an overnight treatment.
• Medicated creams and ointments: If scars are inflamed, irritated or red, medications with active ingredients like mild steroids or anti-inflammatory agents can help calm the scar tissue.
• Sun protection: Keeping the skin protected from the sun is important during any stage of the healing process. Both sunscreen and protective clothing should be used on scars.   

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical or minimally invasive methods are often used for superficial scars and indented scars. Treatments like laser scar removal help smooth the texture of the skin and improve color differences. Lasers are used for acne scars to stimulate additional collagen and elastin production in the area or for mild surgical and traumatic scars that are on the surface of the skin. 

Sometimes dermal fillers can be used to temporarily fill atrophic scars. Filling the area lifts the surface of the skin to make it look more level and smooth. If an acne scar is being pulled downward by a tight fibrous band, minimally invasive methods can be used to release this band and relax the skin’s surface. Non-surgical scar treatments can be performed alone or combined with other methods. 

Surgical Scar Revision

Surgical scar revision improves scars that are thick, wide, irregular or causing functional limitations. During the surgery, the surgeon removes or repositions the scar tissue and closes it to allow the skin to heal more evenly. After scar revision surgery, you can also use scar creams and patches to help the new wound to heal smoothly. 

What to Expect From Surgical Scar Revision

Before Scar Revision

When you arrive for your consultation, we will evaluate your scar and the surrounding tissue, and ask you how it was formed and whether it has changed over time. We will ask about discomfort, tightness or limited movement and review your health history. We may give you instructions for how to prepare the skin for your scar treatment. This may include avoiding certain medications and stopping smoking. 

During Treatment

We begin by numbing the area with local anesthesia and then excise the hardened or irregular tissue while preserving as much of the healthy surrounding skin as possible. We may adjust the underlying tissue to release tension or correct uneven depth before closing the skin. We use deeper sutures to support the tissue beneath the surface and additional sutures on the surface to reduce stress on the outer skin as it heals. The length of your surgery will depend on the skin’s size, depth and location. 

Scar Revision Recovery

We will protect the surgical area with dressings and give you detailed aftercare instructions. You can expect swelling and mild redness or discomfort as the area heals. Recovery timelines vary, but initial healing usually takes between one and two weeks. The new scar will continue to fade and become smoother and more even. We will have you come in for follow-up appointments to monitor your healing process and advise you about proper care and sun protection. 

Will My Scar Completely Disappear?  

Although scar revision can provide a more pleasing cosmetic result or improve a scar that has healed poorly, a scar cannot be completely erased. The amount of improvement depends on factors such as scar type, location, skin characteristics and how the body heals. The scar should become flatter, less noticeable or more comfortable over time as healing continues.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Scar Revision? 

Scar revision may be an option for patients who are bothered by the appearance or physical effects of a scar and want to explore ways to improve how it heals or functions.

Good candidates may include patients who:

• Have scars that are raised, thick, widened, indented, or uneven
• Experience tightness, discomfort, or limited movement related to scar tissue
• Have scars that healed poorly after surgery, injury, or acne
• Are in good overall health and able to heal normally
• Have realistic expectations about scar revision results

It may not be appropriate for patients who:

• Have active skin infections or inflammation in the treatment area
• Form scars unpredictably or have a history of aggressive scarring
• Have medical conditions that significantly impair healing
• Are expecting complete elimination of a scar rather than improvement

Frequently Asked Questions About Scar Revision

Can I Prevent Scars?

Scarring is a natural part of the healing process, so it cannot be fully prevented. Genetics and skin type also determine how the skin responds after an injury and cannot be controlled. However, proper wound care, minimizing tension on healing skin, massage techniques and protecting the area from sun exposure can help reduce how noticeable a scar becomes. After a surgery or injury, reach out to your doctor for specific instructions on how to care for the wound. 

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments varies based on the type of scar, its size, depth, and location. Some scars may improve with a single treatment, while others benefit from a series of non-surgical treatments or a combination of approaches. Surgical scar revision is typically a one-time treatment, although we may recommend follow-up care or additional therapies.

Will Insurance Cover Scar Revision?

Insurance coverage for scar revision depends on whether the treatment is considered medically necessary or cosmetic. Scars that limit movement, cause pain or interfere with normal function may be more likely to qualify for coverage. Coverage details vary widely between plans, so reach out to your insurance provider for more information. 

About Dr. Kevin Myers

Kevin D. Myers, MD, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with training in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. He earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons after graduating summa cum laude in biochemistry from The Ohio State University, then completed an integrated plastic surgery residency at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Myers further completed an advanced fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco, where he developed skills in complex tissue repair.

After practicing and training in major metropolitan centers, he chose Chico for its balance of community and opportunity to apply the full scope of his surgical background. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is known throughout the community for his caring and patient-centered approach to surgery.

For more information, visit The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Minimize the Appearance of Scars With Scar Revision in Chico, CA

If you have skin that has healed poorly, scar revision can help improve how your scar looks and feels. At NorthState Plastic Surgery, we offer both surgical and non-surgical options so patients can explore the best scar treatment based on scar type, location and healing history. Reach out online to schedule a consultation or call 530-345-5900.