What to expect from scar revision surgery for a hypertrophic scar

A hypertrophic scar is raised, firm, and confined to the original injury or incision area. It may itch, feel tight, or limit movement depending on its position. Revision surgery can remove or reshape part of the thickened tissue and close the area in a way intended to reduce tension. The surgeon considers the scar’s age, thickness, symptoms, location, skin tension, and your history of raised scars before recommending an approach.

Surgery does not switch off the healing response that produced the original raised scar. The revised area therefore needs observation and a prevention plan tailored to you. Early redness and firmness can be part of healing, while the final appearance takes time to develop.

Discuss whether other treatments should be tried first or combined with surgery, especially if the scar is still active, itchy, or growing. Tell the clinician about prior keloids or hypertrophic scars, medicines, allergies, and any infection near the site.

After surgery, keep the incision clean and covered as instructed, avoid tension and friction, and attend every review. Silicone, pressure, injections, taping, massage, or movement exercises may be recommended at a specific stage of healing. Do not start these measures on an open or newly closed wound unless the surgical team tells you to do so.

Report increasing pain, spreading redness, heat, pus, fever, wound separation, or bleeding that continues despite the instructed pressure. Contact the team if the scar becomes rapidly more raised, painful, or itchy after the incision has closed. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or widespread hives.

Ask whether the scar is hypertrophic or could be a keloid, what surgery is expected to improve, and what measures will reduce tension or renewed thickening. Ask when silicone, pressure, injections, massage, or exercise would be safe and how follow-up will monitor recurrence.