Condition
Scars and keloids
A scar from an operation, an injury or acne that is wide, raised, darker or tight — and a keloid, a scar that grows beyond the wound.
Why doesn't a scar go away?
Every wound that goes through the full thickness of the skin heals with a scar — skin does not grow back the same. What kind of scar you get depends on the place on the body (skin on the shoulders and chest is under tension and gives wider scars), on the direction of the wound, on whether the wound was inflamed, on age and on heredity. A scar matures over a year or two: first it is red and hard, then it fades and softens. What you see in the first months is not final.
Hypertrophic scars and keloids
A hypertrophic scar is raised and red, but stays within the limits of the wound and settles over time.
A keloid grows beyond the limits of the wound, does not shrink by itself and can itch or hurt. A tendency to keloids is inherited; keloids are more common on the ears, shoulders, chest and neck — and they are not a matter of how you looked after the wound.
How is a scar improved?
A scar can be cut out and stitched again in a more favourable direction, its direction can be changed (Z-plasty or W-plasty) so that it no longer pulls tight, its surface can be smoothed (dermabrasion), or a corticosteroid can be injected into it to bring it level with the skin. A keloid is often treated with a combination of removal and injections, because it tends to return by itself. What makes sense for your scar depends on where it is, how old it is and what it is like — this is judged at the examination.
What can you do yourself while the scar matures?
In the first year the scar changes by itself and is not operated on then, but you can help: silicone gel or silicone strips are worn every day, on average 12 hours a day, for three to six months; massaging the scar with a finger, firmly and in circles, for a few minutes twice a day, softens it; the sun is avoided, or the scar is covered with a high-factor cream for the whole first year, because the sun darkens a scar permanently.
If after a few weeks a scar becomes thicker, redder or starts to itch and grow beyond the edge of the wound, get in touch earlier, because a keloid that is just starting is stopped more easily with an injection than one that is fully developed.
What can be done?
| Problem | Procedure | Also, in the same visit |
|---|---|---|
| The scar is wide, in a bad direction or pulls tight | Scar revision | With the procedure that caused the scar: after an earlier operation or removal of a skin lesion. |
| An uneven surface of the scar; sunken acne scars | Dermabrasion | With a facelift or lip fat transfer, in the same recovery. |
| The scar grows beyond the limits of the wound, itches or hurts | Keloid treatment | Removal and injections are combined in the same treatment, because a keloid returns by itself. |
Specialist and team
Specialty: plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
When the procedure is done under sedation or general anaesthesia, the anaesthesia is led by a specialist in anaesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care who works full time at the clinic.
In the operating theatre, the surgeon is assisted by head nurse Martina Šereg, with the help of nurses Kristina Jurešić and Mateja Tomorad, and in recovery the care assistant Mirjana Kovačić is with you. Martina also looks after preparation, scheduling and contact after the procedure.
Who will operate is decided at the examination, based on the findings and the type of procedure. You know the name of the surgeon before the procedure and meet them at the examination.
→ Doctors and team at Poliklinika Barbel
Frequently asked questions
Can a scar disappear completely? No — skin that has once gone through its full thickness heals with a scar. Revision changes its shape, direction, width or height; it does not remove it.
Can an acne scar be improved? Sunken acne scars are improved with dermabrasion, with subcision (releasing the scar from beneath) or with filler; each gives a partial improvement and they are often combined. Completely smooth skin is not a goal we can promise, but we try to get as close to it as possible.
What about a caesarean section scar? What bothers people most often is skin that hangs over the scar and a scar that is pulled in. It is dealt with by cutting out the scar and releasing adhesions, and with a larger amount of excess skin by a mini tummy tuck. The procedure is planned when you are not planning any more pregnancies.
A scar on the face — when is it corrected? The same as elsewhere, after a year, except when the scar pulls on an eyelid or lip and interferes with function; then earlier. The face heals better than most of the body, so the results of revision on the face are generally the best.
What is scar revision like? Scar revision is done under local anaesthesia and takes 30 to 90 minutes, and you go home straight away. The stitches are removed after 7 to 14 days.
How long does a new scar take to mature? A new scar after revision matures over about 12 months; only then is the final look judged.
How is a keloid treated? A keloid is treated with a procedure under local anaesthesia or with injections, with check-ups every 4 to 6 weeks during treatment. The final result is judged after 12 months.
→ Keloid
How much does scar revision cost? Scar revision costs €250–700, depending on the length and location of the scar, and surgical removal of a keloid €300–700. The price includes check-ups in the first three months and dressing changes.
Medical review: doctors of Poliklinika Barbel · October 2026.