Options for Removing a Hypertrophic Scar? Doctor Answers, Tips
Scar Removal: Q&A
Ask a Question

Options for Removing a Hypertrophic Scar?

I had a major surgery 11 months ago to removed a tumor from my pancreas Two months after the surgery, I developed a thick and bulky scar. I went to the doctor and he told me it was a hypertrophic scar. I'm really sad and I feel very frustrated because I've heard that this condition sometimes doesn't respond well to treatment. My scar is approximately 14 cm. long and about 1/2 inch thick. I've been using silicone sheets for almost 8 months now without any luck, any other suggestions? Any advices will be appreciated. Thanks and God Bless You.

Tags:
hypertrophic scar
Comment on this
6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Tania Huezo
+1

Removing a hypertrophic scar

What you should understand is that a HYPERTROPHIC SCAR is going to improve. You do not treat this. A KELOIDAL scar, on the other hand is going to remain or get worse so we treat these with topical or intralesional steroids. If you mistakenly inject a steroid into a hypertrophic scar you may end up with ATROPHY which you don't want. From what you are describing this is a KELOID and as such should be treated by injections. Don't think silicone sheeting will get through this type of situation... more
+1

Scar hypertrophy

Scar hypertrophy that developed after your pancreas surgery may be treated with steroid injections or even scar revision. Silicone sheeting like you are doing is also a good thing. I would wait another 6 months to see how the scar does. It is still maturing and may flatten and improve in color with time.
+1

Hypertrophic Scar after surgery on the abdomen

It is most likely a scar that is caused by increased tension on the wound. In these cases, the most applicable treatment is scar revision with layered closure to improve tension free healing.

You might also like...

Real Stories

Scar Revision- Dr. Prichard - Scottsdale, AZ

I got the scar on my right eye from an accident when i was 5 yrs old. It has always...

View 48 related stories

Before + After Photos

Facial Scar Removal/Treatment Facial Scar Removal/Treatment
View 74 Scar Removal photos
+1

Options for hypertrophic scar

Kenalog (cortisone), 5-Fluorouracil or a combination of the two injected at 4-week intervals as needed may be your best option to reduce the bulkiness of the scar (and any symptoms of itching or discomfort you might be experiencing). If the scar is red or pink in color, certain vascular lasers can be beneficial (e.g. Pulsed dye laser). Good luck.
+1

Time and kenolog injection!

With time your scar will get better. Since it has been 11 months, it is ok to start some kenolog injection. This will help flatten the scar and make it less irritant. Best of luck!
+1

Hyperplastic scar should shrink

The difference between a hyperplastic scar and a keloid is that in the former the collagen is laid down properly, ie. in the correct direction and with the needed consistency. However, the signal to turn off production is askue. This results in the scar being piled up too high, above 'skin level." In a keloid the collagen not only rises above the skin, but the collagen is laid down in thick bands going every which way. The collagen is also more coarse. A true hyperplastic scar... more
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok