Procedures - Refinement
Scar Revision
Improve noticeable scars so they blend more naturally with the surrounding skin.
A scar can't be erased, but it can usually be improved. Scar revision makes a noticeable scar flatter, thinner, or better aligned so it draws less attention and blends with the skin around it.
Depending on the scar, Dr. Ganz may remove it and close the skin more finely, reposition it into a natural crease, or refine its texture and color. He'll also be honest about the goal: a scar that blends in, not a scar that disappears.
Common questions
How do I know if my scar is a good candidate for revision?
Most noticeable scars - ones that are raised, wide, discolored, tight, or poorly positioned - can be improved in some way. The type matters too: a stretched surgical scar behaves differently than a keloid or a contracture. Honestly, the best way to know is to show it to Dr. Ganz directly. He'll give you a straight read on what's realistic for your scar rather than a generic answer.
What's the recovery time like, and when can I get back to normal activities?
It depends on the scar's location, size, and which technique is used - a simple excision on your arm heals differently than a revision near a joint or on the face. As a rule, light activity resumes fairly quickly, while anything that stresses the area takes longer. Dr. Ganz will map out a realistic timeline at your consultation so you can plan around it.
Will the revision surgery itself leave a scar, and if so, how noticeable will it be?
Yes - any surgical revision creates a new scar. The goal is to trade a noticeable one for something flatter, thinner, better aligned, and easier to ignore. Dr. Ganz is upfront that the aim is a scar that blends in, not one that disappears. Placement matters a lot here - tucking the line into a natural crease or skin fold is a big part of how well it hides.
How much pain or discomfort should I expect during and after the procedure?
During the procedure you won't feel pain - appropriate anesthesia is used throughout. Afterward, most patients describe soreness and some tightness rather than sharp pain, and it's typically manageable with medication. How much you feel tracks with the size and location of the revision. Dr. Ganz will set clear expectations beforehand and make sure you have what you need for a comfortable recovery.
How long do the results last, or will I need touch-up procedures down the road?
A well-healed revision is generally long-lasting - scars don't "grow back" to their original appearance. Skin does keep changing, though, with age, sun exposure, and other factors. Certain scars, particularly keloids or those in high-movement areas, carry a higher chance of needing more work. If yours falls into a category where one session may not be the whole story, Dr. Ganz will tell you that upfront.
Can you combine scar revision with other procedures at the same time?
Often yes, depending on what you're considering and your overall health. Pairing procedures can make practical sense - one recovery, one anesthesia event. Whether it's right for you comes down to the specifics, and it's a natural thing to raise with Dr. Ganz when you meet.
What are the risks, and what type of anesthesia will be used?
Every surgical procedure carries risks - infection, poor healing, changes in sensation, and the chance that the scar improves less than hoped. Anesthesia depends on the scar's location and the complexity of the revision; local handles many cases, while others warrant sedation. Dr. Ganz goes through all of this one-on-one - it's a key part of the consultation conversation.
How is the cost determined - is it based on scar size, location, or the specific technique you use?
All of those play a role - size, location, technique, and whether anesthesia beyond local is involved. Since no two scars are the same, pricing is individualized and quoted after Dr. Ganz has actually evaluated your scar and outlined a plan. That way the number reflects what your revision really involves, not a ballpark meant for someone else.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Let's talk about what makes sense for you.
You don't need to know the name of the procedure you need. Tell Dr. Ganz what bothers you, what you would like to change, and what matters most to you. He'll give you an honest opinion about your options and what is realistically achievable.
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