What is the process to remove a scar from the face?

This is a very common misconception. Scars cannot be removed but, they usually can be improved. The process of scar revision varies with the extent of the injury or scarring so, recovery can vary.

Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

Thank you the question. This is one that as plastic surgeons we often are asked and unfortunately the answer is scars are permanent and cannot be removed. However, that does not mean a scar may not be improved. Generally scar revision is done to improve not only the appearance but in some cases functional problem, such as tightness or deformity. After an evaluation that would include a history of how the scar came to be and examination, recommendations can be discussed. Scars that have developed as a result of accidents are the most common asked about because they were unplanned and their location can be more visible. In addition, traumatic injuries may not heal as well because tissue beyond the original laceration are also injured which may lead to wider and heavier scars. Once a scar has been revised the time clock to healing starts again and the entire process can take months to the final result.

Scarring is a process of skin healing. It is always permanent and visible on the face. I can only change some appearance of the scar doing that by excision. The new scar will be the next step. Nowadays I'd rather inject fat giving some support to the skin and I also inject intradermally the fat to rebuilt the scar. The majority of patients have improvement and higher satisfaction with the fat transfer than excision.