Best resurfacing procedure for small body scar? Microneedling? (Photo)

Question

I have a scar on my index finger (from a large blister). I'm wondering what would be the best procedure to minimize this scar? Microneedling ?

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello Luckoftheirish7,

Microneedling is a wonderful treatment for scars! In our office, we treat various sizes of scars with our RF-microneedling devices, which help to stimulate collagen and elastin growth while also "shrink wrapping" the treated tissue. Be sure to see a a provider who is familiar with various types and stages of scars and how to use the devices to treat them so as to minimize any potential risks. The Agnes Precision RF device is one of our favorites for small areas. Best of luck in your search! Sincerely, Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Dr. Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS at Center for Classic Beauty 80 Lindall St Danvers and 396 Commonwealth Ave Suite A1 Boston MA 978-739-9500

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

A scar from a large blister can sometimes be improved quite nicely, but the best treatment depends on what the scar looks and feels like now—whether it is depressed, raised, firm, discolored, or mainly a change in texture.

If this is a relatively flat, mature scar, microneedling can be a reasonable first option. It creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen remodeling and can gradually soften differences in texture. It is also a relatively conservative treatment, which I like for a small area such as a finger. Studies have found microneedling to be useful for post-traumatic scars and generally well tolerated.

If the scar is more noticeably atrophic or uneven, a fractional ablative laser such as fractional Er or CO₂ may provide more significant resurfacing and collagen remodeling. Fractional ablative lasers are well established in the treatment of traumatic scars, including scars on the hands and upper extremities.

That said, I would not automatically choose an aggressive laser simply because it is a scar. On the finger, I would rather match the intensity of treatment to the actual scar. For a small, uncomplicated scar, starting conservatively with microneedling may be very reasonable, whereas a more pronounced textural or depressed scar may benefit from fractional laser treatment.

Also, scars continue to remodel for a long time, so improvement is usually gradual rather than something that happens after one treatment. The goal is generally to make the scar less noticeable, rather than completely erase it.

If the scar is still relatively new, I would also make sure it has fully healed before performing any resurfacing procedure. And if there is significant redness, tenderness, thickening, or restricted movement, that changes the treatment approach.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize appearance as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, my name is Ranen and I work at Shah Aesthetics.  I would recommend a laser resurfacing on your finger.  I would recommend a co2 or cool peel laser.  I think this will help reduce the appearance of the scar with a few treatments.

William Bauer, MD · Answer

Certainly! Microneedling would be a great treatment for this scar. For scars with more surface area, we would also recommend RF microneedling and CO2. However, due to the small surface area of this scar, as well as the area it is located, microneedling would be your best bet. Also, the sooner you treat a scar, the better it will respond to treatment. 
Dr. William BauerValar AestheticsErie, Colorado

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes microneedling can be used to help improve the appearance of scars.  Three to four treatments of SkinPen performed one month apart are recommended for optimal results.  See my website or a provider near you to learn more.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best resurfacing procedure for small body scar? Microneedling? (Photo)

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