How Much Does Scar Revision Surgery Cost?

If you have visible scarring from an injury, surgery, or skin condition like acne, you may be considering scar revision surgery to reduce the appearance of these marks. But like most medical procedures, the cost can vary substantially based on the scar’s severity, treatment method, and your provider. This guide covers the main factors that determine pricing so you can understand what to expect.

Scar revision is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the overall aesthetic appearance or texture of a scar. It can make scars flatter, smoother, less rigid, and more consistent with surrounding normal skin. For some patients, reducing the look of scars can provide psychological benefits and improve self-esteem.

While not usually covered by insurance for purely cosmetic reasons, several techniques exist for scar removal or minimization. Common options include surgical excision, tissue rearrangement, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, steroid injections, and use of silicone sheets.

How Much Does Scar Revision Surgery Cost?

Scar revision surgery can cost anywhere from $500 to $15,000 or more, depending on the size and depth of the scars, methods used, and additional factors.

Although prices are variable, patients in the U.S. can expect to pay within these general ranges on average:

• Minor scar excisions: $2,000 – $4,000
• Laser scar revision: $500 – $1,500 per treatment
• Major surgical scar excisions: $5,000 – $15,000
• Tissue expansion procedures: $8,000 – $12,000
• Skin grafts: $10,000 – $25,000

Here is an overview of what impacts costs within these ranges:

• Number of scars – Each additional scar raises costs for excision.
• Location on body – Delicate face procedures are pricier than body.
• Skill/time required – Complex revisions due to location/depth exceed basic excisions.
• Multiple treatments – Lasers, peels, other non-surgical options often need a series of sessions.
• Extent of skin grafting – More grafting equals higher procedural expenses.

Combining multiple techniques like laser followed by excision can produce optimal improvements but also inflates the total costs due to each component. Always request an itemized cost breakdown when getting quotes.

The cost of scar revision surgery in the US varies widely depending on the size, location, and complexity of the scar, as well as the technique used and the surgeon’s experience. According to Wall Street Dermatology, average costs for scar treatment typically range from $550 to $3,000 per treatment session, and multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.

Sanchez Plastic Surgery reports that smaller, less noticeable scars can cost around $500 to treat, while more complex cases requiring a skin graft may reach up to $4,000. This higher price usually includes the cost of the graft itself.

For more extensive or facial scar revisions, Dr. Philip Young lists prices from $800 to $10,000, with a 1 cm scar costing between $800 and $1,950. Each additional centimeter can add $200 to $500 to the total. Laser scar revision, another common approach, ranges from $800 to $4,000 depending on the area and complexity.

Daily Healthways provides a comprehensive overview, noting that laser scar revision costs about $200 to $800 per session, dermabrasion ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per session, and surgical excision can cost $1,500 to $5,000 or more. Over-the-counter topical treatments are much less expensive, typically costing $20 to $50.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons emphasizes that costs can also include anesthesia, facility fees, and post-surgery care, and that health insurance rarely covers scar revision unless deemed medically necessary.

What Is Scar Revision Surgery?

Scar revision surgery encompasses a variety of techniques that surgically alter existing scars to make them less visible. Some methods include:

Scar revision encompasses surgical techniques to reduce the appearance of scars from injuries, surgery, burns, and skin conditions. Methods include:

Excision – Cutting out the scar then suturing the skin edges, often performed for larger, thicker scars. Cost is $2,500 to $7,500.

Laser Resurfacing – Using laser energy to remove damaged outer skin layers. Typically, $400 to $1,500 per session.

Chemical Peels – Applying acids to peel away scarred skin so healthier tissue regenerates. Around $600 to $900 per treatment.

Cryotherapy – Freezing scars with liquid nitrogen causes localized damage to remodel collagen. $200 to $500 per session.

Steroid Injections – Shrinking raised scars by injecting steroids directly into overgrown scar tissue. Approximately $400 to $800 per series of shots.

Reconstructive procedures to improve function are usually covered by health insurance. But when done for purely aesthetic concerns like appearance, scar revision is considered an elective cosmetic procedure.

You might also like our articles about the cost of keloid removal, stitches, or Thermage.

Factors That Influence the Cost

Many variables affect the overall cost of scar revision surgery. The most impactful factors include:

• Surgeon fees – The plastic surgeon’s credentials, experience level, and geographic location influence pricing. Complex revisions may cost more.
• Anesthesia fees – General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation adds costs.
• Facility fees – An outpatient surgery center is cheaper than a hospital operating room.
• Scar type – Widespread scars and those on highly visible areas like the face cost more to revise.
• Technique required – Simple excisions start under $2,000 but grafting/flaps can be $5,000+.
• Geography – Prices are generally higher in expensive urban areas versus rural locations.

Your total charges will consist of the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees plus follow-up care. Be sure to get an itemized cost breakdown before committing.

Insurance and Payment Options

Insurance almost never covers scar revision purely for cosmetic improvement. But they may cover a portion when it is medically necessary. For example:

• Burn scars limiting mobility – up to $3,000 covered
• Breast reconstruction post-mastectomy – 10% to 40% covered
• Facial scars impairing eye/mouth opening – 20% to 30% covered
• Scars limiting joint movement causing arthritis – 35% covered

Still expect significant out-of-pocket costs even with insurance.

Even insured patients pay deductibles and copays. Discuss your options with providers.

If uninsured or insurance denies coverage, financing options include:

• Credit cards – But charges interest if not paid quickly.
• Personal loans from banks.
• Payment plans – Many surgeons offer no-interest installments.
• CareCredit – A common medical credit card. Offers loans up to $25,000.

Saving up over time is recommended to avoid high-interest debt from surgery.

Types of Treatments and Costs

Let’s examine popular scar revision techniques and their typical price ranges:

Surgical Excision

Average Cost – $2,500 to $7,000

Factors impacting price:

• Number and size of scars – $500 to $1,000 per scar
• Skill and time required – 2+ hours bumps cost up 30%
• Anesthesia and facility fees – $800 to $2,500

Laser Scar Revision

Average Per Session Cost – $400 to $1,500

Factors impacting price:

• Type of laser used – CO2 lasers cost more at $1,200 to $1,500
• Number of sessions needed – Usually 3 to 6 visits

Skin Grafting/Flaps

Transferring healthy skin from another part of your body to the scar or repositioning adjacent tissue over the scar.

Typical price range – $8,000 – $15,000

Cost factors – Extensiveness of grafting, technique difficulty, donor site

When it helps – For wide defects after scar excision or when tissue expansion is used.

Cryotherapy

Freezing scars with liquid nitrogen to selectively damage abnormal cells, promoting collagen remodeling.

Typical per treatment price – $200 – $500

Cost factors – Number of sessions required

When it helps – Early intervention for new, evolving scars to minimize permanent disfigurement.

Steroid Injections

Injecting raised or keloid scars with steroids to shrink excessive scar tissue.

Typical per injection price – $200 – $600

Cost factors – Number of injections needed over time

When it helps – Reduce appearance of existing raised scars and prevent recurrence after excision.

How to Choose a Surgeon

Selecting an experienced, board-certified surgeon is crucial for the best revision results. Key credentials to look for include:

• Board-certified plastic surgeon – Denoted by “FACS” credentials (Fellow of American College of Surgeons). Indicates extensive accredited training.
• Membership in ASPS – The American Society of Plastic Surgeons upholds stringent ethical standards among members.
• Specifically trained in revision surgery – Look for a specialist with education in scar treatment, not just general plastic surgery experience.
• Views before/after examples – Reputable surgeons will share past scar revision results. Assess if the results meet your goals.
• Reviews patient satisfaction – Check sites like RealSelf to see unfiltered patient ratings.

Meet with 2-3 options for in-person consultations before deciding. Narrow down to the most experienced surgeon you are comfortable with.

What to Expect Post-Surgery

Full recovery from scar revision varies based on factors like:

• Size/depth of incisions made.
• Grafts take longer than excisions alone.
• Face revisions heal faster than the body.
• Using lasers has minimal down time.

Typical recovery phases:

• 1-2 weeks – Cuts heal closed, swelling and bruising improves.
• 1-3 months – Scar continues maturing and softening.
• 6-12 months – Scar fades to its final appearance.

Proper aftercare and follow-up is crucial. Repeated visits for scar massage, steroid injections, or laser treatments may further improve the results over time if needed. But most patients see significant improvement after just one surgical session.

Cost vs. Value Considerations

While pricing varies widely, many patients report excellent value and high satisfaction from the long-term aesthetic improvements gained through scar revision surgery.

Potential benefits that enhance the value of investing in scar revision include:

• Greatly improved self-confidence in appearances.
• Reduce social awkwardness or embarrassment about visible scarring.
• Relief or improved outlook from no longer seeing a significant “flaw.”
• Feelings of freedom to wear desired clothing styles.
• High satisfaction ratings among patients – 80-90% in some surveys.

When approached realistically, scar revision surgery can provide immense emotional and psychological value. For many people, the benefits outweigh the required costs and recovery time.

Final Words

While not inexpensive, scar revision surgery can transform very noticeable scarring into a more neutral appearance blending smoothly into your natural skin. For less severe cases, laser treatments offer improvement at a lower price point.

If you are still considering surgical scar revision, some recommended next steps include:

• Scheduling consultations with qualified, board-certified plastic surgeons.
• Using online scar revision calculators to estimate potential costs.
• Checking with your insurance provider regarding possible coverage.
• Looking into financing options in the event of no coverage.
• Evaluating expected emotional benefits against the time, expense, and recovery involved.

Scarring varies immensely. Meeting with expert providers for an evaluation of your specific case represents the best way to learn if surgical scar revision could be worthwhile given your unique goals and budget.

Answers to Common Questions

How long does it take to recover from scar revision surgery?

Most patients can return to work/school within 7-10 days. But swelling and redness may persist for a month. Total healing of deeper surgical cuts can take up to 6 months. Non-surgical options like laser therapy have minimal downtime.

What not to do after a scar revision?

Avoid sun exposure, vigorous activity, hot tubs/saunas, and submerging the area in water until fully cleared by your surgeon. Follow all post-op care instructions carefully to prevent complications and maximize results.

How many times can you do scar revision?

While most patients achieve desired improvements after one surgical session, some elect repeated revisions over time. There is no specific limit, but extensive repeated procedures may pose greater risks or complications. The benefits must be weighed against potential drawbacks for multiple revisions.