Safe and professional
I felt I was in very safe and professional hands from my very first consultation with Bo. ESPECIALLY on the day of the surgery itself, when I was v…
Thomas Hansen
About the treatment
At Caolín, we work with scar revision as a speciality in its own right. We frequently help patients who come to us after procedures performed at other clinics, both in Denmark and abroad, with scars that have not healed as hoped. We also correct unsightly caesarean section scars, which can be particularly bothersome for many women.
A scar can rarely be removed completely, but it can almost always be improved significantly. This requires a thorough assessment, the right treatment and, in many cases, a combination of several approaches. At Caolín, this is exactly where our expertise lies.
At a glance
- Price
- On request
- Anaesthesia
- Local or general anaesthetic
- Duration
- Depends on extent
- Hospital stay
- A few hours
- Downtime
- Depends on treatment method
- Final result
- After 6–18 months
Different types of scars – and what we can do
Not all scars are the same, and the treatment always depends on the type of scar. At your consultation, the surgeon assesses your scar and recommends the approach that will give the best result.
Hypertrophic scars
Red, raised and thick scars that develop when the healing process produces too much scar tissue. They are confined to the wound line and can in many cases be treated effectively with steroid injections, laser or surgical revision. Hypertrophic scars can mature and improve over time, but there is no need to wait before having scar revision.
Keloids
A more aggressive form of excessive scar tissue formation that grows beyond the edges of the wound and can continue to grow for a long time. Keloids are more challenging to treat than hypertrophic scars and typically require a combination of surgery, steroid injections, pressure therapy and possibly laser. Surgical revision alone is rarely sufficient for keloids, as the risk of recurrence is high. The surgery is therefore always planned in combination with supplementary treatment.
Depressed scars (atrophic scars)
Scars that sit lower than the surrounding skin, for example after acne, injuries or surgery where the skin has not healed evenly, can be treated with CO2 laser, subcision/Rigottomy (releasing the scar from the underlying tissue) and/or fat grafting, which restores volume beneath the scar and lifts the surface.
Wide, flat scars
For example, a scar after surgery that has healed flat but is wider than desired. This may be due to high tension on the scar or the sutures not having been placed optimally. Surgical revision with careful layered closure and tension-relieving techniques can result in a significantly narrower and more discreet scar.
Discoloured scars
Red, brown or hyperpigmented scars can be treated effectively with laser, which reduces redness and pigment and gives a more even skin tone. Often combined with other treatments.
Tight scars (contracture scars)
If a scar is tight and pulls on the skin or restricts movement, for example over joints or in areas exposed to a lot of movement, it requires surgical revision using plastic surgery techniques such as Z-plasty or a skin graft. Sometimes Rigottomy can also be used to release the scar, followed by fat grafting in the area to relieve the tightness.
Caesarean section scars – a special focus at Caolín
Caesarean section scars are among the most common scars we treat at Caolín. The scar usually sits low along the bikini line and is often discreet, but for some women it can cause problems.
One of the most common is overlapping skin, which creates a fold of skin that hangs over the scar and gives the appearance of a 'shelf' on the lower part of the abdomen – sometimes so much that a distinct overhang forms over the scar line. The scar can also appear indented or tethered and tight, because it adheres to the underlying tissue and pulls the skin inwards. This creates a visible depression and can feel uncomfortable during movement and under clothing.
An unsightly or bothersome caesarean scar can be improved significantly with the right treatment. Surgical revision removes and restores the scar line, releases adhesions to the underlying tissue and eliminates the overlapping skin. In many cases, the revision is combined with a mini tummy tuck and possibly liposuction, which tightens the skin in the lower abdomen and gives a complete, more harmonious result. Laser is then used to improve the colour and texture of the scar line.
Treatment methods
Surgical scar revision
The scar is removed and the incision is closed again using a meticulous layered technique without tension and with the finest stitches. Surgical revision is the most effective treatment for wide, depressed or poorly placed scars. At Caolín, we use specialised plastic surgery closure techniques that minimise the risk of the scar widening again.
Laser
Ablative or fractional CO2 laser is effective for improving scar texture, reducing redness and pigment and smoothing depressed scars. It can be used as a standalone treatment or as a supplement to surgical revision. It typically requires 2–3 treatments a few weeks apart for the best result.
Steroid injections
Cortisone injected directly into the scar is an effective and well-documented treatment for hypertrophic scars and keloids. It reduces scar tissue production, softens the scar and can give a significantly flatter and less visible scar over time. The treatment is typically repeated at 4–6 week intervals.
Subcision, Rigottomy and fat grafting
For depressed scars that are attached to the underlying tissue, the scar is surgically released from the deep structures (subcision/Rigottomy), and your own fat may be injected beneath the scar to rebuild volume and lift the surface. An effective method for acne scars and indented surgical scars.
Combination treatment
The best results are often achieved by combining several methods. The combination must be tailored to the type of scar and the desired result, and is planned individually.
Scars after surgery at other clinics
Sometimes surgery results in scars that do not heal as hoped. This can be due to infection, wound-healing problems, early sun exposure, technical factors in the suturing or simply the individual patient's biology.
At Caolín, we frequently see patients who want to have scars corrected from procedures performed at other clinics, both in Denmark and abroad. We always meet these patients without prejudice and with an open, professional view of what can be achieved. A thorough assessment of the condition of the scar, the reason for the unwanted healing and the realistic treatment options is the starting point for every treatment journey.
Reviews
What our patients say
Good to know
Questions and answers
If there is anything you cannot find an answer to, bring it up at your consultation.
Scar revision can almost always improve a scar, but a perfect result can never be guaranteed. There is a risk of recurrence, particularly with keloids. Surgical revision carries a risk of infection and wound-healing problems. Laser treatment carries a risk of pigmentation changes, particularly in darker skin types.
No, a scar can never be removed completely, as the skin will always form scar tissue in response to an injury or incision. But a scar can almost always be improved significantly – made narrower, flatter, more discreet and better blended into the surrounding skin. We always set the realistic goal together at your consultation.
For most scars, you should wait at least 12 months after the original surgery or injury before they are treated surgically, as this is how long it takes for the scar tissue to mature and stabilise. Laser treatment and steroid injections can often be started earlier.
Yes. This is something we do frequently at Caolín. We always focus on what can be achieved and, in particular, what CANNOT be achieved given the current condition of the scar. Feel free to bring documentation from your previous surgery, but it is not a requirement.
Every treatment journey at Caolín starts with a thorough, no-obligation consultation, where the surgeon assesses your scar, discusses your wishes and advises you on the treatment that will give the best and most realistic result.
A great deal. Depending on whether the problem is overhanging skin, an indented scar, redness or widening, we can combine surgical revision, laser and possibly a mini tummy tuck for a complete and significantly improved result.
A hypertrophic scar is thick and raised, but confined to the wound line. A keloid grows beyond the edges of the wound and can be progressive, meaning that it gets larger over time. Keloids are more challenging to treat and typically require a combination of steroids, laser and possibly surgery. Both types can be improved significantly with the right treatment.
Yes, steroid injections (cortisone) are a well-documented and effective treatment for hypertrophic scars and keloids. The treatment reduces scar tissue production and softens and flattens the scar. It usually requires several injections at 4-6 week intervals.
CO2 laser is particularly effective for depressed scars, changes in texture, redness and pigment. For hypertrophic scars and keloids, laser is typically combined with steroids. Keloids are not treated with laser alone.
Yes, usually. A mature scar can still be treated effectively. An old, wide scar can be revised surgically for a significantly narrower result. A discoloured scar can be lightened with laser. Mature scars actually often respond well to treatment, as they are no longer actively forming scar tissue.
Strips/tape and silicone sheets have a documented effect in preventing and reducing hypertrophic scars, particularly in the early healing period. They are not sufficient for pronounced scarring, but are a good supplement to treatment and for prevention after surgical revision.
The price depends on the type of scar, the treatment method and the extent, and is clarified at your consultation. The consultation is, of course, completely free of obligation.
The process
What to expect at Caolín
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Consultation
The process starts with a consultation with your plastic surgeon, where together you assess the scar's location, structure and colour and the tension in the tissue around the area. At the same time, the surgeon assesses the quality of your skin and your body's natural ability to heal in order to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
You will receive an honest review of the improvements that can realistically be achieved, as well as the factors that may affect the final result. It is important to us that your expectations are realistic and that you feel fully informed before you go ahead with the treatment.
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Before the surgery
Before the surgery, you will receive thorough information about medication, supplements, smoking and other factors that can affect healing. Depending on the size and location of the scar, the treatment is performed under either local or general anaesthetic.
On the day, the surgeon goes through the treatment plan with you and marks the area precisely. Our focus is on you feeling safe and well prepared every step of the way.
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During the surgery
The surgery itself typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the extent of the treatment. The existing scar is carefully removed, and the skin is brought back together with a focus on reducing tension in the tissue and creating the best conditions for neat healing.
The wound is closed with fine sutures, and the area is protected with tape or a dressing to support the skin in the first phase. The entire treatment is carried out with great precision and respect for the skin's natural lines.
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After the surgery
After the treatment, you can usually go home the same day, and in many cases you can quickly resume gentle everyday activities. It is normal to experience mild swelling, tenderness, tightness or minor bruising around the area in the early period.
Healing takes place gradually over several months, and the scar will typically be more visible at first before it slowly becomes lighter and softer. We follow you closely throughout the process and advise you on proper scar care, so your skin has the best possible conditions for a beautiful and harmonious result.
Book a free consultation at Caolín
Your journey begins with a personal consultation. Here we go through your wishes and options, so that together we can create a treatment plan that feels right for you.
The specialists
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen is a consultant in plastic surgery and one of the Nordic region's leading specialists in cosmetic breast surgery and advanced facial surgery, and one of the few surgeons to master endoscopic facelift without visible scars. He holds a PhD in breast reconstruction using stem-cell-enriched fat grafting and is internationally recognised for his work and research in the field.
Frederik Kølle, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Frederik Kølle is a certified and internationally recognised plastic surgeon specialising in facial and cosmetic surgery as well as advanced fat grafting and body contouring. He is among the Nordic region's leading experts and masters the full spectrum of facial and breast surgery.
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Financing your treatment
We offer financing, so you can spread the cost of your treatment. If you have any questions about financing, you are always welcome to contact us – or ask at your consultation.
The calculation is indicative. Credit assessment and terms are set by Resurs Bank.