What Is Scar Revision?
The goal is of any scar revision is to improve the appearance of the scar either by disguising it, relocating it, or minimizing its prominence. This is because there is no way to remove scars completely. However Dr. William Numa has deep experience and knowledge with the types different plastic surgery techniques that surround scar revision.
Skin color and type, age, and the type of scarring, are all important factors that must be part of the discussion prior to surgery. Different types of scars respond to different plastic surgery techniques. A keloid scar will react differently from an acne scar in treatment making it key to talk through goals, evaluate the skin and formulating a plan. Generally scar revision involves removing the scar tissue entirely. However, with minimally invasive techniques, surgical scar revision in our Boston office will usually be the best plan.
Another key component for scar treatment is timing. This timing consideration applies to patients recovering from reconstructive procedures as well, including those who have undergone skin cancer reconstruction and are seeking refinement of the repaired area. Often we recommend waiting up to one year following an injury before any surgical interventions take place. This interval allows the body enough time to heal fully.
During your preliminary consultation, Dr. Numa will learn about your aesthetic concerns, review the unique characteristics of your skin and scar concerns, and then you’ll decide jointly which aesthetic goals should and can be realistically accomplished.
What Happens During Scar Revision Surgery?
Scar revision surgery is tailored to the type, location, and severity of the scar. The specific approach may vary, but surgical scar revision may include the following steps:
Anesthesia
Medication is administered for comfort during the procedure. Depending on the extent of the scar revision, this may include local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia.
Scar Tissue Removal
When surgical excision is appropriate, the existing scar tissue is carefully removed so the incision can be repositioned and closed with the goal of creating a less noticeable scar.
Closure Techniques
The incision is carefully closed using techniques selected for the location and depth of the scar. This may include layered closure or, when appropriate, advanced techniques such as Z-plasty, W-plasty, or flap closure to reposition the scar or reduce tension.
Results After Surgery
Scar revision surgery is designed to make a scar less conspicuous and help it blend more naturally with the surrounding skin. Improvement develops gradually as the incision heals and the new scar matures, which can take several months or longer. Scar revision can significantly improve a scar, but it cannot completely erase it.
Benefits of Scar Revision
Scars, whether from injuries or surgeries, can be a source of discomfort or self-consciousness. With scar revision, you have the opportunity to reduce the appearance of unwanted scars, helping you feel more confident in your skin. For patients researching scar treatment Boston, Dr. William Numa offers advanced options, including surgical scar revision tailored to your individual needs. Here are a few of the key benefits:
- Improved appearance: Reduces the size and visibility of scars for a smoother, more natural look.
- Boosted confidence: Helps you feel more comfortable and confident in your appearance.
- Tailored treatments: Procedures like surgical scar revision can be customized for each scar type, including plastic surgery marks.
- Fine line scars: Can help transform thicker, more noticeable scars into finer, less conspicuous lines.
- Experienced care: Trust in the expertise of a top scar revision surgeon for precise, long-lasting results.
If you’re considering scar revision in Boston, Dr. Numa, known to be among the best of Boston in scar revision surgeons, is here to help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
Who is a Good Candidate for Scar Revision?
Scar revision surgery may be appropriate for patients who are bothered by a noticeable scar and want to improve how it blends with the surrounding skin. Dr. William Numa evaluates each scar individually, including its type, location, severity, and the patient’s overall health and goals.
You Are Bothered by the Appearance of a Scar
Good candidates may have scars from an injury, previous surgery, or other causes that are raised, depressed, uneven, discolored, or otherwise noticeable.
You Are in Good Overall Health
Patients should generally be physically healthy and able to heal appropriately following a surgical procedure. Medical history and any factors that could affect healing are reviewed during the consultation.
You Do Not Smoke
Smoking can interfere with wound healing. Patients considering scar revision surgery may be advised to stop smoking before and after treatment.
You Have Healthy Skin in the Treatment Area
Ideal candidates should not have active acne, infection, or another active skin condition in the area being treated.
You Have Realistic Expectations
Scar revision surgery can make a scar less noticeable, but it cannot completely erase a scar. Good candidates understand the potential benefits and limitations of treatment and have realistic goals for improvement.
You Are Seeking an Individualized Treatment Plan
The most appropriate approach depends on the type, size, severity, and location of the scar. Dr. Numa will evaluate these factors to determine whether surgical scar revision or another scar treatment option is appropriate for you.
What is the Cost of Scar Revision in Boston?
We understand that the cost of any cosmetic procedure, including scar revision, is an important factor for our patients. At Dr. Numa’s practice, there is no fixed price for scar revision surgery because treatment is tailored to the individual scar and the procedure required.
Scar removal surgery cost can vary based on factors such as the type, size, location, and complexity of the scar, the surgical technique required, anesthesia, and other procedure-related costs. During your consultation, Dr. Numa will evaluate your specific scar, discuss the most appropriate treatment options, and provide a personalized quote before you decide whether to move forward.
Scar revision performed for cosmetic reasons is generally not covered by insurance. Coverage may vary when treatment is considered medically necessary, so patients should confirm their individual benefits with their insurance provider.
Scar Revision Before And After Results In Boston
Explore the before and after photos of patients who have consulted with Dr. Numa in his Boston office for various procedures. These galleries showcase Dr. Numa’s expertise in achieving natural, balanced results through both surgical and non-surgical treatments. While we currently feature other procedures, scar revision photos will be added soon. Dr. Numa has helped numerous patients enhance their appearance, and he is available for consultations to discuss your scar revision options as you consider what’s possible.



Why Choose Dr. Numa for Your Scar Treatment in Boston?
Choosing the right surgeon for scar revision in Boston is especially important when the scar involves the face. William Numa, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than 18 years in private practice and advanced fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. His expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery includes the evaluation and treatment of visible scars.
Specialized Facial Plastic Surgery Expertise
Dr. Numa focuses his practice on the face and neck, where even subtle changes can have a significant effect on appearance. His extensive training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery allows him to select scar revision techniques with careful attention to skin characteristics, scar location, surrounding facial anatomy, and incision placement.
Natural-Looking Scar Revision Results
The goal of scar revision is not to erase a scar completely, but to make it less noticeable and help it blend more naturally with the surrounding skin. Dr. Numa approaches scar treatment with the same emphasis on precise, natural-looking results that guides his facial plastic surgery practice.
A Personalized Approach to Every Scar
No two scars are identical. Dr. Numa evaluates factors such as the type, size, location, age, and appearance of the scar, along with your skin characteristics and individual concerns, before recommending treatment. This personalized approach helps determine whether surgical scar revision or another treatment option is most appropriate.
Scar Treatment from an Experienced Boston Facial Plastic Surgeon
For patients looking for a scar specialist in Boston, Dr. Numa combines extensive facial plastic surgery experience with individualized treatment planning. During your consultation, he will evaluate your scar, discuss realistic treatment goals, and recommend an approach designed specifically for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance pay for scar removal?
Scar revision performed primarily for cosmetic reasons is generally not covered by health insurance. In some cases, treatment may be considered medically necessary if a scar causes pain, restricts movement, or creates another functional problem. Coverage varies by plan, so patients should confirm their benefits directly with their insurance provider.
Can a 20-year-old scar be removed?
An older scar can still be evaluated and treated. In fact, mature scars may be appropriate for scar revision because they have already completed much of the natural healing process. The best approach depends on the scar’s type, location, size, texture, and other individual characteristics. Scar revision can improve the appearance of an old scar, but it cannot completely erase it.
How long does scar revision last?
The results of surgical scar revision are generally long-lasting. However, the new scar continues to heal and mature over time, and final results may take several months or, in some cases, up to a year to become fully apparent. Results can vary based on the scar, treatment technique, healing response, and other individual factors.
Are scar revisions worth it?
For appropriate candidates, scar revision can significantly improve the appearance, texture, size, or visibility of a scar. Whether treatment is worthwhile depends on your goals, the type of scar, the degree of improvement that can reasonably be achieved, and your comfort with the risks and recovery involved. A consultation with Dr. Numa can help establish realistic expectations.
How to get rid of scars on face?
Facial scars cannot usually be completely eliminated, but their appearance can often be improved. Treatment options may include topical treatments, injectable treatments, resurfacing procedures, laser or light-based treatments, or surgical scar revision. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type, depth, location, and severity of the scar.
Which treatment is best for scar removal?
There is no single best scar removal treatment for every patient. The most effective option depends on the type and severity of the scar, its location, your skin characteristics, and your treatment goals. Dr. Numa evaluates these factors before recommending a personalized scar treatment plan, which may include surgical or nonsurgical options.
Can scars be permanently removed?
No treatment can completely erase a scar. Scar revision is designed to make a scar less conspicuous and help it blend more naturally with the surrounding skin. Surgical results can be long-lasting, but the goal is improvement rather than complete scar removal.

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