Scar reduction

Samuel Lam, MD answers: Best way to minimize developing scar?

My 3-year-old daughter has had her third facial laceration on her left eye, above her eyebrow. The first doctor told us to apply neosporin on the stitches to reduce scarring and this morning, another doctor instructed us not to use anything. What is the best way to minimize the scar that will develop?


Samuel Lam, MD
1 month ago

I agree that neosporin can have about a 10% chance of an allergic reaction. Aquaphor is much better. In rare cases when Aquaphor causes allergy (especially after peels), I use crisco. I only use this for the first 7 days until sutures come out because it can macerate the wound over the long run. In the short run, the moisture provides better epidermal healing. 

Studies from about 2 years ago have shown that vitamin e could actually worsen scar healing so i have stopped using it. Also, I agree silicone is now recommended without a clear reason why in the healing phase to reduce scarring. The thought is possible dermal/epidermal hydration by sealing the wound.
 
Also if it is far enough away from the eye, sometimes IPL/KTP/PDL laser can reduce thickening that can occur down the road like 6 weeks to 3 months. Unfortunately, the younger you are the more scar response that occurs.  if it truly gets thick i also at times use 5-FU (5-fluoruracil), a non-steroid based injection, to manage thickening along with laser.  
 
Obviously, these are general guidelines, and you must follow your own doctor's advice since i have not seen her as a patient.
 
Just some thoughts.
 
Best,
sml
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