Scar Revision With Dr Hertess On the Gold Coast

Dr Isolde Hertess discusses scar revision with suitable patients on the Gold Coast. Planning is based on your scar type, your skin, your health, and what can be done safely. It also includes a clear discussion about the fact that scar revision cannot remove a scar completely.

What Is Scar Revision?

Scar revision is a surgical procedure that alters a scar by removing part or all of it and closing the skin again. In some cases, scar revision also involves changing the direction of the scar, releasing tension, or using a small local flap so the scar is placed in a less noticeable position or heals under reduced tension.

Scar revision can be considered for scars in many areas of the body, including the face, neck, trunk, and limbs. The approach depends on the scar type and the surrounding skin.

Types Of Scars That May Be Considered For Revision

Scar revision may be considered for scars such as:

• Widened scars
• Thickened scars
• Raised scars (hypertrophic scars)
• Keloid scars, in selected cases
• Scar contracture (tight scarring that restricts movement)
• Scars that are positioned in a way that pulls on nearby tissue or causes distortion

Keloid scars need careful assessment because they can recur after revision. In some cases, non-surgical options are considered first, or surgery is combined with other treatments to help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Who May Consider Scar Revision?

Scar revision may be considered by patients who have:

• A scar that has healed in a widened or uneven way
• A raised or thickened scar that has not settled over time
• A scar that feels tight, tender, itchy, or uncomfortable
• A scar that pulls on nearby structures, especially on the face or around joints
• A scar from previous surgery or injury that remains a concern after full healing

Timing matters because scars change as they mature, and they can continue to settle for up to 12 months or longer. In some cases, waiting until the scar has matured is recommended before considering revision. Earlier treatment may be considered when the scar is affecting movement or causing significant tightness.

Planning Scar Revision With Dr Isolde Hertess

Planning starts with assessing the scar and understanding what you want to change. Dr Isolde Hertess will examine scar thickness, colour, width, contour, tension lines in the skin, and how the scar moves with your body. This helps guide what method is most appropriate.

Key planning points often include:

Scar Maturity And Timing

A newer scar may still be settling. Waiting can reduce the chance of creating another thick or widened scar. Where a scar is causing tightness or functional problems, earlier treatment may be discussed.

Technique Selection

The technique depends on scar type and location. Options may include:

• Excision and re-closure, where the scar is removed, and the skin is closed again
• Z-plasty or similar scar re-direction techniques, which can help reduce tension
• Local flap revision, used in selected cases for scars on the face or near important structures
• Revision combined with other therapies in selected cases, particularly for raised scars

Scarring Risk Factors

Some patients have a history of thickened or raised scars. Skin type, genetics, scar location, and tension all influence how a scar heals. These factors are discussed clearly because they affect the chance of recurrence.

Anaesthetic And Setting

Smaller scar revisions may be performed under local anaesthesia. Larger or more complex revision may be performed under sedation or general anaesthesia. The safest option depends on scar size, location, and your medical history.

Dr Hertess discusses scar revision with patients on the Gold Coast, so you understand what is realistic for your scar and what steps are involved in healing.

Recovery After Scar Revision

Recovery after scar revision depends on the location and size of the revision. Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort can occur early on, and you will be given aftercare instructions that suit the area treated. Healing can take time, and the scar can continue to change in colour and texture as the area settles.

Recovery usually includes keeping the wound clean and dry as advised, and avoiding stretching or heavier activity that puts tension on the scar. Follow-up appointments are used to check healing and remove stitches if needed. Scar care is started at the right time, and you may be advised to use silicone gel or silicone sheets, begin gentle massage once healed, and protect the area from sun exposure, particularly while the scar is new. If thickening develops, options may be considered at follow-up.