Scar Revision Surgery


Scar Revision

Scar Revision Surgery Melbourne: Techniques, Recovery and When to Consider It


Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic · Templestowe, Melbourne · Updated May 2026


⏱ 9 min read

✂️
Surgical Scar
Revision
👩‍⚕️
Specialist
Skin Doctors
🏠
Purpose-Built
Clinic
📋
No Referral
Required
📍
Templestowe
Melbourne

Had a skin cancer removed and concerned about the scar? Scar revision cannot erase a scar completely, but with the right technique it can significantly improve its appearance, reduce discomfort, and restore confidence. Our specialist team at Manningham offers both surgical and non-surgical scar revision with no referral required.

In This Article

  • What scar revision surgery is and how it works
  • Surgical and non-surgical scar revision options
  • The five main scar types and treatments
  • Who is a good candidate and when to consider it
  • What to expect during recovery
  • 8 FAQs answered by our specialists

What Is Scar Revision Surgery?

Scar revision surgery refers to a range of medical procedures designed to minimise the visibility of scars and improve their texture, colour, and overall appearance. It is particularly relevant following skin cancer excisions, biopsies, Mohs surgery, and other procedures that leave visible marks on the skin.

Depending on the type, size, location, and age of the scar, different revision approaches may be recommended. Some patients require only a simple surgical procedure under local anaesthetic; others benefit more from non-surgical treatments such as steroid injections, silicone therapy, or laser treatment.

Important to Know

The goal of scar revision is improvement, not perfection. Scars can never be completely removed, but with the right technique, most scars can be significantly improved in appearance and reduced in symptoms such as pain, tightness, or itching. For advice on healing well and minimising scarring before revision becomes necessary, read our guide on
Wound Care: How Proper Healing Prevents Long-Term Scarring.

Types of Scar Revision Treatments

Not all scars are the same, and not all respond to the same treatment. Your specialist at Manningham will assess your scar carefully and recommend the most appropriate approach.

1. Surgical Scar Revision

For mature scars that have become raised, widened, or are causing functional problems, surgical revision involves excising the existing scar and closing the wound with precise, layered suturing techniques. Techniques include:

Simple Excision & Re-Closure

The scar is removed and the wound closed more carefully to reduce tension and improve the final appearance.

Z-Plasty

Repositions the scar so it runs parallel to natural skin lines, making it significantly less visible.

W-Plasty

Breaks a long, straight scar into irregular angles, making it harder for the eye to follow.

Flap & Graft Surgery

Used for larger or more complex scars where surrounding tissue is repositioned to provide better coverage.

2. Non-Surgical Scar Revision Treatments

  • Corticosteroid injections: Effective for raised (hypertrophic) scars and keloids — injections help flatten and soften the scar tissue over a series of treatments.
  • Silicone sheets and gels: A non-invasive option for flattening and softening scars, particularly effective when started early in the healing process.
  • Laser scar revision: Laser treatments can reduce redness, improve texture, and smooth out surface irregularities in certain types of scars.
  • Pressure therapy: Compression garments or devices used particularly for burns and extensive surgical scars.

Scar revision consultation at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic Templestowe Melbourne
A thorough consultation with your skin specialist determines the most suitable scar revision approach for your individual scar type and skin condition.

Understanding Different Scar Types

Different scars require different approaches. Understanding which type of scar you have is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.

Scar Type Description Common Causes Treatment Options
Flat Scar Light-coloured, level with skin surface Minor wounds, healed surgical incisions Often improves with time; may benefit from silicone gel
Hypertrophic Scar Raised, red, and firm — stays within wound boundaries Surgery, burns, deep wounds Steroid injections, silicone, laser, or surgical revision
Keloid Scar Raised, extends beyond original wound, may itch or be painful Surgery, piercings, acne — more common in certain skin types Steroid injections, laser, surgical revision
Atrophic Scar Sunken or depressed below skin surface Acne, chickenpox, some surgical procedures Laser, fillers, surgical revision
Contracture Scar Tight, restricts movement Burns, extensive skin cancer removal Surgical revision, physiotherapy, laser

Who Is a Good Candidate for Scar Revision?

Scar revision is suitable for many patients, but the timing and approach depend on several factors. You may be a good candidate if:

  • Your scar has fully matured — most scars are best revised 12 months or more after the original procedure
  • Your scar is causing discomfort, restricting movement, or significantly affecting your self-confidence
  • You have realistic expectations about what scar revision can achieve
  • You are in good general health and do not smoke, or are willing to quit prior to surgery
  • The scar was caused by a skin cancer removal, biopsy, or other surgical procedure

The best way to determine whether scar revision is right for you is to book a consultation with one of our skin cancer specialists at
Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic.

Scar Revision Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery depends on the type of procedure performed. Here is a timeline for minor surgical scar revision under local anaesthetic:

Timeframe What to Expect
Immediately after The treated area will be covered with a dressing. Some swelling, redness, and mild discomfort is normal and expected.
First week Keep the wound clean and dry as directed. Sutures are typically removed within 5 to 14 days depending on location.
Weeks 2–6 The revised scar will initially appear red and raised before gradually softening and fading.
3–12 months Most scars continue to mature and improve for up to 12 months after revision. Sun protection of the scar during this period is critical.

How Does Scar Revision Work?

Scar revision works by removing or restructuring the existing scar tissue and allowing the wound to heal under more controlled conditions. Surgical techniques reposition scar tissue to run along natural skin lines, reducing tension and improving the final result. Non-surgical options such as steroid injections and silicone therapy work by modifying the biology of scar tissue to flatten and soften it over time.

Comprehensive skin cancer and scar care at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic Melbourne
Our team provides comprehensive care from skin cancer removal through to scar revision, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Related Services and Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is scar revision?
＋
Scar revision is a medical or cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance, texture, and symptoms of a scar. It can involve surgical techniques (such as excision and re-closure, Z-plasty, or W-plasty) or non-surgical treatments (such as steroid injections, silicone gel, or laser therapy). It is commonly used following skin cancer removal, biopsies, and other surgical procedures.
What is scar revision treatment?
＋
Scar revision treatment encompasses any procedure or therapy used to improve the appearance or function of a scar. This can range from simple steroid injections to flatten a raised scar, through to surgical revision involving excision and layered wound closure. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type, age, size, and location of the scar.
How does scar revision work?
＋
Surgical scar revision removes the existing scar tissue and re-closes the wound under more controlled conditions, repositioning the scar to run along natural skin lines and minimising tension. Non-surgical options such as steroid injections and silicone therapy work by modifying the biology of scar tissue, causing it to soften and flatten over a series of treatments.
How much does scar revision cost?
＋
The cost of scar revision depends on the type of procedure required, the size and complexity of the scar, and whether surgical or non-surgical treatment is used. Please contact our clinic directly on (03) 8840 1410 for a consultation and current pricing information.
Does Medicare cover scar revision surgery?
＋
In some circumstances, scar revision surgery may attract a Medicare rebate — particularly where the scar is causing functional problems or resulted from a medically necessary procedure such as skin cancer removal. We recommend speaking with our team about your specific situation to understand your eligibility.
How is scar revision done?
＋
Surgical scar revision is typically performed under local anaesthetic in a clinic setting. The existing scar tissue is excised and the wound closed using precise, layered suturing techniques. More complex revisions may involve Z-plasty or W-plasty techniques to reposition the scar along natural skin lines. Non-surgical options are performed in a consultation room and do not require any incisions.
How long does scar revision surgery take to heal?
＋
Initial wound healing after surgical scar revision typically takes one to three weeks, depending on the size and location. However, the revised scar will continue to mature and improve for up to 12 months. During this time, sun protection of the treated area is critical to achieving the best possible outcome.
Is scar revision worth it?
＋
For many patients, yes. While scar revision cannot completely remove a scar, it can significantly improve its appearance, reduce symptoms such as itching or tightness, and restore confidence — particularly for scars in visible areas such as the face or neck. A consultation with one of our skin specialists will help you understand what results are realistically achievable for your specific scar.

Our Approach

Comprehensive Skin Cancer and Scar Care in One Place

From initial skin cancer detection and removal through to scar revision and follow-up, Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic provides a complete care pathway for our patients. No referral is required, and our team will guide you through every step — from your first consultation to your final review. We specialise entirely in skin cancer, which means we treat a high volume of post-excision and post-biopsy scars. This depth of experience means our specialists are highly skilled at both preventing poor scarring outcomes and revising scars that have not healed as expected.

Surgical Scar Revision
Keloid Treatment
Z-Plasty Technique
Non-Surgical Options
Post-Excision Care

Book Your Consultation Today

Enquire About Scar Revision
in Melbourne

If you have a scar from a skin cancer removal or other procedure and would like to discuss your options, our specialist team is here to help. No referral required.

Level 4, 200 High Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3107 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Fortnightly Saturdays 9am–12:30pm

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified skin cancer specialist for personalised guidance on scar revision options.