9 months post-op, do I need a facelift scar revision? (Photos)

Question

I’m nine months post op. I’ve had these injected a couple of times.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · 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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

When confronted with hypertrophic scars, much like when dealing with keloid scars, the initial aim is to shrink and flatten them so that they become less prominent and blend better into the background normal skin. The treatment of initial and often very effective choice for doing so is intralesional steroids.  Often, however, varying concentrations and amounts are needed to accomplish this and if too low a concentration and/or an insufficient amount is injected, the results can be disappointing This might be the case here. Scar revision surgery, besides the expense and the post-surgical downtime, runs the risk for the subsequent development of stretch scars and tram track stitch marks. You would be wise to consult with an experienced board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Generally, the appearance of a facelift scar can continue to improve for up to a year or more following surgery. Many factors can influence scar healing, including your age, genetics, skin type, and how well you care for the wound post-surgery.
If after 9 months, you're unhappy with the appearance of your scar, it might be worth discussing scar revision options. There are various treatments available, including topical treatments, laser therapy, dermabrasion, or potentially a surgical scar revision.
Remember, the decision to undergo a scar revision is a personal one and depends on how much the scar bothers you and whether you're willing to undergo another procedure. It's important to have realistic expectations about what scar revision can achieve, as no treatment can completely remove a scar.

9 months post-op, do I need a facelift scar revision? (Photos)

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9 months post-op, do I need a facelift scar revision? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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