Types of Scars | Copeland Medical Aesthetics & Minor Surgery

Scar Revision

Scars develop as part of the skin’s natural healing process following injury, surgery, trauma or skin conditions such as acne. Their appearance varies depending on skin type, wound depth, and healing response. Scar revision aims to improve the appearance and feel of scars left behind after the skin heals. Treatments range from topical therapies and injectables to laser treatments and minor surgical revision, depending on the type of scar and how it has healed.

What are the common types of scars?

Common scar types include:

Fine line (surgical) scars – thin, flat scars that usually fade over time
Hypertrophic scars – raised scars that stay within the original wound area
Keloid scars – raised scars that extend beyond the wound sit
Atrophic scars – sunken or indented scars, often caused by acne
Contracture scars – scars that tighten the skin, usually after burns or deeper injuries

What is the goal of scar revision

The goal is not to erase a scar entirely, but to help it blend more naturally with the surrounding skin—making it flatter, smoother, and less noticeable in color or texture. While most scar revision is performed for cosmetic reasons, some scars can be painful, restrictive, or interfere

Faq's

Preparation

How should I prepare for scar revision?

We’ll review your history, examine the scar (type, thickness, tethering, color), and take photos. In the weeks before treatment: practice strict sun protection (SPF 50), stop tanning, avoid picking/irritants on the area, and plan time for follow-ups, taping/silicone. If you’ve used isotretinoin recently or form raised scars easily, we’ll tailor timing and technique.

Do I need to stop any medications or do tests?

Tell us about blood thinners/antiplatelets, NSAIDs, herbal supplements, acne meds, diabetes control, smoking, and any keloid history. We’ll advise if/when to pause non-essential agents, coordinate with your prescriber if you’re on medical anticoagulation, and order imaging/labs only if clinically indicated.

Treatment

How are scars treated?

We match method to scar type. Non-surgical options: silicone gel/sheets & taping, steroid ± 5-FU injections for raised scars, vascular lasers/BBL® for redness, fractional lasers (HALO®, MOXI®, NanoLaserPeel®) or microneedling/subcision ± PRP/filler for atrophic/tethered scars. Surgical options: excision with layered closure, Z-/W-plasty for reorientation, and contracture release—usually followed by silicone and sometimes steroid/laser to optimize the new line.

How does surgery reduce the appearance of a scar?

Surgery realigns the scar along relaxed skin tension lines, releases tethering/contracture, and uses layered, low-tension closure to resist re-widening. Techniques like Z-plasty break up straight lines and redistribute tension. We then guide post-op silicone/taping and, when helpful, adjuvant laser/injections to refine the result.

Risks & Benefits

What are the risks?

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, widening/recurrence, pigment change (darker/lighter), and persistent texture. Keloid-prone sites (chest, shoulders, jawline, earlobe) carry higher recurrence; contracture releases may need staged care. Rarely: temporary numbness or contour irregularity.

What are the benefits?

Expect flatter, finer, less red/visible scars, smoother texture, improved comfort/itch, and—when contractures are released—better mobility. The goal is meaningful improvement, not total erasure, with a plan that fits your skin biology and lifestyle.

Recovery & Aftercare

What is recovery like?

Most procedures are outpatient. Stitches (if used) come out around 5–7 days (face) or 10–14 days (trunk/limbs). Redness often fades over weeks–months; collagen remodels for up to 12 months. Lasers/needling/injections are typically done in a series. We’ll time visits to your calendar.

What aftercare do you recommend?

Do: keep the site clean and dry initially; then gentle cleansing + petrolatum and a small dressing; use silicone gel/sheets or paper tape as directed; protect from sun (SPF 50/hat); follow activity restrictions and attend follow-ups.

Don’t:pick or remove scabs/sutures early; soak the wound (hot tubs/pools) until cleared; apply harsh actives (acids/retinoids) on fresh scars; or stretch/rub the area