Flat, wide scars. Anyone have success with scar revision treatment? (Photo)

Hello! Thank you for the question! It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. I typically allow after 4-6 weeks postop and once fully healed. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself. Lasers may also be an option for the appearance of your scars. If still no result, consideration for lasers, steroids, or scar revision may be entertained. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question. Wide scars are a result of tension on the incision line and decreased blood flow to the area. The scar color will gradually change over time. It is red initially and over time will begin to fade as the scar matures. I recommend waiting at least 12 months prior to proceeding with scar revision as the swelling needs to subside and surrounding tissues need to soften. It is best to follow up with your plastic surgeon for an in-person examination. Hope this helps and good luck. 

Thanks for your question and photos.  One reason why scars widen over time is because of tension and that is the reason why I and other plastic surgeons close incisions in multiple layers to minimize the tension at the skin.  For breast reductions, the T-junction has more tension and thus scar widening may be more common in this area than other areas.  When an incision heals, the scar continues to remodel for up to a year, often becoming more flat and pale.  Since you are already one year out after your surgery, your scar likely won't change very much on its own and a scar revision may be a good option for you.  Consult your original surgeon or another board certified surgeon for more information on a scar revision.  Hope this helps…best of luck!

Scar size typically is typically a result of "tension" which is why the spot right at the T junction on a breast lift is often the worst. Schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist who has a lot of scar revision experience to discuss your options. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Thank you for your pictures.  In my opinion, a scar revision would be helpful since it has been a year since your surgery.  A lot of the times a wide scar is the result of tension (stress) along the incision.  I would recommend that you focus your scar revision to your breasts.  Notoriously, the arms rarely heal with a fine scar.  Best wishes

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photographs.  Scars from your procedures can continue to mature for some time and if you have not tried conservative methods of improvement, read the attached link for helpful recommendations on minimizing their appearance.  Hope this helps.

Thank you for your question.  Scars heal differently in different areas because of the blood supply in those areas, and the tension being exerted on the scar.  Areas with higher tension may have wider scars.  A very wide scar may be managed by revision, but if that area is under tension, the scar could widen again.  A thick, raised scar, is more amenable to revision, as it could be softened and flattened.  The color of the scar will change with time; an initial red scar will lighten with time.  I normally counsel patients to wait 1 yr to 18 months before considering scar revision.  In that interim, I would do conservative scar management such as with scar massage and silicon strips to flatten any raised areas.  If this is really bothering you, and your surgeon thinks they can have an improved result, revision is something you may want to consider.  All the best, 

Even though it's been here the scars make continue to improve. I would recommend you be patient as a scar revision ultimately may not be necessary.

There are basically two different kinds of bad scars, keloids/hypertrophic scars and scars that are wide and flat. The first are difficult to improve surgically, the second do well if you wait at least 6-12 mo.  Chest and back skin are less forgiving and do scar worse.  A scar revision will be successful, if you wait, because you are avoiding the tension that you had with the first procedure.  So, go for it. Jane

From the submitted photos you appear to be a good candidate for a scar revision. This procedure will remove existing scars and be replaced by a new one with the intention that it will heal more favorably. Many things can impact scar formation including genetics, complications, and type and location of incision. But one of the biggest factors is tension on the scar. This is why in certain areas scars tend to heal better than in others. Once you've waited a year or more since surgery the surrounding tissues are healed and the tension on the scar is less. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.