Time heals all wounds

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD answers: How to get rid of dark purple and raised scar?

About 2 1/2 months ago, I grazed my leg but really badly, the wound was surprisingly deep. It healed after 2/3 weeks but I knocked it again and the new skin was peeled back. I now have an oval raised scar on my leg which is dark purple and very noticeable. How long will it take for it to turn white and will it stay risen? Is there anything I can put on it to help it heal? Creams? Laser? I heard there is a laser that helps stretch marks so surely there is one to help scars?


Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD
20 days ago
By Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD - Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgeon

Traumatic scars are very distressing for a number of reasons.  The scar is a constant reminder of the act that caused them to begin with.  The maturation process of a scar can be quite prolonged and there are very few things that can be done to expedite the process. 

  • Silicone gel sheeting has been shown to help prevent discoloration and hypertrophy of the scar. 
  • Steroids injections can help with already hypertrophic scars. 
  • Lasers (pulse dye, Fractional) can help with discoloration. 

Time is what has proven to be most effective in the healing process and the older the scar, if it does not require revision, the better the scar will look.

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