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How Do You Prevent Scarring After Sutures Have Been Removed on the Face?

asked 1 year ago by 2332anon in Atlanta
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 862 times
Tags: face

I recently had sutures on my face (below my brow bone and underneath my eye). The sutures were removed a week later. Right now, I think I have been taking the right preventative measures-leaving the area moist by applying Mederma at least 3-4 times a day? I also use sunscreen/sunblock of SPF110 when leaving the house. Is there anything else I should be doing? Given this my face, I am a little worried. Also, there is some redness the area. Anything to be worried about? Thank you!

3 answers to How Do You Prevent Scarring After Sutures Have Been Removed on the Face?

+1

Scar prevention

Once the skin is penetrated/injured, a scar is permanent.  I usually have patients keep it taped for 6 weeks or longer and somtimnes use topicals, always recommend sunblock, and soemtimes suggest silicone sheeting.  Lasers to improve the color are not on the top of my list.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Vbeam laser treatments and paper tape help reduce redness and improve scarring after suture removal

When sutures are removed the scar is generally red and sometimes bumpy.  Treatment every 2 weeks with the Vbeam laser after suture removal has been proven to improve scarring and hasten the healing process.  Wearing flesh-colored paper tape over the areas 24 hours a day for the first 2 weeks is also very helpful in eliminating the redness and promoting a smooth scar.  Keeping air off the scar is, in general, very helpful so any occlusive cream or ointment will help it heal... more
Carla R. Retief, MD

Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Unfortunately you are going to have a scar regardless

Anytime the skin is cut, scarring resutls.  So the answer to your question directly is that you can't per se prevent scarring after sutures have been removed.  You can take some steps to ensure that the scar heals in the best way possible.  Keeping the area moist helps, but you really don't need to do this for more than a week after the suture removal.  Save your money on the Mederma, numerous studies have shown that it does not work.  The sunblock is a... more
Brent Spencer, MD

Frisco Dermatologic Surgeon

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