Scar Revision Surgery in Sydney and the North Shore
Reconstructive surgery for scars caused by trauma and disease.
Scars are a natural part of healing, but for many people they are also a visible reminder of trauma, surgery, or skin conditions. They can affect confidence, comfort, and even physical movement. Scar revision surgery is a specialist procedure designed to improve the appearance, texture, and function of scars.
While no treatment can erase scars completely, modern surgical and non-surgical options can make them far less noticeable. As a consultant at Royal North Shore Hospital — Sydney’s major burns (and scar) centre — Dr Varun Harish treats some of the most complex scars in Australia. Combined with his PhD in burns research focused on wound healing and how scars form, extensive publications, sub-specialty training at world-leading scar centres overseas, and his role as a reviewer for the international journal Burns, he provides specialist scar revision for all scar types: surgical, traumatic, keloid, and burn scars.
Understanding Scars
Scar Biology and Risk Factors
Scars develop as part of the body’s natural healing response. Collagen is rapidly produced to close the wound, creating a scar that may initially look red, raised, or firm. Over time, most scars soften and fade, though in some cases the healing process is exaggerated or disrupted, leading to thicker, more visible scars.
Drawing on his PhD work in burns research, Dr Harish links the science of wound healing to everyday scarring — using that understanding to plan treatments that address why each scar behaves the way it does. He also serves as a reviewer for the international journal Burns, keeping your care aligned with the latest evidence in scar management.
Factors that increase the risk of noticeable scars include:
- Genetics and skin type – Some people are more prone to hypertrophic or keloid scars, especially those with darker skin tones.
- Age – Younger patients may form thicker scars due to more active healing.
- Scar location – Areas under tension (chest, shoulders, joints) are more likely to widen or thicken.
- Type of injury – Burns, trauma, or incisions under tension may result in more visible scars.
- Healing complications – Infections or delayed healing can worsen scarring.
- Health factors – Smoking, diabetes, and certain medications can interfere with wound healing.
Types of Scars Treated in Sydney
Different scars have different characteristics, which is why treatments are always tailored to the individual. The main types of scars include:
Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised, firm, red scars that stay within the edges of the original wound. They often appear after surgery or injury, particularly on the chest, shoulders or joints. In the early months, they may feel tight, itchy or uncomfortable.
Some hypertrophic scars soften and fade over time, but many remain thick or highly visible. Using his experience working at Sydney’s major burns and scar centre (Royal North Shore Hospital), Dr Varun Harish offers treatments such as silicone therapy, steroid injections and scar-reorientation surgery to help flatten and soften hypertrophic scars, improving comfort and appearance. Results vary depending on the scar and individual healing.
Keloid scars
Keloid scars are thick, lumpy scars that grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They can be itchy, tender or uncomfortable, and are more common on the chest, earlobes, shoulders and jawline. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids do not usually settle on their own and may continue to enlarge over time.
Treatment for keloid scars is challenging and often involves a combination of approaches. Options may include steroid injections, silicone therapy, pressure therapy, laser treatments or surgery — sometimes combined with radiotherapy. At specialist centres in Sydney, Dr Varun Harish provides tailored treatment plans to help reduce the size, thickness and symptoms of keloid scars.
Contracture scars
Contracture scars develop when large areas of skin heal after burns, trauma or surgery. The scar tissue pulls the skin edges together, creating a tight band that may restrict movement across a joint such as the neck, shoulder, elbow or underarm. Contractures can also cause discomfort or limit everyday activities.
Scar revision surgery — sometimes referred to as scar removal — may release a contracture using techniques such as Z-plasty or skin grafting. These operations aim to restore mobility, improve comfort and reduce restriction.
These techniques may also be used for C-section scar revision in Sydney, where surgery can release tethering, flatten raised scars, or improve contour.
Treatment Options
Scar Revision Treatment Options in Sydney and the North Shore
The best approach depends on the scar type, its location, and your goals. Beyond his specialist plastic surgery training, Dr Harish undertook advanced international training focused specifically on burns and scar care, learning techniques from global experts. Together with his reviewer role for the international journal, Burns, this ensures every plan follows current evidence and scar-centre protocols.
Care is planned using the treatments below, which are often combined for the safest, most effective outcome:
- Surgical options — Procedures such as precise scar excision, re-orientation (e.g., Z-plasty), repositioning, skin grafts, flap reconstruction and, where indicated, tissue expansion to improve both function and appearance.
- Non-surgical options — Therapies such as laser treatment, targeted steroid injections, dermabrasion, chemical peels, microneedling, silicone sheeting, pressure therapy/garments and prescription-grade creams to support healing and scar remodelling.
- Combined care — A stepwise plan that sequences surgical and clinic-based treatments to reduce thickness, soften texture, release tightness and improve overall contour.
C-section (Caesarean section) scar revision in Sydney
Some women find that their Caesarean (C-section) incision heals in a way that leaves it raised, wide, indented or tethered to deeper tissue. This can cause discomfort, contour changes or self-consciousness. Scar revision surgery may improve the appearance and function of a C-section scar by releasing tight tissue and re-closing the wound in a more favourable position. Results can vary depending on the scar type, location and individual healing response.
In some cases, C-section scar revision is performed alongside a post-pregnancy tummy tuck Ins(abdominoplasty) or rectus diastasis repair, addressing both the scar and abdominal wall changes that can follow pregnancy.
Who is a Candidate for Scar Revision?
- Have scars that affect your confidence, comfort, or mobility.
- Have scars from surgery, trauma, burns, or keloids.
- Are in good general health, with no major healing problems.
- Are a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery.
- Have realistic expectations, knowing scars can be improved but not completely removed.
- Are seeking scar revision in Sydney from a surgeon who combines research expertise, undertook additional advanced international training in scar centres, and works at Sydney’s major burns and scar centre.
Procedure & Recovery
The Scar Revision Procedure
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery depends on the type of scar and the treatment performed. Generally:
- Stitches are usually removed within 1–2 weeks (depending on scar location).
- Redness and swelling improve over 2–3 weeks.
- Final scar softening and fading may take several months to a year.
- Scar management such as massage, silicone sheets, or sun protection is essential.
- Most patients return to work within 1–2 weeks after surgery, while non-surgical treatments usually have little to no downtime.
Follow up visits mirror structured scar-care programs from major burns and scar centres, including silicone therapy, massage guidance and regular review to support long-term results.
Risks and Considerations
Scar revision is generally safe but, like all procedures, carries some risks. Dr Harish uses careful planning and modern techniques to minimise risks and support safe recovery.
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, changes in pigmentation, and recurrence of scarring. Keloid scars in particular have a higher chance of returning.
Practical Information
Expected Results
Scar revision can make scars less visible, softer, and more comfortable. Improvements may include flattening raised scars, smoothing irregular scars, or releasing tight scars that restrict movement. Although scars cannot be removed entirely, treatment can improve comfort, mobility or scar appearance. Results vary by scar type and treatment method, and in some cases multiple treatments are needed.
Cost, Medicare & Insurance
The cost of scar revision varies depending on the size, type, and location of the scar, the chosen technique, and hospital or anaesthetic fees. Non-surgical treatments are usually less costly, while surgical revision involves higher expenses.
Some treatments may attract a Medicare or private health fund rebate if certain criteria are met. This typically applies to certain scar locations as per Medicare items 45510–45518. These details will be confirmed and discussed during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can scars be removed completely?
No, scars cannot be removed entirely, but they can be made much less noticeable.
Is scar revision painful?
Some discomfort is expected after surgery, but this is usually well controlled. Non-surgical treatments cause minimal discomfort.
How long before I see results?
Early improvements are often visible within weeks, but final results may take up to 18 months.
Will my scar come back after treatment?
Some scars, especially keloids, can recur. Combined treatments can reduce the risk.
What is the downtime?
Surgical scar revision usually requires 1–2 weeks of downtime, while non-surgical options have little to none.
Does Medicare or my health insurance cover scar revision?
Coverage depends on your individual case, the type and location of scarring, and whether clinical criteria are met for Medicare rebates under items 45510–45518. Dr Harish will confirm this during consultation.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
Dr Harish will assess your scar and recommend the most suitable option. Plans combine surgical and non-surgical options, guided by evidence and scar-centre protocols.
Can a C-section scar be revised or improved with surgery in Sydney?
Yes. Caesarean (C-section) scars can sometimes remain thick, raised, wide, or uncomfortable after pregnancy. Scar revision surgery in Sydney can improve the appearance, flatten raised or thickened scars, reduce tightness or pulling (caused by adhesions), and restore comfort. Dr Harish offers C-section scar revision on the North Shore, using techniques such as precise scar excision and repair, combined with treatments like steroid injections, to improve the scar. While scars cannot be removed completely, revision can make them much less noticeable and more comfortable.
What makes Dr Harish different for scar revision in Sydney?
As a consultant at Sydney’s major burns and scar centre with additional international training overseas, a PhD in burns research, extensive research into burns, and a reviewer role for the journal Burns, Dr Harish brings evidence-based techniques to every case — from surgical and traumatic scars to keloid and burn scars.
Why do some people scar more than others?
Genetics, skin type, age, wound location, and healing problems all affect scarring. People with darker skin or a family history of keloids are more prone to visible scars.
What happens at a scar revision consultation?
Dr Harish will examine your scar, review your medical history and goals, and may take photographs to plan treatment. He will explain your options, likely results, and costs so you can make an informed decision.Dr Harish will examine your scar, review your medical history and goals, and may take photographs to plan treatment. He will explain your options, likely results, and costs so you can make an informed decision.
About Dr Harish
Why Choose Dr Varun Harish
- FRACS-accredited Specialist Plastic Surgeon (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons — the only body that formally recognises specialist surgeons in Australia) and member of ASPS (the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, the peak professional body representing qualified plastic surgeons in Australia)
- PhD in burns research that focuses on wound healing and how scars form — translating science into safer, more effective scar revision.
- Published extensively in respected international medical journals on burns and wound healing, so your care is grounded in the latest evidence.
- Reviewer for Burns, the leading international journal in burns and scar care — staying up to date with new techniques and research that improves outcomes.
- Undertook additional international training at renowned burns and scar centres, learning advanced techniques from global leaders and bringing international expertise to Sydney patients.
- Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Royal North Shore Hospital — Sydney’s major burns and scar centre — treating some of the most complex scars in Australia.
Learn more about Dr Harish’s qualifications and research on the About page.
Ready to improve your scars?
Book a consultation in Sydney or the North Shore with Dr Varun Harish.
Serving Sydney and the North Shore
Our scar revision surgery services are available across Sydney and the North Shore, with many patients travelling from nearby areas for expert treatment of burns, keloid or surgical scars.
Patients visit our St Leonards clinic from:
Lower North Shore
Crows Nest, North Sydney, Neutral Bay, Mosman
Central North Shore
Chatswood, Lane Cove, Ryde, Killara
Upper North Shore
Hornsby, Wahroonga, Turramurra, St Ives
Northern Beaches
Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale
Inner West
Ashfield, Burwood, Newtown
North West
Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills
Central Coast
Gosford, Terrigal, Woy Woy
Our clinic is situated beside Royal North Shore Hospital and close to St Leonards Station and Crows Nest Metro, with convenient parking options nearby.
By choosing Dr Harish for skin cancer surgery in Sydney, you benefit from safe cancer clearance combined with advanced reconstructive techniques, delivered by a FRACS-qualified specialist.