Redness of scars. What do you suggest to treat this? (Photo)

Question

Dear Doctors, I've had a spine surgery 13 months ago and I've been using silicon gel on the incision scars ever since.Thankfully, the scars have healed quite well, they remain flattened etc.However, the redness still persists. A couple of dermatologists I have visited told me I should wait for the full 2 year healing period..however most drs here do not have a variety of lasers (such as VBeam which i read works on red scars). I really want to take away the redness, what do you suggest

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

First, it is important to emphasize that the ideal time to intervene with any kind of scar treatments in scars stemming from any cause (whether post-surgery, post-acne, chickenpox, or trauma) is between week four following the cause (when the scar is strong enough to withstand treatment) and week twelve (when the scar is considered "mature" after which the maximal overall improvement that can be expected is between  60-80%). Note: if scar treatment is undertaken between weeks four and twelve, prior to scar maturation, there is a possibility for near erasure of the scar).  All this has been known since the late 1980s. So, in this case scar treatment can be initiated at any time. Professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks for adverse reactions from RF microneedling) accompanied by the topical application of vasoconstrictors and tranexamic acid can be helpful not only for addressing the redness, but improving the superficial surface and texture of the scars and blending them better with the surrounding normal skin. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Redness of scars. What do you suggest to treat this? (Photo)

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Redness of scars. What do you suggest to treat this? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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