Should I Wait for Recent Scar to Heal Before Getting Fraxel Laser?

Question

I am a 30 year old male with olive skin.  I was in a car accident 4 weeks ago and have been left with a deep one inch scar that required 3 inner stiches and 6 outer.  Its in a very prominent place on my forehead (right above the eyebrows) and its not looking great as its healing.I was wondering if I should pursue Fraxel repair (or Fraxel restore) now, or whether I should wait until its healed.  This is very important to me, please help.  Thanks.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Slip,
Sorry to hear about your accident.  The good news is that you can start your Fraxel restore series of treatments now.  Have them every 3 weeks until it is diffcult to see your scar.  More good news is that forehead scars usually respond very well to Fraxel restore.
Good luck, be well, and please let us know how it goes.
Dr. P

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

William Groff, DO · Answer

New scars are easier to improve than older scars. Fraxel Re:Store can do an excellent job of breaking down the disordered collagen in your scar, helping it to blend with healthy skin. You can begin treatments as soon as you've fully healed – usually four to six weeks after stitches removal. Please see a board-certified dermatologist to have your scar evaluated for Fraxel Re:Store.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Some patients undergo immediate Fraxel after surgical reconstruction when the stitches come out and other wait for two or more months. It would be wise for you to seek consultation with a physician who is experienced in scar revision soon.

Elizabeth Piantanida, MD · Answer

I think you are best off with the Fraxel restore for this new scar considering your darker skin type. I usually recommend starting treatment  of the scar about 4 to 6 weeks after stitch removal. I hope this helps you.

Should I Wait for Recent Scar to Heal Before Getting Fraxel Laser?

Answers (6)

Answer: Seek the opinion of an experienced physician

Answer: Seek the opinion of an experienced physician

Answer: Fraxel restore treatment for scars

Answer: Fraxel restore treatment for scars

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Should I Wait for Recent Scar to Heal Before Getting Fraxel Laser?

Answers (6)

Answer: Seek the opinion of an experienced physician

Answer: Seek the opinion of an experienced physician

Answer: Fraxel restore treatment for scars

Answer: Fraxel restore treatment for scars

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.