Scars can vary significantly in shape, size, and texture, affecting both the appearance and self-confidence of individuals. Whether caused by acne, surgery, or trauma, each type of scar may require a specific approach to revision. The goal of scar revision is to improve the appearance of a scar, enhance the texture of the skin, and blend the scar more seamlessly with the surrounding skin. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of scar revision treatment options, focusing on depressed scars, and offering guidance on how to choose the right solution for your skin concerns.
Treating Depressed Scars
A depressed scar is a sunken or indented scar that often results from tissue loss during the healing process. Common causes include severe acne, surgical procedures, and traumatic injuries. Effective scar revision techniques for this type of scar aim to lift the skin, restore volume, and reduce the appearance of skin irregularities.
Surgical Techniques for Depressed Scar Revision
Scar revision surgery is often recommended for severe or deep depressed scars. These techniques are performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon and can include:
Subcision
This surgical scar revision technique uses a needle to break fibrous scar tissue that anchors the skin down. Once released, the skin lifts, making the scar less noticeable.
Skin grafts
In cases where a large amount of tissue is missing, healthy skin from another part of the body is transplanted. This graft helps fill the depression and restore the skin surface.
Tissue expansion
A plastic surgical procedure where a balloon expander is placed under the skin to grow extra tissue, which can then be used to cover a surgical scar.
Z-plasty and W-plasty
These reconstructive techniques reposition the scar to better align with natural skin lines, minimizing its appearance.
These surgical techniques are typically recommended when less invasive scar revision methods have proven ineffective or when the scar is removed completely.
Non-Surgical Options for Depressed Scars
Not all depressed scars require surgical treatment. Many non-invasive scar revision procedures can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, or trauma-related indentations.
Laser resurfacing
Techniques such as Fraxel 1550 or DeepFX promote collagen production and stimulate healing in the deeper layers of skin. At Avalon Laser, our laser treatment services help resurface the skin, reduce surface irregularities, and support smoother skin texture.
Fillers
A dermal filler made from collagen or hyaluronic acid can temporarily elevate a depressed scar. This injection-based method is especially effective for facial plastic concerns where subtle lifting creates dramatic improvements.
Steroid injections
Particularly effective for keloid scars and hypertrophic scars, these injections help soften and flatten thickened scar tissue.
Topical treatments
Products enriched with collagen stimulators and healing agents may support recovery post-procedure. Though they don’t remove scars, topical agents can enhance outcomes of other scar revision treatments.
In combination, these treatments provide a layered approach to scar revision, often producing results that surgical options alone cannot.
Treating Pigmented Scars
Hyperpigmentation or discoloration is another concern that can accompany scars. While it doesn’t always involve a change in texture, pigmentation can make a scar more noticeable. Pigmented scars may occur from acne, surgical incisions, or trauma. Treatment focuses on evening skin tone and reducing discoloration:
Chemical peels
Available at Avalon Laser, chemical peels exfoliate the top layers of the skin, encouraging new skin growth and reducing dark spots.
Microneedling (Dermapen)
At Avalon Laser, dermapen stimulates collagen production to treat both texture and pigmentation.
Laser treatment
Certain types of laser therapy target melanin to lighten dark scar areas and promote even tone.
Topical treatments
Lightening agents may help with mild pigmentation.
When treating pigmentation, it is critical to distinguish between a freckles vs sun spots condition and true scar formation, as each requires a different approach.
How to Know Which Treatment Is Right for You
Choosing the right scar revision treatment begins with understanding the type of scar, its location, the severity of the scar, and your skin type. Key considerations include:
- Is the scar raised, indented, or pigmented?
- Is there residual scar tissue or discoloration?
- How long ago did the scar form?
A consultation with a trained medical provider at Avalon Laser ensures a personalized treatment plan. We evaluate the skin near the scar, determine the right technique and treatment, and discuss the risks of scar revision as well as expected outcomes.
How to Fix a Depressed Scar?
Fixing a depressed scar often involves combining reconstructive and cosmetic solutions. For example:
- Laser treatment and dermal fillers can simultaneously resurface and lift the scar.
- A subcision followed by collagen-enhancing injections delivers longer-lasting volume restoration.
- For large areas, skin grafts or tissue expansion may be more appropriate.
The ideal solution depends on the appearance of the scar, its cause, and how well you respond to prior revision treatments.
How to Heal Indented Scars?
Healing indented scars requires time, the right scar treatment, and commitment to post-care. Key tips include:
- Follow post-procedure instructions closely to reduce the formation of a new scar.
- Avoid sun exposure, as it can worsen pigmentation and interfere with healing.
- Use topical treatments to support healing and reduce inflammation.
Understanding when to start scar treatment after surgery is also essential for timely intervention.
Scar Revision Cost and Considerations
Many patients wonder how much is laser scar removal. Costs vary depending on the type of scar revision, number of sessions required, and whether the procedure is cosmetic or medically indicated.
Procedures range from:
- Dermabrasion and laser resurfacing
- Steroid injections for keloid or raised scars
- Full surgical removal or reconstructive surgery
Your investment not only improves aesthetics but also supports confidence and emotional wellness.
Get Started with Scar Revision at Avalon Laser
If you’re seeking to improve the appearance of a scar—whether from acne, surgery, or trauma, Avalon Laser offers advanced scar revision solutions that combine art and science. From acne treatment and laser treatment to surgical and non-surgical scar revision techniques, we provide tailored care in a safe, medical setting.
Schedule your consultation with our facial plastic experts to explore your best treatment options and begin your journey to smoother, more even skin. Let our expert team improve the appearance of scars and help you look and feel your best.
