Overview
Scottsdale, AZ board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. John Williams, performs scar revision surgery to diminish the appearance of an existing scar. At John Williams MD, Plastic Surgery, we have an excellent record of improving the appearance of scars by using precise surgical techniques to help the scars lie flatter and blend better with the surrounding skin. Dr. Williams carefully repairs and enhances the affected location to result in a natural, smooth look. Every surgery that involves a skin incision results in a scar. While plastic surgeons, especially Dr. Williams, are experts at placing incisions in inconspicuous areas and closing them with precise surgical techniques, sometimes they heal in a way that is thick, red or visible. Some patients are prone to thick, visible scars because of their genetics. Some scars heal poorly due to infection during the healing process or because they were formed following a traumatic injury. These scars may need to be revised with a small surgical procedure. If you have a scar that troubles you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our office today.
What to Expect
Our talented physician will evaluate the overall health of the existing scar. The degree of improvement that can be achieved with scar revision will depend on the severity of the scarring and the type, size, and location of the scar. In some cases, a single technique may provide significant improvement. However, our team may recommend a combination of scar revision techniques to achieve the best results. Scar revision may include:
Topical Treatments
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Including gels, tapes, or external compression
Injectable treatments
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Used to fill depressed or concave scars
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Can be steroidal-based compounds
Surface Treatments
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These methods can soften surface irregularities and reduce uneven pigmentation
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Microneedling cans often the appearance and help flatten a raised scar
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Laser or light therapy allows new, healthy skin to form at the scar site
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Chemical peel solutions soften irregularities in texture and color
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Skin bleaching agents or medications applied topically to lighten the skin
Surgical Incision
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Used with deeper scars
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Requires layered closure
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May require complex flap closure to reposition a scar or improve flexibility of a contracture
Tissue Substitutes
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Used if ample healthy tissue is not present
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More likely with revision of severe burn scars
Tissue Expansion
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An inflatable balloon is placed under the skin near the scar site
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Over time, the balloon is filled with sterile solution to expand the area of healthy skin
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Once the skin has been stretched sufficiently, the expander and the scar are removed and the stretched skin is moved to replace the scar tissue
Types of Scars
The type of scar a patient has will determine the appropriate techniques our doctor will use to improve its appearance. Listed below are various scar types.
Discolored, Irregular Scars
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No impairment of function
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Does not cause physical discomfort
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Examples: Scars from acne, minor injuries and prior surgical incisions
HypertropHic Scars
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Cluster of scar tissue that develops directly at a wound site
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Thick, raised, red and/or uncomfortable
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May become wider over time
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Can be hyperpigmented (darker in color) or hypopigmented (lighter in color)
Keloid Scars
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Larger than hypertrophic scars, more common in the African-American population
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Can be painful or itchy
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Extend beyond the edges of an original wound or incision
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Can occur anywhere on your body, especially on the face, neck, ears, chest or shoulders
Contracture Scars
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Scars that restrict movement
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Occur when there is a large amount of tissue loss, such as after a burn
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Often form where a wound crosses a joint, restricting movement of the fingers, elbows, knees or neck
Scar Revision Reviews
The staff and Dr Williams are very friendly and professional!! Thank you so much Dr Williams for helping me!!!
I purposely waited more than 365 days since my breast reduction surgery (July 29, 2023) to write this review so I could provide other potential patients with most thorough review possible about my breast reduction surgery experience with Dr. Williams. Simply put, five stars is not nearly enough -- I would give Dr. Williams 10 stars if I could. I had wanted this surgery for over 20 years (since having kids), and decided to finally go for it, but as someone who has never had an elective surgery, I wasn't sure how to choose a surgeon. I created an Excel spreadsheet and cross-compared more than 15 local surgeons who specialized in reductions, factoring in patient reviews on various web sites, before and after photos, availability, and price point -- I narrowed it down to Dr. Williams and a few others. But when I met Dr. Williams in person, it was settled for me because of how instantly comfortable I felt from the moment I walked in the door and met Adrianna to meeting Dr. Williams and discussing the surgery with him. I'm happy to say that isn't just an act to get you in the door ---- for EVERY SINGLE VISIT after that, to the day of my surgery, to my final post-surgery send-off, my experience with Dr. Williams was 100% impeccable and I can honestly say, flawless. He's not only a true artist, he's friendly, approachable, up front, honest, and clear about every step of the process and leaves nothing undiscussed or undisclosed -- even some of the gross details about the healing process I was squeamish to hear. I had struggled with body dysmorphia and insecurity about my large chest since breastfeeding my two kids and was constantly preoccupied with it and felt irritated about how much I had to adjust my life to accommodate it. It wasn't about "back pain" for me as much as it was dealing with painful rashes in the heat, difficulty breathing, feeling hindered when doing physical activity, and the inability to wear what I wanted. After the surgery, all of this insecurity instantly went away and I finally feel more comfortable in my body than I have in more than 20 years! I can honestly say it was worth every penny and I have not -- not even for a single second -- regretted my choice to get this surgery. It is honestly one of the best choices I have ever made!As advised, the healing process was uncomfortable and required a lot of patience and time. As advised, it has taken about a full year to fully heal, but I'm so happy to say that I finally feel healed and everything that was numb has woken back up! I do have some visible scars but they're not in any way unattractive and look so much better than expected. The shape and size of my breasts fits my body and frame beautifully and I feel like ME again.I would absolutely recommend Dr. Williams to anyone considering this specialized surgery. And if you're scared , that's OK. I was too! But it all worked out so much better than I could have even hoped. Thank you Dr. Williams for my amazing results -- I appreciate you!
2
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Plan Your Procedure
Average Cost
$4,000.00 - $6,000.00
Recovery Time
1-2 days
Average Procedure Time
1-2 hours
Post-op Follow-up
3 months
Procedure Recovery Location
Out-Patient
Scar Revision Recovery
At the completion of a scar revision procedure, patients will be placed in a surgical dressing. Sometimes a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. This tube will be removed early in the healing process. Patients will be given specific wound care instructions in order to allow for the best possible healing and outcome. Swelling and bruising are expected after scar revision. The swelling and bruising will start to resolve about a week after surgery, although this will vary between patients.
Correct an Unsightly Scar
If you have a scar on your body that you consider too large, too wide, uncomfortable or unsightly and would like to understand what options exist to create a better scar appearance, please call our office today. During a private consultation with our dedicated staff, we will evaluate the existing scar and provide you with an honest and realistic approach for correcting the appearance.