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Best Hypertrophic Scar Treatment?

asked 2 years ago by nYc91 in NEW YORK
Latest answer by Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Question viewed 33,496 times
Tags: hypertrophic, scar

Basically, 2 years ago, I was playing football with friends, fell bad, and got this really bad "cut/gash" on my knee.

It eventually turned into a hypertrophic scar, and since then, I have gotten a number of hypertrophic scars on my body (2 small ones on my chest, 1 near my elbow, and the 1 on the knee).

Before this, I have never gotten a hypertrophic scar so its confusing. Basically, I would like to know the best way to treat these scars. I've heard the steroid injections are effective? Any creams (mederma, vitamin E pills) etc.?

9 answers to Best Hypertrophic Scar Treatment?

+5

Hypertrophic scars and keloid treatment

You must first distinguish between hypertrophic scars and keloids. The former generally tend to grow for up to two years but then mprove over time after that. Keloids tend to exhibit continuous growth. Hypertrophic scars are commonly associated with wounds that exhibit delayed healing: tissue loss, healing by secondary intention, third degree (full thickness burns), etc. IF your scars are hyperftophic, they will tendi to resolve. However, interventions which have been recommended... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Scar Treatment

After distinguishing the difference between hypertrophic scars and keloids.  I would recommend silicone gel sheets , massaging the scar, Kenalog injections.  in extreme cases of Hypertrophic scars a scar revision can be done followed by the aforementioned methods to minimize scarring.  Best of Luck!
Dana Khuthaila, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Hypertrophic scar treatment

My approach to hypertrophic scars include: 1. intralesional cortisone +/- 5-Fluorouracil 2. Silicone (either sheeting or liquid paint-on silicone (available as a product called ScarGuard MD)) 3. Manual massage 4. Vascular laser if the scar is not only thickened but pink/red. Good luck.
Bryan K. Chen, MD

San Diego Dermatologist
+2

Silicone sheets, Kenolog, and compression

The treatment of a hypertrphic scar include the following: 1-Silicone sheets. Easier to use on the limbs ,however some are designed for the trunk. 2-Kenolog injection: Dilute steroid injection is an effective treatment for hypertrphic scars.The scar will flaten,become less itchy. It will still be the a scar though. 3-Compression: Works well in limbs and faces.Used more commonly in burn scars. Hope that helps!
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Best and Safest Hypertrophic Scar Treatment if the 1540 Non Ablative Fractional Laser

Pressure, massage, Silicone Tape and Steroids have been mainstays of the treatment of Hypertrophic Scars for years. MOst serious Hypertrophic Scars eventually are treated with either Steroid Skin Tape or Steroid injection. However, although the Steroid does reduce the Hypertrophic Scar, all too often the Steroid Injection causes complications: Atrophy of Fat-the fat beneath the scar dissolves and the wound or scar widens and becomes depressed and looks worse The skin... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Hypertrophic scar treatment

Injection of Kenalog and 5-fluorouracil into scar every 2 weeks until improvement seen  - may take up to 6-8 sessions Combine these scar injections with pulsed dye laser treatment (Vbeam) every month You will see reduction in size and thickness of scar, a softening of the scar, a reduction of the redness, improved texture and reduction of itch and pain if present.
Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD

Charlotte Dermatologist
+1

Hyretrophic scars

These can be a very difficult problem. I personally use low dose Kenalog injections done carefully and over time to adjust the scar as best as possible and not make the problem worse. I will also use a silicone cream ( ketacote ) on the area or even a silicone sheet if the patient will be compliant with it.  Some people have had success with laser therapy even though I have not.
Richard Galitz, MD

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

PDL, Gemini, Tunable Dye, Hypertrophic scars, keloids

I have found the PDL-Pulse Dye Laser to be most effective for hypertrophic scars or keloids. I have also used the KTP and Gemini and Tunable Dye laser effectively-especially when the keloid is peristing. This is best combined with Triamcinolone acetonide injection. In tough cases we only add interferon which may give cold symptoms and Cordran tape as well as other modalities. IPL is not risky in my experience.
Joshua L. Fox, MD

Long Island Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

The best treatment for hypertrophic scars is to avoid them in the first place

The best treatment for hypertrophic scars is to avoid them in the first place. Unfortunately, scars cannot always be avoided. However, if you know that you are a poor healer and tend to make excessive scars, you should always notify your surgeon first so that if you sustain another injury somewhere else or have to have surgery, then your surgeon can take further precautions to help maximize the appearance of your scar. If possible always avoid surgery in visible areas. As far as treatment... more
Scott Trimas, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

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