Scar Revision Surgery in Seomyeon, Busan
Scar revision surgery (흉터 성형) improves the appearance or function of an existing scar by cutting it out and re-closing it more finely, or by changing its direction with techniques such as Z-plasty or W-plasty. In Seomyeon, Busan, small revisions take about 30–90 minutes under local anesthesia. Stitches come out in about 5–14 days, and scars mature over 6–12 months.
Independent patient guide · Medically informative, not a substitute for a doctor's advice · Last reviewed:
What is scar revision surgery?
No procedure can erase a scar completely, but revision can make it narrower, flatter, better aligned with natural skin lines or less restrictive. Common techniques include:
- Simple excision: the old scar is removed and closed in layers with less tension.
- Z-plasty: changes the scar's direction and lengthens it, useful for contractures across joints or tight lines.
- W-plasty or geometric broken-line closure: breaks a long straight scar into a zigzag that is less noticeable.
- Skin grafts or local flaps: for larger burn or contracture scars.
Surgery is often followed by non-surgical treatments, such as fractional laser, vascular laser for redness or steroid injections, to refine the result.
Who is it for?
- People with wide or stretched scars after surgery or injury
- Scars that cross natural creases or pull features out of position
- Contracture scars that limit movement
Keloid scars, which grow beyond the original wound, are different: surgery alone often makes them recur, so they are usually managed with injections, pressure, silicone or radiation-based protocols under specialist care.
What happens at the clinic
- Assessment: the doctor checks scar age, type (hypertrophic, atrophic, keloid), skin tension lines and your healing history.
- Plan: surgical technique, plus any laser or injection programme, is agreed.
- Procedure: under local anesthesia, the scar is excised or reshaped and closed with fine sutures.
- Dressing: taping or a light dressing is applied.
- Follow-up: stitch removal and a plan for scar care during maturation.
Recovery and aftercare
Keep the wound clean and dry for the first days. After stitch removal, use silicone gel or sheets and paper tape to reduce tension, and protect the scar from sun for at least 6 months, since UV darkens new scars. Avoid stretching activities around the scar. It will look red at first and gradually soften and fade over 6–12 months.
Risks and side effects
The new scar may still widen, thicken or redden, particularly on the chest, shoulders and joints. Infection, wound separation and keloid formation in susceptible people are possible. Expectations should focus on improvement, not invisibility.
Choosing a clinic for scar revision in Seomyeon
- Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who explains which technique fits your scar's location and direction.
- Ask whether laser, injections or silicone will be combined and on what schedule.
- If you have keloids, ask how recurrence is prevented.
- Ask to see before-and-after photos at least 6 months post-revision.
- Confirm instructions for scar care you can continue after leaving Busan.
Visiting for scar revision
Facial revisions often need only about a week in the city. The Seomyeon area, reached easily by metro, also has many dermatology clinics for follow-up laser care.
Key facts
- Treats: wide, depressed, raised, mismatched or contracting scars from injury, surgery or acne
- Techniques: excision and layered closure, Z-plasty, W-plasty, geometric broken-line closure, grafts or flaps
- Procedure time: about 30–90 minutes for most facial scars
- Anesthesia: usually local
- Stitch removal: about 5–7 days (face), 10–14 days (body)
- Often combined with: laser, steroid injections, silicone gel
- Wait before revision: generally 6–12 months after the original injury
Frequently asked questions
Can scar revision remove a scar completely?
No. Surgery replaces one scar with another that is ideally finer, flatter and better positioned. The goal is a less noticeable scar, not invisible skin. Combining surgery with laser and good aftercare improves the outcome.
How long should I wait before scar revision?
Most surgeons recommend waiting 6–12 months after the original injury or surgery, until the scar has matured and stopped changing. Contractures that limit function may be treated sooner.
Can keloids be removed with surgery?
Surgery alone has a high chance of the keloid returning, sometimes larger. Keloids are usually treated with steroid injections, silicone, pressure or surgery combined with additional therapy to prevent recurrence.
Is laser better than surgery for scars?
It depends on the scar. Lasers improve redness, texture and mild unevenness. Surgery is better for wide, tight or poorly placed scars. Many people benefit from both, with laser started after the revised scar heals.
How long does recovery take after scar revision?
Small facial revisions usually have stitches removed in about a week, with little downtime. Redness may last several months, and the scar continues to mature for up to a year.
Medical disclaimer: Seomyeon.Clinic is an independent information directory. Content is for general education and does not replace a consultation with a licensed physician. Suitability, risks, results and costs vary by person and clinic. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.