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Hypertrophic Scar Still Red 5 Weeks After CO2 Laser Resurfacing. Will the Redness Go Away?

I had CO2 lazer resurfacing done on a hypertrophic (2 inch long) scar on my chin. Its original appearance was light pink with a medium firmness to it (raised about 2mm). The dermatologist used aproximently 4-5 passes at a fairly agressive setting(scar wa lazered completely flat), recovery time was about 21 days. The scar is now(5 weeks later) red with a very firm feeling to it and it seems inflamed (raised about 4mm). Visually there seems to be a white line underneath the red inflamed area

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hypertrophic redness results

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Dudeman908 in Edmonton, AB

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Treatment of a red hypertrophic scar with pulsed dye laser

Pulsed dye laser is the procedure of choice at this stage as the scar is still hypervascular and requires a vascular laser.

Raised scar after CO2 laser

It seem from your description that your scar is persistently hypertrophic. A different approach may be necessary to improve your scar. Often excision of the scar can produce a better result in situations like yours. You should seek the advice of a plastic surgeon.

Persistent Redness after Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing

Of course, it is impossible to tell exactly what is going on without examining you, but your story suggests that the hypertrophic scar may be recurring or developing into a keloid. Your description about a 4 mm raised scar would suggest the possibility of a keloid so I would recommend you return to this doctor or another dermatologist with extensive laser experience. Hypertrophic scars can be helped by steroids, pulsed dye laser and silicon gel products, but first you have to be certain as... more

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Scar revision

There is some misconception in the public that plastic or cosmetic surgeons can erase skin scars. That only happens apparently on Star Trek. Never having seen or examined you and not knowing the complete scar history (cause and treatments) it is impossible to say what would be best in your case. In general just removing a scar and replacing it with a new one is insufficient. You also have to prevent the formation of a bad scar in this now new scar. That is accomplished via a number of... more

Red hypertrophic scar following CO2 laser

At this point, the treated area should mostly have recovered from the CO2 laser procedure. The treated hypertrophic scar may be recurring. You ought to consider following up with your treating physician at this time.

Skin redness after laser resurfacing to slowly resolve

I routinely tell my patients to expect skin redness for up to 3 months after laser or chemical peel resurfacing. The are steroid creams and other topical medications that your doctor can prescribe to help speed up the resolution of the redness. True inflammation and raising of the scar is not always expected at 5 weeks out and should be brought to the attention of your doctor.

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