Scar Revision
What is Scar Revision?
Scar revision is a broad term encompassing the range of surgical and non-surgical techniques used to minimize the visibility of scars—whether they result from prior surgery, trauma, injury, acne, or other causes. While no treatment can completely erase a scar, carefully chosen revision techniques can dramatically reduce its size, color, texture, and prominence.
Dr. Kieu evaluates each scar individually. The right treatment depends on the scar's type, age, size, location, depth, and the patient's skin tone and healing history. A personalized plan is always created—there is no single approach that works for all scars.
Types of Scars Dr. Kieu Treats
Hypertrophic scars — raised, thickened scars that remain within the original wound boundary
Keloid scars — overgrown scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound margins
Atrophic scars — depressed or "pitted" scars, commonly from acne or chickenpox
Contracture scars — tight scars that restrict movement, often from burns or trauma
Widened or stretched scars — flat, pale scars that have spread over time
Surgical scars from prior procedures that are visible or poorly positioned
Traumatic scars from lacerations, accidents, or injuries
Treatment Options
Dr. Kieu offers a range of techniques and will often combine approaches for the best result:
SURGICAL EXCISION & REVISION
The scar is surgically removed and re-closed using advanced closure techniques—often repositioning the scar within natural skin lines or tension-reducing patterns (such as Z-plasty or W-plasty) to improve its final appearance.
Z-PLASTY / W-PLASTY
Geometric rearrangement techniques that redirect a scar so it aligns with natural skin tension lines or breaks up a straight scar into irregular segments that are less perceptible to the eye.
STEROID INJECTIONS
Intralesional corticosteroid injections can flatten and soften raised hypertrophic or keloid scars, reduce redness, and alleviate associated discomfort or itching.
LASER RESURFACING
Laser treatments improve scar texture, color, and surface irregularity—particularly effective for red or discolored scars, acne scars, and post-surgical scars.
DERMABRASION / MICRONEEDLING
Controlled surface resurfacing techniques that improve atrophic or textured scars by stimulating collagen remodeling in the surrounding skin.
FILLER INJECTION
Dermal filler injected beneath a depressed scar can raise it to the level of the surrounding skin, improving the appearance of atrophic or indented scars.
Setting realistic expectations: Scar revision is a journey, not always a single procedure. Many scars benefit from a sequential, multimodal approach—surgery to improve shape and position, followed by laser or injections to refine color and texture over time. Dr. Kieu will walk you through a realistic treatment roadmap during your consultation.
When to Consider Scar Revision
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6–12 months after an injury or surgery before pursuing scar revision, as scars continue to mature and remodel during this period. Some improve significantly on their own; others do not. Early treatment with silicone sheeting, sun protection, and massage can support the healing process while you wait.
If a scar is causing functional limitation—affecting movement, vision, or breathing—earlier intervention may be appropriate.
Ideal Candidates
Patients with scars that cause self-consciousness or affect quality of life
Those whose scars have matured (typically 6–12+ months post-injury)
Patients with realistic expectations for improvement—not complete elimination
Good overall skin and general health
Non-smokers, or those willing to stop before surgical revision
Dr. Kieu's Approach
Dr. Kieu brings extensive reconstructive experience to scar revision, including complex facial reconstruction performed on medical missions in Vietnam and Malawi. This depth of reconstructive expertise—managing difficult wounds and optimizing outcomes in challenging conditions—directly informs her approach to aesthetic scar revision. She understands both the surgical and patient-centered dimensions of scar care, and takes the time to develop a plan that gives each patient the best possible result for their individual scar.