Scar Removal Q&A
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When is It Best to Start Laser Scar Removal?
asked 1 year ago by 3912anon in Los Angeles
Latest answer by Stephen Mandy, MD
Question viewed 351 times
Tags: age 17 or under, chin, female
My thirteen year old daugter fell three weeks ago and cut her chin and received 4 stitches. The wound seems to be healing nicely, but I am concerned about scarring. Can someone please clarify when is the best time to receive laser treatment. I am confused, some articles say wait 6 mos. to a year and others say early treatment is best for maximum results. Thank you.
2 answers to When is It Best to Start Laser Scar Removal?
+1
Scars can be improved with dermabrasion or laser
Scars are fully developed by 3 months and then remodel over the ensuing several months and are fully mature after that. Most studies suggest that the best time to favoably alter a scar is around 2 months. All scar intervention is an attempt to force collagen to remodel. Usually dermabrasion or fractional CO2 resurfacing lasers give the best results.
Stephen Mandy, MD
Miami Dermatologist
Miami Dermatologist
+1
Lasers do NOT Remove Scars
Once an injury is deep enough to require stitches it has caused a full thickness injury and will result in a permanent scar regardless of who repairs it. There is NO treatment that will either prevent a skin scar or that will erase it.
The scar undergoes a process of self-remodeling which gradually transforms it from a red (blood vessel full) scar to a white (no blood vessels) mature scar in 6-12 months. Although the scar can never be erased the blood vessels in the scar could be...
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