Scar correction

Scar correction is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance and condition of scars on the skin. The goal of this operation is to make scars less noticeable and harmoniously blend them with the surrounding tissues. Surgical scar removal techniques are best suited for large, voluminous scars because in such cases, all other methods may be ineffective.

Surgical scar removal involves not only the removal of excess tissue but also techniques like lipofilling to restore volume and skin grafting in severe clinical cases.

Depending on the type and characteristics of the scar, the following techniques may be used in addition to surgical removal:

• Laser Therapy: Using lasers to reduce redness and improve the texture of the scar.

• Dermabrasion: Sanding down the top layers of skin to smooth out scars.

• Injections (e.g., steroids): Reducing inflammation and denseness in scars.

• Tissue Expansion: Using implanted balloons to stretch healthy skin for subsequent use in scar correction.

In South Korea, we typically employ three techniques: surgical correction, laser therapy, and injections.

In many cases, significant improvements can be achieved, and in some, scars may completely disappear. However, results may vary depending on factors such as the type and depth of the scar, the patient’s age and skin type, the time elapsed since the scar formation and consultation with the surgeon, the ability to follow post-operative recommendations, and more.

For more information and to view videos of scar removal procedures, please visit our YouTube.

Short surgery information:

• Duration of Surgery: 1 – 3 hours

• Type of Anesthesia: Sedation or General Anesthesia

• Hospitalization: 3-4 hours

• Return to Normal Life: Within 4-5 days

• Clinic Visits: 2-3 times

• Stitches Removal: 7-14 days

Why patients consider scar correction

Patients may consider surgical scar correction for several reasons:

• Aesthetic concerns: Scars, especially on prominent areas like the face, can lead to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. People may feel self-conscious about these scars and wish to reduce or conceal them.

• Physical discomfort: Some scars can cause physical discomfort, such as itching or pain. In such cases, surgical correction can help alleviate these symptoms.

• Functional issues: Scars can interfere with the function of certain body parts, especially if they are near joints or affect skin elasticity. Surgical intervention can help restore full or partial functionality.

• Psychological reasons: Scars can serve as reminders of traumatic events or periods in life, such as accidents or surgeries. Removing or reducing scars can help patients cope with emotional stress.

• Improved healing and reduced complications: In some cases, particularly when initial healing was poor, surgical correction can prevent further complications, such as infections or worsening of the scar.

Candidates for surgery

Candidates for scar correction surgery typically meet the following criteria:

• Good health: The ideal candidate should be in overall good health, without chronic illnesses that may affect the healing process or increase the risk of complications during surgery.

• Stable scars: Ideal candidates have scars that have fully formed and stabilized, typically taking a minimum of 9-12 months after injury or surgery.

• Realistic expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the surgery. It’s important to understand that while the operation can significantly improve the appearance of a scar, complete removal may be impossible.

• Type and location of the scar: Some scars respond better to correction than others. For example, hypertrophic scars and keloids may respond well to treatment, while atrophic scars may be more challenging to correct.

• Non-smoker: Smoking can negatively impact the healing process, so candidates are often advised to quit smoking several weeks before and after the procedure.

• Psychological stability: It’s important for candidates to be in good psychological condition and prepared to cope with the emotional consequences of the surgery.

• Absence of active infections or inflammations: Any active skin issues in the scar area should be resolved before surgery.

Why South Korea?

South Korea annually performs the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive in the world, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons here. Korea’s medical equipment and facilities are on par with the United States and Germany, placing it in the top 3 countries with the best technical equipment in clinics.

All surgeries are conducted in accredited clinics with permission to treat foreign patients, and they have in-house anesthesiologists. All surgeons operating on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specializing in soft tissue surgeries and performing no more than 2 surgeries per day. Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE so that we can calculate the cost of treatment for you, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for surgery.

How to prepare for surgery in South Korea

• Refrain from eating and drinking for hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

• Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol is prohibited only for 3 days before the operation.

• Do not smoke, including hookah and e-cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the tissue healing process. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend quitting smoking before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to perform surgery on smokers due to the high risk of complications. It is unsafe to be around smoking relatives and friends or in public places designated for smoking.

• Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

• Visit the surgeon for an examination and show them photos of the desired result.

• If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, we will perform all the necessary tests in Korea.

• Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or help you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.

• Place items near your bed that may be needed during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone.

How the surgery is conducted

Before the surgery, you will undergo a minimum of 2 consultations with the surgeon and provide test results to be eligible for the procedure. On the morning of the operation, the surgeon applies a design to your face, answers questions, and hands you over for preparation to the medical coordinator. You will be taken to the restroom, asked about your well-being, and your last intake of water and food will be checked.

Then you will be taken to the operating room, where your hands and legs will be secured to ensure your safety and prevent involuntary movements during the surgeon’s work. A catheter will be inserted into your hand for the administration of medications and anesthesia.

After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon begins the operation: several incisions are made with a scalpel, typically for scar correction, the incisions are several times longer than the scars themselves, excess tissues are removed, and sutures are applied. The patient wakes up and is taken to the room for further recovery.

What to expect after the surgery

After the surgery is completed, a translator or medical nurses will wake you up and assist you to move to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed – that’s the effect of anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel chills, which will quickly pass. There is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. Some degree of pain may be present, although it is dulled by painkillers and medications used during the surgery.

Besides discomfort, you will feel the treated area of the scar swelling – this is normal, as the body begins the regeneration process. You will stay in the clinic for several hours after the surgery, with a catheter in your hand and medication flowing into your bloodstream. Towards the evening, the coordinator and medical nurses will check your condition. If there are no symptoms like dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change clothes, collect your medications, and follow post-operative recommendations.

After discharge, pain sensations may slightly intensify; make sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the prescribed pain relief medication. You may experience a mild headache, which is a normal symptom. Do not be alarmed and continue to follow the rehabilitation rules. Between 7-14 days (depending on the type of scar and chosen surgical technique), the surgeon will remove the stitches and any possible staples. By this time, most of the swelling and bruising will subside, and you will look normal and be able to return to your regular life.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!

You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us through any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Rehabilitation process and description of procedures after surgery

Immediately after the procedure: A bandage is applied to the surgical area, and moderate pain may be present. You will spend several hours in the clinic under the supervision of medical personnel. The surgical area will start to swell, and you may feel pressure under the bandage. Unfortunately, you will have to endure this discomfort for several days.

Day 1-2: Swelling reaches its peak, which is normal. Continue to follow the rehabilitation guidelines.

Days 3-7: Swelling gradually starts to decrease. The surgeon checks the tissue healing, and medical staff removes the bandage. It’s necessary to avoid sports and activities that require lowering the head if the surgery was on the face.

Days 7-14: Removal of stitches. Reduction in swelling, disappearance of discomfort, and a gradual return to normal life. Regular extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Do not smoke for at least 25-30 days after the surgery, as introducing an infection may require a repeat operation. Vaping, hookah, and other forms of smoking are also strictly prohibited. If additional swelling occurs due to a lapse, immediately contact the coordinator and do not hide the cause of infection.

Days 14-21: Continue to avoid intensive workouts and physical exercises. Keep following the rehabilitation rules, refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption. Swelling and bruises decrease to the point where the surgery is not noticeable to others.

Days 21-30: The surgical area may occasionally swell, depending on which side you slept on; the swelling may shift to the left or right each day. Do not be alarmed; this is normal. Be patient and wait for results.

Days 31-60: Swelling almost completely disappears, and you forget about the surgery. You can start exercising.

Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and even sunbathe (by the end of the 90-day period), do regular exercises, and lead a normal life. During this period, the surgical area may still swell in the mornings, especially after alcohol consumption. Don’t worry; the swelling will completely subside a year after the surgery.

1 year after the surgery: Complete rehabilitation.