Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Scars are a natural part of the skin's healing process after an injury, surgery, infection, or other skin condition. While scars often become less noticeable over time, some may remain raised, depressed, thickened, discolored, or otherwise noticeable.
Scar revision is a procedure intended to improve the appearance or characteristics of an existing scar. Depending on the type, location, and characteristics of the scar, treatment may involve surgical revision or another appropriate approach.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and scar revision in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience, Dr. Holmes considers the type, location, size, texture, pigmentation, and individual characteristics of each scar when determining whether revision may be appropriate.
Schedule a Scar Revision Consultation
Scar revision procedures are scheduled by phone. Call our office to discuss your concerns and determine the appropriate next step.
Call: 202-737-6800Scar revision is a procedure intended to improve the appearance, shape, texture, or position of an existing scar.
The goal is generally not to completely erase a scar. Instead, treatment may make the scar less noticeable or improve an area that has become bothersome because of its appearance, texture, or location.
The appropriate approach depends on the individual scar.
Scars develop as part of the body's natural healing process.
They can occur after:
Scars can change over time as they mature and heal.
Scars can vary significantly in appearance and texture.
They may be:
The type and characteristics of a scar help determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Scar revision may be considered when a scar:
An evaluation is important because not every scar requires surgical revision.
Scar revision and scar treatment are not necessarily the same.
Some scars may be better suited to nonsurgical treatments, while others may benefit from a surgical revision.
The appropriate approach depends on factors such as:
Dr. Holmes will evaluate the scar and discuss whether surgical revision or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
During a consultation, Dr. Holmes may consider:
This evaluation helps determine whether scar revision is appropriate and what approach may provide the most reasonable result.
The technique used for scar revision depends on the individual scar.
When surgical revision is appropriate, the procedure may involve removing or revising the existing scar and carefully closing the area to create a less noticeable scar.
The specific technique may depend on:
Dr. Holmes will discuss the recommended approach during your consultation.
When surgical scar revision is performed, local anesthesia is generally used to numb the treatment area.
You may experience pressure or movement during the procedure, but the area should be adequately numbed.
Some tenderness, swelling, or discomfort may occur afterward as the area heals.
The length of a scar revision procedure varies depending on:
Your expected procedure time can be discussed during your consultation.
Recovery depends on the location and extent of the procedure.
After scar revision, you may experience temporary:
You will receive instructions for caring for the treated area while it heals.
Depending on the procedure, follow-up may also be recommended to monitor healing.
No procedure can guarantee that a scar will be completely eliminated.
The goal of scar revision is generally to make the scar less noticeable or improve its appearance, rather than erase it completely.
The final result can depend on:
Dr. Holmes will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
Yes. Surgical scar revision involves creating an incision, so the procedure itself will result in a new scar.
The goal is to replace or revise the existing scar with a scar that may be less noticeable, better positioned, or more favorable in appearance.
The final appearance depends on individual healing and other factors.
Patients with skin of color may experience changes in pigmentation following inflammation, injury, or surgical procedures.
A healing incision may temporarily become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. Some individuals may also be more prone to noticeable pigmentation changes after injury.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's natural pigmentation and individual skin characteristics when evaluating scars and discussing treatment.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
In some cases, yes.
A scar does not necessarily need to be recent for it to be evaluated for revision.
Older scars can sometimes be considered for treatment depending on their appearance, location, texture, and individual characteristics.
An evaluation can help determine whether revision may be appropriate.
Not necessarily.
Acne scars can include depressed scars, uneven skin texture, discoloration, and other changes that may be treated differently from a single traumatic or surgical scar.
Learn more about Acne Scar Treatment →
Scar revision is also different from treatment for keloids.
A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original area of injury. Keloids can require specialized management and may sometimes return after treatment.
Learn more about Keloid Treatment →
Consider scheduling an evaluation if a scar:
A dermatologist can evaluate the scar and determine whether scar revision or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Individualized Scar Evaluation
based on the type, location, size, and characteristics of the scar
Personalized Treatment Planning
based on your individual concerns and skin characteristics
Experience With All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Attention to Healing and Pigmentation
with consideration for individual skin characteristics
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for scars and other dermatologic concerns. When scar revision is appropriate, Dr. Holmes considers the type, location, size, texture, pigmentation, and characteristics of the scar when developing a treatment plan.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's individual skin characteristics when evaluating scars and discussing treatment and healing.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you have a scar that is raised, depressed, irregular, uncomfortable, or otherwise bothersome, a dermatology evaluation can help determine whether scar revision or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
Schedule a Scar Revision Consultation in Washington, DC
