Scar Treatment

Scar treatment can be used for cosmetic reasons to make scars less noticeable, or to help with functional problems, pain or itching.

At a glance

  • Consultation required
  • Self Referral
  • Next-day availability
  • Paediatric Patients Aged 0+ Seen
  • Health insurance
  • Self-Pay Available

What is scar treatment? 

Scars occur as a result of damage to the dermis within the skin as part of the normal healing response. In some cases, scars can be unsightly and may be painful, itchy or cause functional problems. Large or visible scars may also affect your confidence and self-esteem. 

While there’s currently no technology or treatment that can remove scars entirely, scar treatment can improve their appearance and reduce unpleasant symptoms. Scars also often improve by themselves with time, with most improvement seen in the first 2 years. 

You may decide to have scar treatment for cosmetic reasons, or to treat other symptoms like pain, discomfort, itching or restricted movement. 

At Welbeck’s state-of-the-art Skin Health centre, our dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer the latest, most effective scar treatments available. 

Paediatrics

We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 0 to 18. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.

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At your first consultation, your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will assess your scar type to determine which treatment is the most suitable for you. Your scar will be graded, and your consultant will take photographs to monitor progress. 

Scar treatment includes surgical and non-surgical treatments and supportive therapy. 

Surgical treatments for scars include: 

  • subcision

  • fat transfer

  • skin grafting

  • Z-plasty (a reconstructive surgical technique)

  • scar revision

Non-surgical treatments for scars include: 

  • laser therapy

  • pulsed dye laser 

  • CO2 laser 

  • fillers

  • chemical peels

  • radiotherapy

Supportive measures for scars include: 

  • psychological support

  • physiotherapy

  • pressure therapy

  • dressing therapy

  • camouflage

Scar treatment is generally safe, but as with any medical procedure, there’s a small risk that complications or side effects can occur. 

Your consultant will explain all the potential risks of your procedure before you start your treatment and answer any questions you may have. 

Any potential complications depend on the type of scar treatment you’re having, but may include: 

  • temporary skin reactions such as redness, swelling, bruising, stinging, or burning

  • changes in your skin pigmentation (colour) 

  • thinning of your skin 

  • worsening of your scar 

  • scar recurrence 

  • changes in sensation 

  • infection 

  • poor healing

  • formation of new scars or nodules

Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your scar treatment. Tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have, and any medications you take regularly. 

You may need to: 

  • stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before your procedure 

  • avoid alcohol for a few days before and after your procedure 

  • stop eating and drinking for a period of time before your procedure

Recovering from scar treatment depends on the type of scar you had, the specific treatment, and your individual recovery process. 

Your consultant will give you instructions on what to do during your recovery and arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. 

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please contact the clinic for advice. 

Your consultant may advise you to: 

  • keep the treated area and surrounding skin clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection

  • avoid smoking, as this can delay wound healing 

  • avoid sun exposure and use a high-factor sunscreen for up to 18 months after your treatment 

  • moisturise and massage the treated area with a hypoallergenic, unscented cream or moisturiser for 5 to 10 minutes, twice a day (your consultant will advise you when to start this process and show you the correct technique)

Please contact our Skin Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our dermatologists and plastic surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

We accept both self-referrals and referrals from healthcare professionals for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Our locations

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London

1 Welbeck Street
Marylebone
London
W1G 0AR

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Frequently asked questions

The main types of scars that may benefit from scar treatment are:

  • atrophic scars – these appear as sunken areas or pits in the skin and include chickenpox and acne scars 

  • hypertrophic scars – these are raised, red scars that remain within the boundaries of the original wound

  • keloid scars – these are raised, red scars, but unlike hypertrophic scars, they extend beyond the original injury area 

  • contracture scars – these are often caused by deep burns and cause skin tightness that can limit movement and function

The most effective scar treatment for you depends on several factors, including the type of scar, your skin type and your expectations for treatment. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment of your scar and recommend the best treatment for you according to your individual circumstances.

Scar treatments can help with several types of scars, including acne scars, keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, surgical scars and scars from burns or other injuries. While scar treatment won’t completely remove your scar, it can help minimise its appearance, improve the colour and texture of your scar and help with movement and function by reducing tightness.

Hypertrophic scars caused by burns are usually the most difficult to treat. However, if you have a difficult-to-treat scar, your dermatologist may work with a plastic surgeon to remove the scarred area and replace it with a skin graft.

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