What It Is
Geometric Broken Line Repair (GBLR) is an advanced scar revision surgery technique used to make noticeable scars less visible. Instead of removing a scar in a straight line, the surgeon excises it using a random geometric pattern (triangles, zigzags, trapezoids) and then re-closes the skin in a way that “breaks up” the scar’s continuity.
This approach helps scatter light reflection across the skin, making the scar blend more naturally into surrounding tissue. In Korea, GBLR is often performed in specialized plastic surgery and dermatology clinics that focus on scar revision and cosmetic skin surgery.
Why It’s Done
Patients choose geometric broken line repair for:
- Long, noticeable linear scars (such as surgical or traumatic scars).
- Scars that healed poorly or widened after an injury or surgery.
- Facial scars or scars on other visible areas where cosmetic appearance is important.
- Scars that cause psychological distress, self-consciousness, or social discomfort.
The goal is not to completely erase the scar, but to make it less noticeable and more harmonious with surrounding skin.
Alternatives
Depending on the scar’s type and location, alternatives include:
- W-plasty or Z-plasty: Other surgical scar revision methods that break up straight scars.
- Laser therapy: Reduces redness, pigmentation, or texture irregularities.
- Steroid injections: Flatten raised or hypertrophic scars.
- Microneedling or dermabrasion: Improve skin texture for shallow scars.
- Topical treatments: Silicone gels or sheets to soften and lighten scars.
Preparation
Preparation steps usually include:
- Consultation: A plastic surgeon evaluates the scar’s size, depth, and location.
- Medical review: Past medical history and scar healing tendencies (especially if prone to keloids).
- Lifestyle adjustments: Avoiding smoking and alcohol for 2–4 weeks prior to surgery.
- Medication management: Pausing blood thinners or supplements that may increase bleeding.
- Recovery planning: Arranging time off work and protection of the scar area post-surgery.
How It’s Done
GBLR is performed under local anesthesia with sedation for small scars, or general anesthesia for larger or multiple scars. The procedure involves:
- Scar excision: The old scar is carefully cut out using a geometric pattern.
- Skin rearrangement: The geometric shapes are sutured together, creating a scar line that is irregular rather than straight.
- Closure: Fine sutures are placed to minimize tension and optimize healing.
The surgery usually takes 1–3 hours, depending on the scar size.
Recovery
Recovery is usually straightforward:
- First week: Swelling, redness, and mild tenderness are common. Stitches are typically removed after 5–10 days.
- Healing phase: Patients should protect the area from sun exposure and avoid strenuous activities that stretch the scar.
- Scar maturation: The new scar fades and becomes less noticeable over 6–12 months.
- Follow-up treatments: Laser or steroid injections may be used to further refine the result.
Possible Complications
Although generally safe, risks include:
- Infection or bleeding.
- Wound healing delays.
- Scar widening or irregularity if healing is poor.
- Skin asymmetry or unevenness.
- Hypertrophic or keloid scarring in predisposed patients.
- Temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation.
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
- Detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon.
- Imaging or digital analysis to assess scar texture, pigmentation, and direction.
Medical Treatments
- Pain management and antibiotics if necessary.
- Scar creams and silicone sheets to improve healing.
Surgical or Advanced Therapies
- Geometric broken line repair: Standard option for long, straight scars.
- W-plasty or Z-plasty: Used when scars follow skin tension lines.
- Laser resurfacing or fractional CO₂ treatment: Often combined with surgery for best results.
Rehabilitation and Support
- Post-surgical scar management with massage, silicone sheets, or laser treatments.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor scar evolution.
- International patient services including translation, recovery planning, and virtual consultations.
