Scar Revision in Turkey, Medium Scars (5-10 cm)

Scar revision is a procedure that improves the appearance of an existing scar. For medium scars measuring 5-10 cm, the approach is tailored to the scar type, its location, and how it has healed.

Common techniques for medium scar revision include:

• Surgical excision and re-closure, the old scar is carefully removed and the wound is reclosed with fine sutures along natural skin tension lines, creating a neater, less visible scar
• Z-plasty or W-plasty, the scar is re-angled using a geometric pattern that breaks up its linear appearance and reduces tightness or contracture
• Serial excision, for wider scars, a staged approach may be used where the scar is narrowed over two or more sessions
• Combination techniques, excision combined with dermabrasion, laser, or steroid treatment for the best overall result

Medium scars that benefit from revision include:

• Surgical scars that have widened or thickened
• Scars from accidents or injuries
• Burn scars that are tight or raised
• Scars with irregular edges or uneven texture
• Keloid or hypertrophic scars between 5 and 10 cm

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia at a licensed clinic. It typically takes 45-90 minutes depending on the technique and complexity. No hospital stay is required.

Medium scar revision may be right for you if:

• You have a scar measuring 5-10 cm that affects your confidence
• Your scar is raised, widened, depressed, tight, or irregularly shaped
• The scar is in a visible or functionally important area
• Your scar restricts movement or causes discomfort
• The scar is fully matured, typically at least 12 months old
• You are in good general health and over 18
• You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure
• You understand that revision improves the scar but does not remove it entirely

Every scar is unique, and the improvement achievable depends on the scar type, location, and your skin's healing characteristics. During your free consultation, your surgeon will assess your scar, explain the most suitable technique, and give you a realistic expectation of the result.

Before Your Procedure

Your journey begins with a free consultation, online, by phone, or in person. Share photographs of your scar so your surgeon can assess the type, size, and best revision approach.

You will receive preparation instructions including avoiding blood-thinning medications and stopping smoking at least 2 weeks before the procedure. If your scar is in an area that moves a lot (such as a joint), your surgeon may discuss post-procedure activity restrictions.

During Your Procedure

The procedure takes place under local anaesthesia at a licensed clinic. You remain awake but the area is completely numb. Your surgeon carefully marks the planned incision or treatment area.

Using the technique selected for your scar type, the old scar tissue is addressed, whether through excision and re-closure, Z-plasty, or a combination approach. Fine sutures are placed to minimise tension and optimise healing. The procedure takes approximately 45-90 minutes.

After Your Procedure

The area is dressed and you can return to your hotel immediately. Pain is typically mild and managed with standard pain relief. You will receive wound care instructions and scar management products (silicone sheets or gel) to use during healing.

Sutures are removed after 5-14 days depending on the location. Your aftercare team will monitor your healing remotely once you return home.

Recovery from medium scar revision follows a predictable timeline. The new scar will look worse before it looks better, this is entirely normal and expected.

Days 1-3: Mild to moderate swelling and tenderness around the area. Keep the wound clean and protected. Rest the area and avoid stretching or tension.

Days 5-14: Sutures are removed (timing varies by location). The area will appear red and slightly raised. This is a normal part of healing.

Week 2-4: Redness begins to fade gradually. You can return to most activities. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity that puts tension on the area.

Month 1-3: Begin using silicone scar sheets or gel daily. Apply SPF 50 sun protection to the area. The scar is actively remodelling during this time.

Month 3-6: Significant improvement becomes apparent. The scar flattens, fades, and becomes much less noticeable than the original.

Month 6-12: The scar reaches its final appearance. Most patients see a substantial improvement compared to the original scar, thinner, flatter, and better aligned with the natural skin.

Medium scar revision carries a good safety profile when performed by an experienced surgeon. The procedure is specifically designed to improve upon the existing scar.

Common effects (expected and temporary):

• Swelling and tenderness, resolves over 1-2 weeks
• Redness at the treatment site, gradually fades over weeks to months
• Itching during healing, normal and temporary

Less common considerations:

• Recurrence of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, if you are prone to raised scars, your surgeon will use preventative measures
• The scar may initially appear worse during early healing, this is expected and temporary
• Wound opening (dehiscence), rare, minimised by avoiding tension on the area during healing

Rare:

• Infection, uncommon with proper wound care and sterile conditions
• Nerve damage near the scar, rare and usually temporary

Your procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon using local anaesthesia at a licensed clinic. Aftercare guidance and scar management products are included.