Indian Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
M.CH, MS, ISAPS Mentor
16000+ Cosmetic Surgeries
500+ Scar Revision Surgery
Scar Revision in Mumbai — Improving Scars, Honestly Explained
Scar revision improves the appearance of a scar — making it flatter, finer and better matched to the surrounding skin — and can restore movement where a scar is tight. It uses surgical and non-surgical methods chosen by scar type, and while an experienced surgeon can make a scar much less noticeable, no treatment can erase a scar completely. Being clear about that is the key to a happy result.
What Is Scar Revision?
Scar revision is a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure that improves the appearance of a scar — or restores function to an area affected by scarring — by blending the scar with the surrounding skin in tone, texture and level. It can also relieve tightness or restricted movement from thick or deep scars.
Improves, doesn’t erase — the honest goal is a scar that is much less noticeable, not one that disappears
Matched to the scar type — keloid, hypertrophic, atrophic (e.g. acne), contracture or pigmented scars each need a different approach
Surgical or non-surgical — excision, Z-plasty, grafting or flaps; or lasers, steroid injections, microneedling, silicone and peels
Functional too — a tight contracture scar can limit movement; revision can restore flexibility
Also called — scar improvement, scar correction, keloid/hypertrophic scar revision, laser scar revision, reconstructive scar surgery
“Ready to reshape your body?”
Scar Revision Surgery Before and After
“Liked the results? Let's plan yours.”
Scar Revision Surgery Testimonials: Fine To Fabulous Journeys
Awarded by Google.com
Rating: 4.7
Reviews: 485+
Awarded by WhatClinic.com
Rating: 4.8
Reviews: 119+
Awarded by Realself
Rating: 4.9
Reviews:453+
Awarded by Facebook
Rating: 4.6
Reviews:105+
“Inspired by their journey? Start yours”
Do Visible Scars Affect Your Confidence?
If a scar makes you self-conscious, scar revision can make it flatter, finer and far less noticeable — with a realistic, honest plan matched to your scar type and skin.
Do visible scars make you feel self-conscious, no matter how small?
Are you reminded of past trauma or surgery every time you look in the mirror?
Do you avoid certain clothes or situations because of prominent marks on your face or body?
Scars aren’t just skin deep — they can affect confidence, emotional wellbeing and even, with tight contracture scars, how you move. Whether from burns, accidents, acne or surgery, scars can carry a psychological weight that’s hard to ignore.
The reassuring news is that scar revision can genuinely help. A customised plan — using silicone and steroid therapy, laser resurfacing, microneedling or precise surgical techniques — can make a scar finer, flatter and better matched to your natural skin tone and texture. An honest surgeon will tell you what’s realistically achievable for your particular scar, because the goal is meaningful improvement, not an impossible promise of complete removal.
Global & Indian trends (2024)
Scar revision is among the faster-growing reconstructive-aesthetic procedures worldwide.
In India, high sun exposure and melanin-rich skin tones drive strong demand for post-surgical and acne-scar correction — and mean keloids and pigmentation need particular care.
Source: ISAPS Global Survey 2024
Quick Facts for Scar Revision Surgery
| Time Required | 30mins to 2 Hours |
| Anesthesia | Local Anesthesia |
| Pain Level | Mild to Moderate Well Managed With Medications |
| Result | Final Result After 3 to 6 Months |
| Diet | No Restriction |
| Hospital Stay | Day Care Surgery |
| Flyback | 5-10 Days |
| Satisfaction Rate | More Than 95% |
| Complication Rate | Less than 1 to 2% |
| Scar revision Surgery Cost | 20,000 to 80,000 INR |
Am I the Right Candidate for Acne Scar Treatment?
You may be a good candidate for acne scar treatment if you have stubborn acne marks or pitted scars affecting your confidence — most are improved with tailored non-surgical methods, sometimes with minor surgery for specific scar shapes.
Ice-pick scars — narrow, deep pits; may need punch excision or the TCA CROSS technique
Boxcar scars — broad, sharp-edged depressions; often fractional laser or fillers
Rolling scars — wavy, tethered depressions; benefit from subcision or microneedling with RF
Pigmented marks — dark spots (not true scars); managed with peels or pigmentation treatment
Mixed scars — most people have a combination, so a combined approach usually works best
Learn more — see our dedicated acne treatment and skin treatments pages
What Are Hypertrophic Scars and How Are They Treated?
Hypertrophic scars are thick, red, raised scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound. They often improve with silicone and steroid therapy, and can be flattened surgically if needed — and unlike keloids, they don’t grow beyond the wound.
What they are — raised, firm, often itchy scars confined to the wound edges; less aggressive than keloids
May improve with time — especially with early, non-invasive treatment
Treatment options
Silicone gel or sheets — evidence-based first-line: reduces thickness and redness over weeks to months
Steroid injections — flatten and soften the scar by reducing inflammation and excess collagen
Surgical revision — excision with repositioned, tension-reduced incision lines, usually with post-op steroid or silicone to prevent recurrence
Source: Silicone gel sheets reduce scar thickness/erythema; combination lowers recurrence
What Are Keloid Scars and Why Do They Need Special Treatment?
Keloid scars are raised scars that grow BEYOND the original wound boundary, and they are the most challenging type to treat because they recur very easily — which is why they need combination therapy, never surgical removal alone.
What they are — firm, often itchy or tender scars that extend past the original injury, sometimes long after it; more common in melanin-rich skin
Why excision alone fails — removing a keloid by surgery on its own leads to recurrence in a very high proportion of cases — studies report 45–100% — because cutting stimulates fresh collagen. Surgery alone is rarely the right answer
Combination therapy is key — excision paired with an adjuvant (steroid injections, silicone, pressure, and in selected cases superficial radiotherapy or laser) dramatically lowers recurrence
Non-surgical first, often — many keloids are managed with steroid injections (sometimes with 5-FU), silicone and pressure before any surgery is considered
Realistic expectations — keloids can be flattened and softened significantly, but they have a genuine tendency to come back, so ongoing care and follow-up matter
A planned, staged approach — we tailor keloid treatment to its size and site and set honest expectations at the consultation
Sources: Excision alone: 45–100% keloid recurrence; combine with adjuvant therapy, Combination therapy superior to single-modality; sole treatment a major recurrence risk, Almost 100% recur without adjuvant therapy; steroid/RT/silicone/pressure reduce recurrence
🩺 Dr. Milan Doshi’s note: “Keloids should not be treated with surgery alone. I plan treatment according to the scar’s size, site, symptoms, and recurrence history, often combining injections, silicone or pressure therapy, and surgery only when required. Patients are counselled that recurrence is possible and regular follow-up is essential.”
What Causes Contracture Scars and How Are They Treated?
Contracture scars form after burns or major skin loss, tightening and pulling the skin as it heals — which can restrict movement. They’re treated with releasing techniques like Z-plasty, skin grafts or flaps to restore flexibility.
What they are — tight scars from burns or large wounds that can limit the range of motion, sometimes affecting muscles and tendons
Treatment options
Z-plasty — releases tension by repositioning the scar along natural lines
Excision with graft or flap — replaces or resurfaces the tight area
Tissue expansion — grows extra healthy skin for larger defects
Physiotherapy — often needed afterwards to restore and maintain movement
How Can Facial Scars Be Improved Cosmetically?
Facial scars are treated mainly for appearance, using precise excision, dermabrasion or repositioning techniques like Z-plasty to blend them into the natural creases of the face — aiming to make them subtle, not to erase them.
Precise excision and fine closure — re-doing the scar with meticulous, tension-free technique
Z-plasty / repositioning — aligning the scar with natural skin creases so it’s less noticeable
Dermabrasion or laser — blending the scar’s surface into the surrounding skin
Realistic aim — to make facial scars much less noticeable, not fully erased; timing and skin type matter, so plan it at a consultation
What Are the Non-Surgical Options for Scar Improvement?
Non-surgical scar treatments — silicone, steroid injections, lasers, microneedling and peels — improve many mild-to-moderate scars with little downtime, and are often the first choice before any surgery.
Silicone gel or sheets — the evidence-based first-line for raised scars; hydrates and flattens over time, especially after surgery or injury
Steroid injections — flatten and soften keloids and hypertrophic scars by reducing inflammation and collagen build-up
Laser therapy — fractional CO2 or pulsed-dye lasers improve texture, redness and pigmentation
Microneedling / RF — microneedling with RF stimulates collagen to improve pitted or atrophic scars
Dermabrasion — dermabrasion resurfaces to smooth surface-level scars
Chemical peels — peels help superficial pigmentation and texture
These are ideal for mild-to-moderate scars and are often combined for better results. At Allure Medspa, the plan is personalised to your skin type, scar depth and lifestyle.
Source: Silicone, steroids, laser, pressure among mainstays; combination outperforms single modality
What Are the Advanced Surgical Options for Scar Revision?
Advanced scar revision surgery — Z-plasty, skin grafts and flaps — is used for larger, tighter or more complex scars, to improve both function and appearance. For raised keloids, surgery is combined with other therapies to prevent recurrence.
Z-plasty
Reorients the scar — along natural skin creases for a better look and to release tension
Best for — scars that cross skin lines or cause contracture; done under local anaesthesia as an outpatient
Skin grafting
Transfers skin — from a healthy donor site to a scarred or injured area; used for large or deep defects
Trade-off — creates a donor-site scar; success depends on the graft’s blood supply and ‘take’
Flap surgery
Moves living tissue — skin, fat and blood supply (sometimes muscle) for better texture and durability than grafts alone
For complex scars — pedicled or free (microvascular) flaps for functionally limiting scars
What Are the Pre-Operative Requirements for Scar Revision Surgery?
Before scar revision surgery, a few tests and simple instructions ensure a safe, smooth procedure — exact preparation depends on whether you’re having laser, excision, grafting or injectables.
Routine tests — blood and urine tests; imaging only if the scar is deep or complex
Stop smoking; pause blood thinners — both impair healing; stop as directed
Fasting — 6–8 hours before surgical revision
Disclose everything — all medications, supplements and allergies, and any tendency to keloids
What Does the Scar Revision Procedure Involve?
Scar revision customises the technique to your scar type — lasers, steroids or surgery — to improve tone, texture and level so the scar blends with the surrounding skin.
Every scar is unique — caused by surgery, trauma, acne or burns, and treated accordingly
By scar type — keloid, hypertrophic, atrophic, contracture or pigmented, each needs a different plan
Non-surgical options — steroid injections, laser, dermabrasion, microneedling, silicone
Surgical options — excision, Z-plasty, grafting, flaps (with adjuvant therapy for keloids)
The goal — to match the scar to the surrounding skin in tone, contour and texture, and to improve function where needed
Performed by — Dr. Milan Doshi, board-certified plastic surgeon at Allure Medspa
What Should You Expect During Recovery After Scar Revision?
Recovery after scar revision involves simple wound care, some activity restriction and strict sun protection — initial healing takes 1–2 weeks, with the scar continuing to mature for months.
Healing time — initial healing in 1–2 weeks; full internal remodelling over months
Scar care — keep clean and dry, use prescribed ointments/silicone, follow wound-care instructions
Activity — avoid movements that stretch the scar for 2–3 weeks
Stitches — usually removed within 5–10 days
Sun protection — SPF 50+ and cover the scar for 3–6 months to prevent darkening — especially important for melanin-rich skin
Follow-ups — regular checks support healthy healing and catch any early recurrence (important for keloids)
How Soon Will You See the Final Results After Scar Revision?
Initial improvement from scar revision appears within weeks, but the final result takes 3–6 months as collagen remodels and the scar matures — patience and good aftercare make a real difference.
Early results — reduced redness, thickness and smoother texture in 4–6 weeks
Collagen remodelling — the skin keeps healing beneath the surface for up to 6 months
Gradual fading — pigment and texture improve with time and good sun protection
Sometimes staged — follow-up laser, microneedling or steroid sessions may refine the result
Individual outcome — depends on scar type, skin quality, technique and aftercare — and, honestly, scars are improved rather than erased
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Scar Revision?
Scar revision is generally safe, but possible risks include pigmentation changes, infection, asymmetry and — importantly — scar recurrence, particularly with keloids.
Recurrence — keloids and hypertrophic scars can return, especially without adjuvant therapy and follow-up; this is the single most important risk to understand (see the keloid section)
Pigmentation changes — darkening or lightening, more likely in melanin-rich skin or with sun exposure; see pigmentation treatment
Infection — uncommon; managed with antibiotics and good hygiene
Asymmetry / contour irregularity — possible in visible areas
Delayed healing — more likely in smokers, diabetics or those with reduced immunity
Allergic reaction — rare, to sutures, dressings or ointments
Source: Recurrence is the central challenge, especially for keloids; combination therapy reduces it
How Much Does Scar Revision Cost in Mumbai, India?
The cost of scar revision in Mumbai typically ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹80,000, depending on the scar type, size, location and whether the treatment is non-surgical, single-stage surgery or a staged combination. EMI options are on our payment process page.
What changes the price — scar size and location, technique (laser vs excision vs graft/flap), and whether it’s single- or multi-stage
Usually included — consultation, surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia, OT/hospital, consumables and immediate follow-ups
Not included — pre-op fitness tests, take-home medicines, and management of any rare complications
Reconstructive cases may differ — purely cosmetic scar revision isn’t covered by insurance, but reconstructive revision after trauma or burns may be partly reimbursable — ask us; book a consultation for an exact quote
“Want to know the exact cost for you?”
Which Is the Best Centre for Scar Revision in Mumbai?
Allure Medspa, led by Dr. Milan Doshi, is a trusted Mumbai centre for scar revision — treating all scar types with both surgical and non-surgical options, honest expectations, and careful aftercare.
Led by a plastic surgeon — Dr. Milan Doshi, experienced in natural-looking, precise results
All scar types — keloid, hypertrophic, atrophic, contracture and pigmented
Full toolkit — advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques under one roof
Honest, personalised plans — based on scar type, skin quality and your goals, with realistic expectations
No scar fully erased — but expert techniques significantly improve appearance and texture; outstation patients are supported via our outstation patients guide
“Trust Mumbai’s leading aesthetic centre.”
Who Is the Best Surgeon for Scar Revision in Mumbai?
Dr. Milan Doshi is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Mumbai known for scar revision across all scar types, delivering natural-looking, precise improvement with realistic counselling.
- Board-certified — M.Ch, MS; certified by national and international bodies; 27+ years
- All scar types — keloid, hypertrophic, atrophic, contracture and pigmented
- Full range of techniques — Z-plasty, laser, dermabrasion, steroid therapy, grafting and flaps
- Personalised care — each plan tailored to scar type, location, skin tone and healing response
- Honest counselling — clear about what’s realistically achievable, especially for keloids
“Ready to meet the expert?”
Medical Code for Scar Revision
ICD-10 Codes for Scar Revision Treatment
| ICD-10 Code | Description |
|---|---|
| L91.0 | Hypertrophic scar (raised, thickened scar tissue) |
| L91.8 | Other hypertrophic disorders of skin (keloids, thick scars) |
| L90.5 | Atrophic scar (sunken or depressed scars, e.g. acne) |
| T81.89XA | Other complications of procedures, initial encounter (for surgical scar complications) |
| Z41.1 | Encounter for cosmetic procedure (elective scar revision) |
CPT Codes for Scar Revision Treatment
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 13120–13122 | Repair, complex, trunk/extremities/neck (for revision of wide/healed scars) |
| 13131–13133 | Repair, complex, forehead/cheeks/chin/mouth/nose/lips/eyelids (for facial scar revision) |
| 15780 | Dermabrasion, total face (commonly used for acne scar revision) |
| 15781 | Dermabrasion, localized area (e.g., single scar site) |
| 17110 | Destruction of benign skin lesions (for hypertrophic or keloid scars via laser/cautery) |
| 17999 | Unlisted procedure, skin (used for laser scar revision not otherwise specified) |
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Question for Scar Revision Surgery
Q1. Can scar revision remove a scar completely?
Ans. No — and any honest surgeon will say so. Scar revision makes a scar much less noticeable (flatter, finer, better blended), but no treatment can erase a scar entirely. Realistic expectations are the key to being happy with the result.
Q2. Does scar revision look natural?
Ans. Yes, in experienced hands. The aim is to blend the scar with the surrounding skin in tone, texture and level so it’s far less obvious.
Q3. How painful is scar revision?
Ans. Most procedures are done under local anaesthesia, so discomfort during treatment is minimal. Mild soreness or tightness afterward settles quickly.
Q4. Why do keloids come back after removal?
Ans. Because cutting a keloid stimulates fresh collagen — excision alone leads to recurrence in a large proportion of cases (studies report 45–100%). That’s why keloids are treated with combination therapy (excision plus steroids, silicone, pressure, and sometimes radiotherapy), not surgery alone.
Q5. What’s the recovery time for scar revision?
Ans. Initial healing takes about 1–2 weeks, with the scar continuing to mature over 3–6 months. Downtime depends on the technique.
Q6. Can laser remove scars permanently?
Ans. Laser can significantly fade scars and improve texture, but complete removal isn’t guaranteed, and maintenance sessions may be advised.
Q7. Can a dermatologist do scar revision?
Ans. Yes — dermatologists and plastic/cosmetic surgeons are both trained in scar management, from lasers and injections to surgical revision. Complex or surgical cases are typically handled by a plastic surgeon.
Q8. Who is a candidate for scar revision?
Ans. Anyone with a hypertrophic, keloid, atrophic, contracture or pigmented scar that affects their appearance or movement. A consultation confirms the best approach for your scar.
Q9. What does scar revision cost?
Ans. It depends on scar size, type and technique. At Allure Medspa it typically ranges from about ₹20,000 to ₹80,000; laser and surgical options vary. You’ll get an exact quote after assessment.
Q10. When is the best time for scar revision?
Ans. Usually after the scar has matured — often 6–12 months after the injury — though early treatment (silicone, steroids) is sometimes started sooner to guide healing, especially for keloid-prone skin.
Q11. Do I need anaesthesia?
Ans. Most revisions use local anaesthesia. Larger surgical revisions (grafts, flaps) may need sedation or general anaesthesia.
Q12. What are the disadvantages of scar revision?
Ans. Mainly incomplete improvement, possible pigmentation change, and recurrence (especially keloids). These are minimised with realistic expectations and expert, combination care.
Q13. Can insurance cover scar revision?
Ans. Purely cosmetic revision usually isn’t covered. Reconstructive revision after trauma or burns — or where a scar limits function — may be partly reimbursable; check with your insurer.
Q14. Can scar revision be done on the face?
Ans. Yes — facial scar revision is common, using precise excision, Z-plasty, lasers or microneedling to make scars subtle and well-hidden in natural creases.
Q15. Is laser scar treatment painful?
Ans. It feels like a mild snapping or heat on the skin; numbing cream is applied first for comfort.
Q16. How do I improve scars on melanin-rich skin safely?
Ans. Carefully — darker skin is more prone to pigmentation changes and keloids, so treatment is chosen and dosed conservatively, with strict sun protection. An experienced surgeon tailors the approach to your skin type.
Q17. Will nipple, sensation or movement be affected?
Ans. For most facial and body scars, no. Contracture-scar revision specifically aims to restore movement; your surgeon will discuss anything relevant to your scar’s location.
Q18. How can I get the best result?
Ans. Follow the plan: use silicone/steroids as advised, protect from the sun, don’t smoke, keep follow-ups, and be patient — the final result takes months to appear.
Q19. Is scar revision worth it?
Ans. For scars that affect confidence or movement, most patients find meaningful improvement worthwhile — provided they go in expecting improvement, not erasure.
Q20. How long until final results?
Ans. Initial healing is 1–2 weeks, but final results appear over 3–6 months as the skin remodels. Sun protection and scar care throughout make a real difference.
“Still have questions? We’re here.”
Related Links
Note: The author of this content is Dr. Milan Doshi, An Indian board-certified plastic & cosmetic Surgeon wholly & solely confirms the authenticity of the information & knowledge delivered by this write-up.
