Scar tissue is a normal result of the healing process. Whenever the skin has been broken, scarring occurs. Yet, some people develop an excessive amount of scar tissue after an accident or undergoing surgery. Although most scars improve with time and should be allowed to mature and heal completely, some scars do warrant special attention from a facial plastic surgeon. Hypertrophic scars, for instance, exhibit an excessive amount of scar tissue that is redder in color and firmer in texture than the surrounding skin. Keloid scars are not only redder and firmer, but also continue to grow and enlarge over time.
The surgeon cannot remove scars completely, but often he can improve their appearance so they are less unsightly, less noticeable, and more readily camouflaged with cosmetics.
Excision is the surgical technique whereby the surgeon removes excess scar tissue and carefully sutures wound edges to create an even, narrow scar. He may try to reposition the scar so that it will fall within the natural skin lines or creases. If that is not possible, he can break up the straight, unnatural line of the scar into small geometric patterns that blend in better with the skin texture. Since scar revision procedures may affect patients differently, each scar and each patient require careful study by the facial plastic surgeon to determine if and when surgery is indicated.

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