Every Scar Has a Story. Let’s Change the Ending.
Scar Revision in Ottawa with Dr. Mehrad Jaberi
A scar is your body’s proof that it healed — but that doesn’t mean you have to live with a scar that affects the way you look, the way clothes fit, or the way you move. Whether it’s a keloid from a childhood surgery, a hypertrophic ridge from a C-section, a contracture pulling at your skin, or simply a surgical scar that healed darker or lighter than the surrounding tissue — scar revision can make a meaningful difference.
No scar can be completely erased. But with the right technique, the right timing, and a surgeon who understands both the biology and the aesthetics of healing, a scar can be made dramatically less visible, softer, flatter, and far less intrusive on your daily life. Dr. Jaberi brings FRCSC training, a careful eye, and a patient-first approach to every scar he treats.
Quick Facts
| Procedure Time | 30 min – 2 hours (varies by technique) |
| Anesthesia | Local or general depending on size & location |
| Recovery | 1–3 weeks (surgical); minimal (injections) |
| Final Result | 6–18 months (scars mature gradually) |
| Starting From | $800 (injections) / $1,500 (surgical) |
| OHIP | May apply when functional impairment is documented |
Not All Scars Are the Same
Scars vary in texture, elevation, colour, and cause. Identifying your scar type is the first step — because the right treatment depends entirely on what kind of scar you have. Dr. Jaberi assesses each scar individually and recommends a treatment plan tailored to your specific biology and goals.
Keloid Scar
Thick, raised scars that grow beyond the original incision boundary. They can be firm, shiny, itchy, or tender — and they keep expanding even after the wound has healed.
Raised & Firm Crosses Wound Edge Hereditary RiskHypertrophic Scar
Raised, red or pink scars that remain within the wound boundaries. They form from excess collagen and may fade and flatten on their own over time — but often need help.
Raised Within Wound May Self-ResolveAtrophic Scar
Depressed, sunken scars caused by a loss of tissue. They sit below the surface of the surrounding skin and may look dimpled or pitted. Common after surgeries with tissue removal.
Depressed Pitted Texture Tissue LossContracture Scar
Thick scars that tighten and pull the surrounding skin, restricting movement over joints. Common after burns or surgeries near joints. Can impair range of motion when left untreated.
Restricts Movement Near Joints Functional ImpactHypopigmented Scar
Flat scars that are noticeably lighter than the surrounding skin, due to reduced melanin in the healed tissue. More visible in darker skin tones and during summer months with a tan.
Flat Lighter Than Skin Melanin-RelatedHyperpigmented Scar
Flat scars that are darker than the surrounding skin, caused by increased melanin production during healing. More common in medium and deeper skin tones, and in sun-exposed areas.
Flat Darker Than Skin Melanin-RelatedLinear Maturing Scar
The typical surgical scar as it evolves. Starts red and slightly raised, then gradually flattens, fades, and softens over 12–24 months. Most surgical scars follow this pathway with proper care.
Fades Over Time Post-Surgical Best PrognosisA Note on Skin Tone & Scar Behaviour
Scar appearance, treatment response, and risk of complications vary significantly with skin type. Darker skin tones have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation and keloid formation. Lighter skin tones are more prone to hypopigmented (pale) scars that stay visible. Dr. Jaberi tailors his approach to your individual skin biology — what works for one patient may not be appropriate for another.
Treatment Approaches by Scar Type
01 Keloid Scars
Keloids are the most challenging scar type to treat because they can recur — and sometimes grow back larger. Dr. Jaberi uses a combination approach specifically because no single treatment reliably prevents recurrence long-term.
- Intralesional steroid injections (triamcinolone) — Reduces collagen production and flattens the scar. Usually 3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Often first-line treatment.
- Surgical excision + immediate steroid injection — Cutting the keloid out and injecting the wound edges at the time of closure significantly reduces recurrence risk vs. surgery alone.
- Pressure therapy — Custom-fitted pressure garments worn post-treatment help prevent regrowth, especially on the earlobes and chest.
- Silicone sheeting — Applied daily for 12+ weeks, shown to reduce keloid volume and soften texture over time.
02 Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars respond well to treatment because they are biologically less aggressive than keloids. Many improve significantly within 12–18 months on their own, but intervention accelerates that process considerably.
- Steroid injections — Highly effective at flattening hypertrophic scars. Usually a series of 3–6 injections produces a dramatically improved result.
- Silicone gel or sheeting — Softens, flattens, and reduces redness over 2–4 months of consistent use.
- Laser (pulsed dye or fractional) — Targets redness (vascular component) and improves texture and pliability. Very effective for C-section and tummy tuck scars.
- Surgical revision — Reserved for scars that remain raised and wide despite conservative treatment. Re-excision with careful tension-free closure and Z-plasty gives a finer, more favourable scar.
03 Atrophic Scars
Because atrophic scars reflect a deficit of tissue rather than excess collagen, treatment focuses on either lifting the depression or resurfacing the texture around it.
- Subcision — A needle is passed under the depressed scar to release the fibrotic bands tethering it to deeper tissue, allowing the surface to rise.
- Dermal filler — HA filler or fat transfer injected beneath the scar lifts and fills the depression. Temporary (filler) or permanent (fat) depending on preference.
- Fractional laser resurfacing — Stimulates new collagen in and around the depressed area, gradually improving surface texture.
- Surgical excision and closure — For isolated, deeper depressions, excising the scar and closing precisely gives a flat, even surface.
04 Contracture Scars
Contracture scars are among the most functionally significant — when they cross a joint or skin fold, they actively limit range of motion and can cause progressive tightening. Surgical release is almost always required.
- Z-plasty — The scar is rearranged into a Z-shaped pattern that breaks up the tension line and lengthens the scar across the joint. Dr. Jaberi’s first choice for most linear contractures.
- W-plasty — Breaksone straight scar into a series of small triangular flaps, distributing tension and making the revision less visible.
- Skin grafting or local flap — For large contractures or areas without adjacent tissue, a graft may be needed to replace the scarred segment entirely.
- Post-op physiotherapy — Essential after contracture release to maintain the range of motion gained. Dr. Jaberi coordinates physiotherapy referrals as part of the recovery plan.
05 & 06 Pigmented Scars (Hypo- & Hyperpigmented)
Colour differences between a scar and surrounding skin are among the most common concerns patients bring to Dr. Jaberi. Hyperpigmented scars (darker) typically respond better to treatment than hypopigmented (lighter) scars, where melanin has been permanently reduced.
- Topical lightening agents (for hyperpigmentation) — Hydroquinone, kojic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C serums can reduce excess pigment with consistent use over 3–6 months.
- Pulsed dye or Nd:YAG laser — Targets melanin and vascular components of pigmented scars. Multiple sessions needed; safe for skin tones III–VI with the appropriate wavelength.
- Fractional resurfacing — Improves both texture and pigment irregularity simultaneously across the scar surface.
- Sun protection (SPF 50+ daily) — Non-negotiable. UV exposure is the number-one cause of worsening hyperpigmentation in healing scars. This applies for at least 12 months post-procedure.
07 Linear Maturing Scars
Most surgical scars fall into this category — they start red and slightly raised, then progressively flatten, fade, and soften over 12–24 months. Supporting this natural process with the right products and sun protection makes a significant difference in the final result.
- Silicone strips or gel from week 3–4 post-op — Worn daily for 3+ months. Reduces redness, flattens elevation, and softens the scar faster than untreated healing.
- Gentle scar massage — Starting at 6 weeks post-op. Breaks up fibrotic bands beneath the surface, improves pliability, and reduces thickening.
- Early steroid injection (if thickening) — If a maturing scar starts to raise or harden, a single triamcinolone injection at 8–12 weeks can prevent hypertrophic progression.
- Surgical revision (if widened) — A scar that heals wide under tension can be re-excised at 12+ months using careful, tension-free closure for a much finer result.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Scar Revision?
You may be a strong candidate if:
- Your scar is from a previous surgery, injury, burn, or acne
- The scar is at least 12 months old (for surgical revision; injections can often start earlier)
- The scar is raised, depressed, pigmented differently, or restricting movement
- You are not currently pregnant or on medications that impair healing
- You have realistic expectations — improvement is the goal, not complete disappearance
- You’re committed to post-treatment care (silicone, sun protection, follow-ups)
Timing matters enormously with scars. Dr. Jaberi will assess whether your scar is ready for intervention at your consultation — sometimes the best advice is to continue conservative management a little longer before proceeding to surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
No scar can be completely erased — any time the skin is broken and heals, there is some permanent mark. However, a skilled scar revision can make a scar dramatically less visible: flatter, more flexible, closer in colour, and far less noticeable in social situations. The goal is improvement, not perfection — and most patients find the improvement life-changing.
Both are raised from excess collagen, but they behave very differently. A hypertrophic scar stays within the wound boundary and often softens on its own over 12–18 months. A keloid grows beyond the wound boundary and continues to expand even after the injury heals — it will not resolve on its own and has a significant recurrence risk after treatment. This distinction changes the entire treatment plan.
For most surgical scars, waiting 12 months is recommended — scars continue to remodel and soften until around the 18–24 month mark. Operating too early can give a worse result because the tissue isn’t fully settled. That said, steroid injections and silicone can begin at 6–8 weeks. Contracture scars restricting movement are a special case and may need to be addressed sooner. Dr. Jaberi will advise you on the optimal timing at your consultation.
OHIP may cover scar revision when there is documented functional impairment — most commonly contracture scars that restrict joint movement, scars that cause chronic skin breakdown, or scars resulting from trauma. Purely cosmetic scar revision is not covered. Dr. Jaberi will assess your eligibility at your consultation and support the OHIP documentation process if you qualify.
Z-plasty is a surgical technique that converts a straight, tight scar into a Z-shaped series of flaps. This does two things: it changes the direction of the scar (so it lies along natural skin creases where it’s less visible) and it lengthens the scar, releasing the tension that causes contracture. It’s particularly useful for scars across joints, neck webbing, and skin folds. Dr. Jaberi frequently uses Z-plasty for contracture release and for scars that cross natural tension lines.
Cost depends on the scar type, size, location, and the treatment approach. Steroid injection series start at approximately $300–$500 per session. Surgical scar revision ranges from $1,500 to over $5,000 depending on complexity. You’ll receive a clear, transparent quote after your consultation — no surprises. Financing options are available.
Your Scar Doesn’t Have to Define You.
Whether your scar is from a surgery, an accident, or a procedure you wish had healed better — there are options. Dr. Jaberi will look at it, give you an honest assessment of what’s possible, and recommend the approach most likely to give you a meaningful, lasting improvement. No pressure, no obligation — just a real conversation about what can be done.
Book Your Scar ConsultationOr call directly: 613-591-1188