Scar Revision Gone Wrong. Suggestions? (photo)

Question

It's been 3 weeks since getting a scar revision surgery for my face scars. It did remove the scars (somewhat) but it left me with very red and thick linear wounds. The doctor told me that it's contact dermatitis from the ointment (aquaphor). We tried steroid cream, steroid pills, and steroid injection (a week apart from each other) but they have not improved the appearance of the scars. He told me that I should give some time but doesn't seem like these scars are going away. Any suggestions? TY~

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

At this stage, I would consider pulsed dye laser to reduce the redness and inflammation around your scar.  Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is normal for scars to appear red 3 weeks after scar revision. The most important thing you can do is to use sun protection over the area, as sun exposure will prolong the redness. It can take 6-12 months for the healing process to occur.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your photograph. To me this is typical maturation of the scar. The scar will heal at the surface in about seven days to 14 days. The redness is typical and will last several months. This whole represents the healing of this tissue beneath the skin. At about 9 to 12 months this redness will fade and the improvement will be noticeable.

	Dr. ES

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with Dr. Commons. I don't actually see any problems with the way that things are healing. You should discuss with your plastic surgeon before making any changes but I'd recommend - liberal use of sunscreen and sun protection, Bio-corneum (sunscreen and silicone product), scar massage. The appearance of these scars should improve significantly over the coming months. Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes you need T I M E! These incisions are demonstrating very early maturation. Therfore that is the reason of the "redness". Try locally applied scar creams.

Scar Revision Gone Wrong. Suggestions? (photo)

Answers (6)