Z-Plasty Scar Revision in Turkey Cost 2026

Medically Reviewed by: Op. Dr. Abdolreza Khash
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon
Medical Review Date: August 15, 2026

Scar revision is a group of surgical and non-surgical treatments used to improve the appearance or function of a scar.

The goal is generally to make a scar less noticeable, improve its position or texture, or release scar tissue that restricts movement. No treatment can guarantee that a scar will disappear completely.

Z-Plasty is one surgical scar revision technique. It uses small triangular skin flaps arranged in a Z-shaped pattern to change the direction of a scar, redistribute tension or improve flexibility in areas affected by scar contracture.

The most appropriate treatment depends on the scar type, location, size, age, symptoms, skin characteristics, previous treatments and individual healing tendency.

Clinic Care Center’s current 2026 estimates vary according to the type and complexity of treatment.

You can also explore other Body Aesthetic Treatments in Turkey.

Scar Revision Turkey Cost in 2026

Clinic Care Center’s currently published estimates are:

TreatmentEstimated 2026 Price
Z-Plasty Surgical Revision$1,500–$2,800
Simple Scar Excision$1,000–$1,500
CO₂ Laser Scar Resurfacing$500–$900 per session
Complex Skin Grafting$3,000–$5,000

More complex reconstruction, including treatment of significant scar contractures, may have different costs depending on the surgical plan.

Important: These figures are estimates rather than guaranteed treatment prices.

Final costs may vary according to:

  • Scar size
  • Scar location
  • Number of scars
  • Scar type
  • Surgical complexity
  • Anaesthesia requirements
  • Need for skin grafting or flap reconstruction
  • Number of non-surgical treatment sessions
  • Facility requirements
  • Postoperative follow-up

An individual assessment is required before a specific treatment and quotation can be recommended.

What Is Scar Revision?

Scar revision refers to treatments intended to improve a scar’s appearance, symptoms or function.

Treatment does not necessarily mean removing the existing scar and creating completely normal skin.

Instead, scar revision may aim to:

  • Make the scar less noticeable
  • Improve scar texture
  • Change the direction of a scar
  • Reduce excessive scar width
  • Improve colour differences
  • Reduce raised scar tissue
  • Release a tight scar
  • Improve movement restricted by contracture

The appropriate goal depends on the individual scar.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes scar revision as treatment intended to minimize a scar so that it becomes less conspicuous and blends more effectively with the surrounding skin.

What Is Z-Plasty?

Z-Plasty is a surgical flap technique used in selected scar revision procedures.

The surgeon creates angled incisions that form triangular skin flaps. These flaps are repositioned to change the orientation and effective length of the scar.

Z-Plasty may be useful when the aim is to:

  • Change the direction of a scar
  • Break up a long straight scar line
  • Redistribute tension
  • Position part of a scar more favourably
  • Release a scar contracture
  • Improve flexibility in an area where scar tissue restricts movement

Z-Plasty is not appropriate for every type of scar.

The surgeon should assess whether the expected improvement justifies creating additional surgical incision lines.

Does Z-Plasty Remove a Scar Completely?

No.

Z-Plasty replaces or reorganizes an existing scar with a different scar pattern.

The goal may be to make the scar less conspicuous, orient it more favourably or improve function.

Patients should therefore not expect scar revision to restore completely unscarred skin.

The appearance of the new scar also depends on individual wound healing and scar biology.

What Types of Scars Can Be Treated?

Scar treatment depends heavily on the type of scar.

Different scars can behave very differently and may require different approaches.

Wide or Stretched Scars

Some surgical or traumatic scars become wider during healing.

In selected cases, the scar may be surgically excised and the wound closed again using a different closure technique.

However, removing a wide scar does not guarantee that the new scar will remain narrow.

Factors such as skin tension, location and individual healing remain important.

Contracture Scars

Scar contracture occurs when scar tissue becomes tight enough to restrict movement or distort surrounding tissue.

This may occur after:

  • Burns
  • Trauma
  • Surgery
  • Significant skin injury

Contractures around joints, the neck, hands or other mobile areas may affect function.

Z-Plasty can sometimes increase scar length and redistribute tension, which may improve flexibility.

More extensive contractures may require different reconstructive approaches such as local flaps, skin grafts or tissue expansion.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that generally remain within the boundaries of the original injury.

They may be:

  • Raised
  • Red
  • Firm
  • Itchy
  • Tender

Treatment can include several approaches depending on the scar.

Surgery is not automatically the first or best treatment.

Keloid Scars

A keloid is a raised scar that grows beyond the original boundaries of the injury.

Keloids behave differently from ordinary surgical scars and have a significant tendency to recur.

Simply cutting out a keloid should not be presented as a guaranteed cure.

Treatment may involve a combination of approaches such as:

  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Silicone therapy
  • Pressure therapy in selected locations
  • Cryotherapy
  • Laser treatment
  • Surgical excision
  • Other specialist treatments

Radiation therapy may be considered in selected difficult or recurrent cases, but it is not routine treatment for every keloid patient.

Keloid treatment should be individualized by an appropriately qualified clinician.

Depressed or Atrophic Scars

Some scars form below the level of the surrounding skin.

These may occur after acne, trauma or other skin injury.

Depending on the scar type, treatment may involve:

  • Laser treatment
  • Microneedling
  • Subcision
  • Injectable treatments
  • Other surface or surgical techniques

Z-Plasty is not generally the primary treatment for every depressed scar.

Hypertrophic Scar vs. Keloid

Although both can appear raised, hypertrophic scars and keloids are not the same.

A hypertrophic scar generally remains within the boundary of the original wound.

A keloid can grow beyond the original wound margins.

This distinction matters because:

  • Recurrence risk differs
  • Treatment strategies differ
  • Surgical planning differs
  • Additional therapies may be required

A photograph may help with an initial discussion, but an in-person examination may be necessary to determine the scar type.

Who May Be Suitable for Scar Revision?

Scar revision may be considered for selected patients when a scar:

  • Is unusually wide or noticeable
  • Is raised or irregular
  • Causes discomfort or itching
  • Restricts movement
  • Distorts nearby tissue
  • Has matured sufficiently for appropriate assessment
  • Remains concerning despite previous treatment

Suitability also depends on:

  • General health
  • Smoking
  • Medical conditions
  • Scar location
  • Previous scar history
  • Tendency to form keloids
  • Skin type
  • Medications
  • Previous scar treatments
  • Realistic expectations

Patients with a history of abnormal scarring should tell their surgeon before undergoing revision.

When Should a Scar Be Revised?

Not every new scar should be revised immediately.

Scars naturally change during healing.

A scar may initially appear:

  • Red
  • Pink
  • Raised
  • Firm
  • Darker than surrounding skin

and then gradually change as it matures.

For primarily cosmetic scar revision, a surgeon may sometimes recommend allowing more time for maturation before deciding whether surgery is necessary.

However, treatment timing may be different when a scar causes significant functional restriction, wound problems or another medical concern.

There should therefore not be one universal waiting period for every scar.

Z-Plasty vs. Simple Scar Excision

Simple scar excision generally involves surgically removing the existing scar and closing the resulting wound.

Z-Plasty changes the geometry of the scar using triangular tissue flaps.

Simple Excision May Be Considered When:

  • The scar is relatively straightforward
  • Scar width is the primary concern
  • Surrounding skin allows suitable closure
  • Changing scar direction is not required

Z-Plasty May Be Considered When:

  • Scar direction is unfavourable
  • Tension needs to be redistributed
  • A contracture needs to be released
  • Additional scar length is needed for mobility

The technique should be selected according to the individual scar rather than automatically choosing Z-Plasty because it sounds more advanced.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Scar Treatment

Not every scar requires surgery.

Scar revision treatment may include several different approaches.

Topical Treatments

Depending on the scar, topical care may include silicone-based products or other treatments recommended by a clinician.

These may be useful during scar management but do not completely remove established scars.

Injectable Treatments

Raised scars may sometimes be treated with injectable medications such as corticosteroids.

Treatment usually requires individual assessment and may involve more than one session.

Laser and Light-Based Treatments

Laser or light-based treatment may be considered for concerns involving:

  • Redness
  • Pigmentation
  • Surface irregularity
  • Texture
  • Selected raised scars

Different laser technologies treat different scar characteristics.

CO₂ laser is therefore not automatically the correct laser for every scar.

Dermabrasion or Other Surface Treatments

Surface treatments can sometimes improve scar texture or colour differences.

Their suitability depends on skin type, scar characteristics and treatment goals.

Surgical Revision

Surgery may be appropriate when the scar requires:

  • Excision
  • Reorientation
  • Contracture release
  • Tissue rearrangement
  • Flap reconstruction
  • Skin grafting

Some complex scars may require more than one treatment stage.

Z-Plasty for Burn Contractures

Burn injuries can sometimes produce contractures that tighten skin and restrict movement.

Z-Plasty may be useful for selected contractures because tissue rearrangement can increase effective scar length and improve flexibility.

However, severe burn scars may require more complex reconstruction.

Possible approaches can include:

  • Multiple Z-Plasties
  • Local tissue flaps
  • Skin grafting
  • Tissue expansion
  • Staged reconstruction

The appropriate technique depends on the size, depth and location of the scar and the degree of functional limitation.

Can Z-Plasty Treat a Keloid?

Z-Plasty should not automatically be recommended simply because a scar is a keloid.

Keloids have a significant risk of recurring after surgical removal.

In selected patients, surgery may form part of a broader treatment plan.

Additional treatment could include corticosteroid injections, pressure treatment, silicone therapy or other therapies depending on the location and clinical circumstances.

Radiotherapy is reserved for selected cases and requires specialist consideration of potential benefits and risks.

Keloid treatment should therefore be planned individually rather than using a standard “surgery + radiation” package for every patient.

Can Scar Revision Improve Movement?

Sometimes.

A scar that contracts across a joint or another mobile part of the body can restrict movement.

In these circumstances, the goal of scar revision may be primarily functional rather than cosmetic.

Techniques such as Z-Plasty or other forms of tissue rearrangement may increase flexibility.

Physical therapy or rehabilitation may also be part of treatment in selected cases.

However, the degree of functional improvement depends on the severity and depth of the contracture and whether deeper structures are involved.

Anaesthesia for Scar Revision

Scar revision does not always require general anaesthesia.

Depending on the procedure, possible options can include:

  • Local anaesthesia
  • Local anaesthesia with sedation
  • Intravenous sedation
  • General anaesthesia

Small scar revisions may sometimes be performed under local anaesthesia.

More extensive reconstruction or treatment of major contractures may require different anaesthetic planning.

The appropriate choice should be determined by the treating surgeon and anaesthetic team.

Is Z-Plasty Painful?

Scar revision is generally performed with an appropriate form of anaesthesia.

However, it is too absolute to promise that every patient will experience no pain at all.

Patients may experience:

  • Pressure or other sensations during procedures performed under local anaesthesia
  • Tenderness after surgery
  • Swelling
  • Tightness
  • Temporary discomfort

The amount of postoperative discomfort depends on the size and location of the operation and the individual patient’s pain response.

Pain management should be planned according to the actual procedure.

Possible Risks and Complications

Scar revision is a surgical procedure and carries potential risks.

Possible complications include:

  • Anaesthesia-related risks
  • Bleeding
  • Haematoma
  • Infection
  • Seroma
  • Poor wound healing
  • Wound separation
  • Changes in skin sensation or numbness
  • Persistent pain
  • Skin discolouration
  • Prolonged swelling
  • Skin loss
  • Asymmetry
  • Unfavourable scarring
  • Recurrence of the original scar problem
  • Development of a wider or more noticeable scar
  • Need for additional treatment or revision surgery

Deep vein thrombosis and cardiac or pulmonary complications are also recognized general surgical risks, although individual risk varies substantially according to the procedure and patient.

A scar revision should therefore never be described as guaranteed to create a better-looking scar.

Can the New Scar Become Worse?

Yes, this is possible.

Scar revision creates another controlled wound, which then has to heal.

The new scar can potentially become:

  • Wide
  • Raised
  • Dark
  • Light
  • Thick
  • Irregular
  • Painful
  • Recurrent

Patients with a history of hypertrophic or keloid scarring may have a higher concern for abnormal scar formation.

The surgeon should discuss realistic expectations before treatment.

Scar Revision Recovery

Recovery varies according to the size, location and type of procedure.

After surgical scar revision, patients may initially experience:

  • Localized swelling
  • Discolouration
  • Tenderness
  • Tightness
  • Mild bleeding or drainage
  • Temporary changes in sensation

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes the initial healing phase of many scar revisions as approximately one to two weeks, while overall healing continues for considerably longer.

This should be treated as general guidance rather than a guaranteed timetable.

When Are Stitches Removed?

Suture removal depends on:

  • Scar location
  • Type of closure
  • Type of suture
  • Wound tension
  • Healing
  • Surgeon preference

Some sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed.

Others may need removal at a follow-up appointment.

For this reason, 7–10 days should not be stated as a universal rule for every scar revision.

The treating team should provide an individual plan.

When Can I Return to Work?

Small scar revisions may allow a relatively quick return to light daily activities.

More extensive procedures involving:

  • Large scars
  • Joint areas
  • Burn contractures
  • Skin grafting
  • General anaesthesia

may require a longer recovery.

Return to work should depend on the procedure and the physical demands of the patient’s occupation.

A fixed number of days should not be guaranteed before treatment.

When Can I Exercise?

Exercise restrictions depend strongly on scar location.

For example, an incision located close to:

  • Shoulder
  • Elbow
  • Knee
  • Abdomen
  • Chest
  • Back

may experience greater tension during particular movements.

Excessive force or repetitive movement across a healing incision may affect wound healing.

Patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions about when to resume exercise.

Scar Maturation After Revision

A new scar does not reach its final appearance within a few days or weeks.

After surgery, a scar can initially appear red, raised or firm.

It then gradually changes during scar maturation.

ASPS notes that final scar revision results may take several months to become apparent and that in some cases the new scar may require approximately a year to fully heal and fade.

For this reason, patients should not judge the final outcome too early.

Can a Scar Come Back After Revision?

Yes.

Recurrence depends on the type of scar and individual healing.

Keloids in particular have a significant recurrence tendency.

Hypertrophic scarring may also recur.

A contracture can potentially tighten again, particularly in complex burn injuries.

Scar revision should therefore not be presented as a permanent guarantee that the original problem can never return.

Scar Care After Surgery

Postoperative scar care should be individualized.

The medical team may provide instructions about:

  • Wound cleaning
  • Dressings
  • Sun protection
  • Silicone-based scar therapy
  • Activity restrictions
  • Massage when appropriate
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Additional scar treatments

Not every product or scar treatment should be started immediately after surgery.

Patients should allow the incision to heal according to their surgeon’s protocol.

Silicone Gel and Silicone Sheets

Silicone-based scar treatments are commonly used in scar management.

They may be recommended for selected healing or raised scars.

However, silicone should not be described as guaranteed to make a scar disappear.

The appropriate timing and duration depend on the wound and clinician’s advice.

Products should generally not be applied over an open or unhealed incision unless specifically recommended by the treating medical team.

Sun Protection After Scar Revision

Sun exposure can affect the colour of a healing scar.

Protecting a scar from strong ultraviolet exposure may therefore be part of postoperative scar care.

The treating clinician can advise when sunscreen or physical covering can be safely used after the incision has healed sufficiently.

When Can I Have Laser Treatment After Z-Plasty?

There is no universal rule that every patient should begin CO₂ laser exactly six to eight weeks after surgery.

The appropriate timing depends on:

  • Wound healing
  • Scar type
  • Skin type
  • Scar redness or pigmentation
  • Surgical technique
  • Laser technology being considered

Some scars may not require laser treatment at all.

A clinician should first examine the healed scar and determine whether laser treatment is appropriate.

Scar Revision After Cosmetic Surgery

Scar revision can occasionally be considered after cosmetic or reconstructive surgery when a healed scar remains wide, raised, symptomatic or otherwise concerning.

For example, operations such as a Tummy Tuck or Arm Lift naturally create surgical scars.

However, the presence of a visible scar after surgery does not automatically mean that scar revision is required.

Scars should first be assessed according to:

  • Time since surgery
  • Healing
  • Scar location
  • Symptoms
  • Scar maturation
  • Individual scar biology

Patients should ideally discuss concerns with their treating surgeon before pursuing revision.

Skin Grafting for Complex Scars

Skin grafting may be considered when there is not enough suitable local skin to close a wound or release a larger contracture.

A skin graft uses skin taken from another area of the body to cover the treatment site.

This approach creates:

  • A treatment-site wound
  • A donor-site wound
  • Additional scar considerations

Skin grafting therefore differs substantially from a small cosmetic scar revision.

Complex burn reconstruction may require specialist assessment and potentially multiple treatment stages.

What Affects Scar Revision Cost in Turkey?

The final price may vary according to:

  • Scar size
  • Scar location
  • Number of scars
  • Scar type
  • Z-Plasty vs. simple excision
  • Local vs. general anaesthesia
  • Skin graft or flap reconstruction
  • Operating time
  • Facility requirements
  • Number of laser sessions
  • Additional injectable treatments
  • Follow-up requirements

A photograph can sometimes help provide preliminary information, but it may not show scar depth, mobility restriction or tissue quality adequately.

A final surgical plan should follow appropriate assessment.

What May Be Included in a Scar Revision Treatment Package?

Depending on the individual treatment plan, a package may include some or all of the following:

  • Surgeon and medical team fees
  • Planned scar revision procedure
  • Hospital or surgical facility fees when required
  • Anaesthesia
  • Preoperative medical tests when required
  • Dressings
  • Prescribed postoperative medication
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Scar-care products when specifically included
  • Accommodation for selected international patients
  • Airport transfers when included
  • Transfers between accommodation and treatment facility
  • Patient coordination services

The exact inclusions should be confirmed in writing.

Terms such as “all-inclusive” should not be assumed to mean that every future scar treatment, laser session, medication or revision procedure is automatically covered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scar Revision

How much does scar revision cost in Turkey in 2026?

Clinic Care Center’s current published estimate for Z-Plasty scar revision is approximately $1,500–$2,800.

Simple scar excision is currently estimated at approximately $1,000–$1,500.

More complex procedures involving skin grafting may cost approximately $3,000–$5,000.

CO₂ laser scar resurfacing is currently listed at approximately $500–$900 per session.

A final quotation depends on the individual scar and treatment plan.

Can scar revision completely remove a scar?

No.

Scar revision attempts to make a scar less noticeable or improve its function.

Surgery itself creates a new scar.

Complete scar removal without leaving any mark should not be promised.

What is Z-Plasty?

Z-Plasty is a surgical technique that rearranges small triangular skin flaps in a Z-shaped pattern.

It can change scar direction, redistribute tension and improve flexibility in selected scar contractures.

Is Z-Plasty better than simple scar removal?

Not necessarily.

The procedures have different uses.

Simple excision may be appropriate for selected scars, while Z-Plasty may be more useful when scar direction or contracture is an important concern.

Can Z-Plasty treat burn scars?

It may be used for selected burn scar contractures.

More extensive burn scars may require flaps, skin grafting, tissue expansion or other reconstructive procedures.

Can Z-Plasty remove a keloid permanently?

No treatment should guarantee that a keloid will never recur.

Keloids have a significant tendency to return after surgery.

Treatment may require a combination of approaches.

Are steroid injections always needed after scar revision?

No.

Corticosteroid injections may be appropriate for selected raised scars or keloids but are not routinely necessary after every scar revision.

Does every keloid patient need radiotherapy?

No.

Radiotherapy is a specialist treatment considered in selected cases.

It should not be automatically included in every keloid treatment plan.

How long does scar revision take to heal?

The initial wound-healing period may take approximately one to two weeks for some surgical scar revisions.

However, scar maturation continues much longer.

The final appearance can take several months and sometimes approximately a year to develop.

When are stitches removed?

The timing depends on scar location, wound closure and type of suture.

Some sutures dissolve and do not require removal.

There is no universal 7–10 day rule.

When can laser treatment start after Z-Plasty?

There is no fixed timetable appropriate for every patient.

The surgical wound must first heal adequately, and a clinician should determine whether laser treatment is needed and when it can safely begin.

Will my new scar be less visible?

Scar revision aims to improve the appearance or position of a scar, but the degree of improvement cannot be guaranteed.

Individual scar formation varies substantially.

Can scar revision improve movement?

Yes, selected contracture scars may restrict movement.

Z-Plasty or another reconstructive technique may sometimes improve flexibility by releasing scar tension.

The degree of improvement depends on the severity of the contracture and structures involved.

Medical References

American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Scar Revision

American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Scar Revision Procedure

American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Scar Revision Risks and Safety

American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Scar Revision Recovery

American Academy of Dermatology – Scars: Diagnosis and Treatment

American Academy of Dermatology – Keloid Diagnosis and Treatment

Request Scar Revision Treatment Information

Contact our patient coordination team to learn more about scar revision treatment options, current estimated costs, consultation availability and the next steps.

Because scars vary significantly in type, depth, location and healing behaviour, a treatment recommendation and final quotation should follow an appropriate individual medical assessment.

Patients should receive clear information about the expected new scar, recurrence risk, possible alternative treatments and postoperative care before deciding to proceed.

Online information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

    Request Treatment Information

    Contact our patient coordination team to learn more about treatment options, consultation availability and the next steps.



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