Scar Revision
Restore Confidence and smooth skin with personalized care
At Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer advanced scar revision treatments in St. Paul and Minneapolis designed to help you feel more at ease in your skin. Whether you’re dealing with scars from acne, surgery, injury, or past skin trauma, our approach is precise, supportive, and always tailored to your unique healing journey.
What Is Scar Revision?
Scar revision is a specialized medical and cosmetic procedure that minimizes the visibility of scars by improving their texture, color, size, or placement. While no treatment can erase a scar, our goal is to soften its appearance and help it blend more naturally with the surrounding skin.
We treat many scar types with surgical and non-surgical techniques, each chosen based on the individual’s skin type, scar characteristics, and personal goals.
Types of Scars We Treat
At our St. Paul clinic, we work with patients experiencing a variety of scar types, including:
- Hypertrophic Scars – Raised, firm scars that remain within the boundary of the original wound
- Keloids – Overgrown scar tissue that can extend beyond the original injury
- Atrophic Scars – Depressed scars, often from acne or chickenpox
- Contracture Scars – Tightened skin that may restrict movement, typically after burns or trauma
- Surgical or Traumatic Scars – Linear scars resulting from procedures or accidents
Scar Revision Treatment Options
Every scar is different, and so is every treatment plan. At Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of options often combining methods for the best results.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
It is ideal for refining the skin’s surface, reducing redness, and smoothing rough texture. It is particularly effective for acne scars and surgical scars.
Scar Excision & Surgical Revision
This is best for long, wide, or deep scars. Dr. Tolan may remove the old scar and close it more precisely to improve its final appearance.
Dermal Fillers
For atrophic scars, temporary fillers may be used to lift the scar to the level of the surrounding skin.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Scar Revision?
You may be a candidate for scar revision if you have visible, raised, indented, or impacted scars. The scar must have fully healed, and you must be in overall good health, a non-smoker (or willing to pause smoking), and realistic about the results.
At our St. Paul practice, we offer scar revision for adults and teens. We carefully evaluate each patient to ensure the treatment is appropriate for their age, healing history, and skin type.
Recovery & Results
Recovery depends on the treatment method used. Minimally invasive treatments like laser therapy and microneedling have minimal downtime, typically a few days of redness or sensitivity.
Surgical scar revision may involve more swelling and bruising, but most patients return to light activities within a week.
Scar improvement is gradual. You may see subtle changes after the first few weeks, with final results continuing to evolve over several months as collagen remodeling takes place.
Benefits of Scar Revision
Scar revision offers several benefits, including a more even skin texture and tone, reduced redness, thickness, or depression of the scar, improved facial symmetry and balance, and increased confidence in your appearance. For contracture scars, it can also help restore movement and comfort.
While our goal isn’t to erase every trace, we aim to make your scars less noticeable and help your skin feel more like your own. Many patients find it helpful to view our before and after gallery for a clearer sense of what scar revision can achieve.
Cost of Scar Revision in St. Paul
The cost of scar revision varies depending on your scar’s size, type, location, and treatment method. During your consultation, we’ll review your options and provide a clear cost estimate based on your customized plan.
While cosmetic scar revision is typically not covered by insurance, procedures for functional or reconstructive reasons may be eligible for partial coverage. We’re happy to help you understand your options and explore payment plans if necessary.
Why Choose Dr. Tolan & Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery
With over 20 years of experience in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Christopher Tolan brings technical precision and aesthetic intuition to each scar revision procedure. Patients across Minnesota trust our team for results and the support, education, and compassion we bring to the process.
From your first consultation to your final follow-up, you’ll be guided by an expert team that understands the emotional and physical impact scars can have. We’ll meet you with expertise, honesty, and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my scar go away completely?
While no scar can be erased entirely, revision treatments can significantly improve texture, color, and overall visibility, making the scar less noticeable.
How long does it take to see results?
This depends on the treatment type. Laser and injectable results may appear gradually over weeks. Surgical revisions improve steadily over a few months as the skin heals.
Is scar revision painful?
Topical numbing or local anesthesia is well-tolerated for most treatments. Aftercare instructions help minimize discomfort and support quick healing.
Can both surgical and acne scars be treated?
Yes. We treat many scar types, including surgical, acne, traumatic, and keloids.
Is scar revision covered by insurance?
Scars are covered only in cases where they limit mobility, cause pain, or pose a medical concern. Most cosmetic revisions are not covered. We’ll help clarify coverage during your visit.
Book Your Scar Revision Consultation in St. Paul
If you’re ready to feel more comfortable in your skin, we’re here to help. Scar revision can be a powerful step forward, whether your goal is smoother texture, less redness, or greater confidence.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Tolan and the Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery team in St. Paul today!
Related Procedures
Before + After Results
View before and after photos of surgeries performed by facial plastic surgeons Dr. Christopher Tolan, Dr. Garrett Griffin, Dr. Zachary Farhood, Dr. Sebastian Sciegienka, and Dr. Anna Bakeman in Minneapolis, MN.