Scar revision | David Colbert

Is scar removal treatment for me?

Scars that are suitable for scar revision surgery include scars that:

Are wide, raised, or depressed.
Have different colours or textures compared to the surrounding skin.
Distort surrounding structures.
Remain unsightly despite optimal non-surgical treatment.

Types of scars that may benefit from surgical treatment include keloid scars or hypertrophic scars.

Unfortunately not all scars are suitable for scar revision surgery. Some scars may be more suited to skin resurfacing with lasers or chemical peels, such as acne scars, or problems with pigmentation. Dr Colbert doesn’t perform any laser or chemical peel resurfacing.

What does scar removal surgery involve?

The specific approach to scar removal surgery will depend on the size, location, and severity of the scar, as well as the underlying cause. However, general steps in scar removal surgery involves:

Initial consultation with Dr Colbert, which includes a thorough assessment of your scar, including a complete history and clinical examination. This is essential in deciding how to best treat your scar, as there are a variety of non-surgical and surgical techniques that can be used to help improve scar appearance.
If surgical treatment is recommended, then Dr Colbert will discuss the different techniques that may be benefical in improving the appearance of your scar. This may include scar excision and meticulous closure, to rearrangement of the scar through local tissue flaps such as Z-plasties, to using tissue expanders to expand normal adjacent skin, to using skin grafts or flaps to resurface the area.
Scar revision in Perth can be performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr David Colbert, either in the office setting or in as day surgery. Once your scar removal surgery is completed, then your wound is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing and bandage is applied.
Post-operative follow up with Dr Colbert will be arranged, and you will be given specific instructions on how to look after your scar until you are seen in the clinic.

Will scar removal surgery make my scars completely invisible?

Unfortunately it is impossible to erase scars and make them completely invisible. This is mainly due to the fact that scar removal surgery itself results in scarring, however the goal is to create a much less noticeable scar.

This improvement in scar appearance occurs by creating an ideal environment for wound healing, with the final result taking several months to occur.

What is the recovery after scar removal surgery?

Your recovery after scar removal surgery will depend on the type and extent of surgery performed.

The specific recovery timeline and instructions will be provided by Dr Colbert, but some general guidelines for your recovery include:

Pain management: Pain and discomfort are common after scar removal surgery, and pain and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.
Dressing changes: The surgical site will be covered with a sterile dressing or bandage after surgery, and this dressing may need to be changed regularly to keep the area clean and dry.
Restricted activity: Depending on the location and extent of your scar removal surgery, you’ll often need to restrict certain activities for a period of time following surgery. This may include avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, as well as keeping the treated area elevated to reduce swelling.
Follow-up appointments: Dr Colbert will organise a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing and ensure there’s no signs of complications.
Scar management: After the initial healing period, patients may be advised to use topical treatments or other scar management techniques to help minimise the appearance of the scar. This may include massage, taping, or silicone gel, aiming to promote collagen growth and improve the texture and colour of your scar.

The recovery period for scar removal surgery can vary widely depending on the type of procedure performed, but most patients can expect to return to work and other normal activities within a few days of surgery.

What are the risks associated with scar removal surgery?

While most patients have no complications, it’s important to be aware that scar removal surgery in Perth is associated with the following risks:

Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection. If an infection occurs, it may delay the healing process and require additional treatment.
Scarring: While the goal of scar removal surgery is to improve the appearance of scars, there’s s a risk that the new scar may be worse than the original scar.
Bleeding: Scar removal surgery may involve cutting into the skin, which can cause bleeding. In rare cases, excessive bleeding may require additional treatment.
Numbness or tingling: Scar removal surgery may damage nerves, which can lead to numbness or tingling in the area surrounding the scar.
Allergic reaction: Some people may have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia or other medications used during the surgery.
Poor wound healing: In some cases, the wound may not heal properly, which can lead to scarring or infection.
Pain or discomfort: Scar removal surgery may cause pain or discomfort during and after the procedure.
Scar revision surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries risks and therefore before proceeding you should always seek an opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

How much does scar removal cost?

Costs associated with scar removal surgery in Perth can be confusing. To help make things clearer we have listed the the following fees that make up the final cost.

Surgical fee: the surgical fee covers the surgery itself, plus post-operative care including standard dressings. The cost of scar removal surgery will vary depending on the extent of surgery, and an accurate quote can only be given after a consultation with Dr Colbert. Your scar removal surgery may be itemised by Medicare, which means that Medicare and your private health fund may provide you with a rebate, or subsidy. As Medicare and your health fund only partly pay for the cost of surgery, there are some out of pocket gaps.
Anaesthetic fee: the anaesthetic fee includes sedation or general anaesthesia by a Specialist Anaesthetist, if you require this for your procedure. As Medicare and your health fund only partly pay for the cost of surgery, there are some out of pocket gaps. This will be discussed with you after your consultation.
Hospital fee: the hospital fee includes the operation room fee, bed costs, surgical or medication fees, and any other hospital extras. Medicare does not cover this fee. If you have private health insurance then this may be covered by your insurance fund, but you should check with your fund if there is any out of pocket expenses. If you have no private insurance then you will have to pay this fee on discharge from the hospital

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Scar removal