Whether caused by injury, surgery, or acne, facial scars can leave a lasting impact, physically and emotionally. At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC, in Atlanta, GA, we specialize in advanced facial scar revision techniques designed to reduce the visibility of scars and restore smoother, more even skin. Dr. Benjamin Stong, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, offers customized treatment plans that deliver both cosmetic and functional improvements.
Below, we address some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about scar revision, from the types of scars we treat to the innovative procedures we use to minimize their appearance.
What Types of Facial Scars Can Be Treated?
We treat a wide range of facial scars, including:
- Hypertrophic scars – Raised, thickened scars that stay within the original wound boundary
- Keloids – Thick, raised scars that grow beyond the boundaries of the original injury
- Atrophic scars – Depressed scars, such as those caused by acne or chickenpox
- Contracture scars – Tight, puckered scars often resulting from burns
- Linear surgical or traumatic scars – Straight, often highly visible scars from cuts or incisions, or irregular scars from trauma
Each scar type requires a unique approach, which is why Dr. Stong offers multiple surgical and non-surgical solutions based on location, size, and skin type.
How Soon Can a Facial Scar Be Treated?
In general, it’s best to wait until a scar is fully healed before pursuing revision, typically 6 to 12 months after the initial injury or surgery. However, early intervention with certain treatments (like lasers or silicone therapy) may help minimize scar formation in the early stages.
Dr. Stong will assess the scar’s maturity and recommend the best time to begin treatment based on your individual healing process.
What Treatments Are Available for Facial Scar Revision?
At Kalos, we offer several advanced techniques to improve scar texture, color, and contour:
Laser Resurfacing
Laser treatments target discoloration and surface irregularities, improving both tone and texture. This non-invasive method is ideal for red, pink, or dark scars and can help stimulate collagen remodeling.
Dermabrasion
This mechanical exfoliation method smooths raised or uneven scars by removing the outer layers of skin, revealing a more even surface and encouraging new skin growth.
Direct Excision
In cases of deep or irregular scarring, direct excision may be performed to remove the old scar and close the wound using advanced techniques for better cosmetic results.
Geometric Broken Line Closure
This technique breaks up a straight-line scar into irregular shapes, allowing it to better blend with the natural texture and pattern of surrounding skin.
W-Plasty and Z-Plasty
These surgical techniques are used to realign scars with natural skin lines, making them less noticeable. They’re ideal for long or noticeable linear scars.
Is Scar Revision Surgery Painful?
Most facial scar revision procedures are performed with local anesthesia and are well-tolerated by patients. Non-surgical options like laser therapy may cause mild discomfort, similar to a sunburn, but downtime is minimal. Surgical scar revision may involve a brief recovery period, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Will the Scar Be Completely Gone?
While no treatment can completely erase a scar, the goal of facial scar revision is to make the scar significantly less noticeable, in some cases, virtually undetectable. With expert technique and follow-up care, most patients see dramatic improvement in both the appearance and feel of their skin.
Why Choose Kalos for Facial Scar Revision?
Dr. Stong brings an artistic eye and surgical precision to every scar revision case. As one of the most trusted facial plastic surgeons in Atlanta and the Buckhead area, he customizes each procedure to match your skin tone, texture, and facial contours for the most natural result.
Ready to feel more confident in your skin? Contact Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation and learn how our expert scar revision treatments can help restore your appearance and confidence.
