This is generally used to treat keloid scars - highly visible, exaggerated scars that are particularly common in darker skin. Treatment involves injecting a steroid called triamcinolone. Four to six sessions are usually recommended by which time scarring should become flat and the colour consistent with the surrounding skin.

Surgical excision repositions or reduces the size of the scar. This may involve:

• surgically cutting out the scar and stitching to leave a neater scar
• surgically cutting out the scar, repositioning and stitching it in such a way that the scar runs along a less visible line 
• surgically cutting out the scar and replacing it with a partial, or full thickness, skin graft

Mild discomfort may be experienced following surgical scar revision. We recommend that you rest comfortably for a day or two.

Scar revision surgery is a commonly performed and very safe procedure. Nonetheless, all surgery and anaesthetic have some risk associated. Risks to all surgeries include infection, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anaesthetic or blood clotting.