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How Do I Prevent a Hypertrophic Scar from Forming?

asked 10 months ago by Thanx
Latest answer by Alexandra Chambers, MD
Question viewed 236 times
Tags: chin, hypertrophic, prevention

I had a 5mm-long 4mm-deep cut on my chin 4 days ago.Already have a hypertrophic scar on my chin from a similar cut, so now using Mederma and Dermatrix on this new partially-healed wound. The wound has already formed a little scar so I wanted to find out what are other ways I can prevent a hypertrophic scar from forming aside from silicon gels. How early can I start dermabrasion/peels in order to maximize scar prevention, as the earlier you treat the scar - the better. Should I use peels now?

3 answers to How Do I Prevent a Hypertrophic Scar from Forming?

+3

Scar Management Following Chin Laceration

Based upon your comments, I am assuming that this wound was not sutured; this might be a primary reason why a hypertrophic scar could form. I realize that the length of the injury is not long, but good tissue re-approximation can make all the difference in terms of satisfactory healing. I understand your concern about scarring, but would say “slow down just a bit.” I would first let the wound heal before applying any topical scar creams. If any of these cause additional... more
Kenneth Dembny, II, MD

Milwaukee Plastic Surgeon
+2

Wait two weeks before using tissue remodeling treatments

You should wait two weeks before embarking on tissue remodeling using dermabrasion and/or chemical peels. As it takes up to six months for scar tissue to remodel (through the creation of fibrous tissue and collagen), this is your window of opportunity to use these treatments, but in between sessions I would suggest using anti-inflammatory treatements such as hyrdocortisone creams and silicone sheets. Another treatment we have found to be quite effective, and you'll want to consider... more
Alexandra Chambers, MD

London Dermatologist

www.dralexchambers.co.uk

+2

Prevention of hypertrophic scars can be unpredictable and expensive

I understand your anxiety about the scar on your chin. Mederma may work, but there are plenty of studies that say it won't. In addition, there are other products like Biocorneum or Neocutis Biocream which may also work. Really going off the deep end into cutting edge research, there are some studies that demonstrate that Botox can prevent hypertrophic studies (in lab animals), but may result in atrophic scars. This may be a thought. It would be relatively... more
Daniel I. Wasserman, MD

Naples Dermatologic Surgeon

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