MaxFac London
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Our Services

Scar Revision

Surgical and non-surgical techniques to refine and optimise facial scarring — including correction of underlying structural asymmetry — delivered by specialist consultants with extensive experience in facial reconstruction.


Understanding the Condition

Why Do Facial Scars Need Specialist Treatment?

All wounds heal with a scar. On the face — where appearance, movement, and self-confidence are closely linked — the quality of that scar matters enormously. A poorly healed scar can be visible at conversational distance, distort the features, restrict movement, and serve as a daily reminder of an injury or operation.

Scar quality is influenced by wound depth, direction, tension during healing, skin type, age, infection, and the technique used to close the original wound. Suboptimal initial closure in a non-specialist setting can result in scars that are thickened, widened, raised, depressed, hyperpigmented, or misaligned with natural skin lines.

The good news is that a great deal can be achieved with careful, planned revision — whether through surgical techniques, non-surgical treatments, or a combination of both.

Scar Types We Treat

  • Hypertrophic scars — raised, red, or firm scars within the original wound boundaries
  • Keloid scars — scars that grow beyond the original wound edges, more common in certain skin types
  • Stretched or widened scars — often due to wound tension during healing
  • Depressed or tethered scars — sunken into the skin surface
  • Misdirected scars — crossing natural facial lines or creases
  • Post-traumatic scarring with underlying skeletal or soft tissue distortion

Treatment Options

What Scar Revision Involves

The most appropriate treatment depends on the scar type, its location, and any underlying structural factors. Mr Bhatti assesses each patient individually and creates a tailored plan, sometimes involving staged treatment over several months.

Surgical Revision

Re-excision and careful re-closure of the scar, using techniques including Z-plasty, W-plasty, or geometric broken line closure — approaches that reposition scars along natural skin folds, reduce tension, and interrupt straight-line visibility.

Dermabrasion & Resurfacing

Mechanical or laser resurfacing to blend scar margins with surrounding skin, particularly useful for superficial irregularities and colour differences.

Steroid Injection & Pressure Therapy

Intralesional steroid injections and pressure garments can significantly improve hypertrophic and keloid scars, reducing bulk, redness, and associated symptoms such as itch and tightness.

Correction of Underlying Asymmetry

Where facial scarring has resulted in structural distortion — retraction of the eyelid, displacement of the lip, restriction of nasal or oral opening — correction of the underlying skeletal or soft tissue problem is addressed alongside the scar itself. This holistic approach is what distinguishes maxillofacial scar management from purely dermatological treatment.

“A scar is not simply a cosmetic problem. When it is on the face, it affects how people see themselves and how they engage with the world. The goal of scar revision is to give patients back that confidence.”

— Mr Nabeel Bhatti

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before having scar revision?
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 12 months after the original injury or surgery before undertaking formal scar revision, as scars continue to mature and improve during this period. However, early assessment is always worthwhile — Mr Bhatti can advise on appropriate timing and what can be done in the interim to optimise healing.
Will scar revision completely remove my scar?
No surgical technique can remove a scar entirely — any cut through the skin will leave a scar. The goal of scar revision is to improve the appearance significantly: making scars less visible, better aligned with natural lines, flatter, softer, and less pigmented. For most patients, the improvement is meaningful and lasting.

To book a scar revision consultation with Mr Bhatti, please contact us. Early assessment is always worthwhile, even if treatment is not immediately appropriate.