Ogden Doctors

A Little over 3 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift. My Surgeon Told Me to Do Scar Therapy.

He gave me a cream to apply to incisions two times a day. He said to massage cream into skin with enough pressure to pop stitches under skin. I have searched internet for this topic and found nothing. I have popped one it feels weird but dont hurt. I am nervous to do this because I have found no information on it. Is this normal standard procdure? Could I damage anything by popping stitches?

The quality of the scar after surgery has many factors 1) genetics, 2) technique, and 3) after care.  The most important in most cases is the genetics and patient factors.  Unfortunately, this we have no control over.

Techniques to avoid tension at the level of the skin and dermis can minimize scar formation.  Using internal suturing techniques without external "track marks" can improve the scar quality.

After care is the least important but the only part the patient has any ability to control.  I like to leave surgical tape in place for 3 weeks to limit tension and stretching on the scar, hydrate, and protect the scar.  Thereafte, I like Mederma for typical scars, stepping up to scar guard or silicone sheeting at the first sign of a raised scar.

"popping" the sutures with massage would only contribute to a wider scar in my opinion.

York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

I Am 30 and I Have Hyperpigmentation All over my Body Due to Psoriasis, What Can Be Done?

I have brown skin (South East Asian origin) and I was wondering which chemical peel would be best suited to treat the hyperpigmentation..

 I would recommend M2  (SkinCareRx.com) 12%  serum for the first month once a day and then switch to 20% serum for the next few months.  Skip a day if you skin is irritated and use only moisturizer and protect from the sun.   This has helped many of my darker skin type patients with hyperpigmented skin.

Mark Taylor, MD

Salt Lake City Dermatologic Surgeon

Hydroquinone Absolutely Necessary Before Fraxel?

I never had the fraxel treatment before, and I was consulting my dermatologist if I should get some. He said, that before putting me under the procedure he would have to put me on some hydroquinone for at least a month. The problem is, I need the treatment done fast, and therefore I don't really have the time to pre-treat my face. Is it safe enough to get fraxel (probably re:store or re:pair) without applying hydroquinone? How bad does the chance of possible side effects increase? Thank-you.

I personally never pretreat anyone with either Retin A or hydroquinone.  Postoperatively, total sun avoidance until the skin gets back to normal color and treatment if necessary with hydroquinone works very well for me even in some darker skin types.   We do hundreds of patients with Fitzpatrick skin types 1-IV.   If there is a strong history of pimples turning brown  and taking months to get back to normal color or minor injuries turning brown for months or years after healing,  then there is more chance of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.    Even in those patients, I treat for hyperpigmentation post op rather than pre op if necessary.  I recommend that you follow your doctor's instructions or change doctors if you want to get the treatment done sooner from a specialist who does not require a month of hydroquinone.   

Mark Taylor, MD

Salt Lake City Dermatologic Surgeon