Scar treatment options? Is this outcome achievable? (Photo)

Question

I had pilonidal cyst surgery in 2018 and my surgeon had to close my wound with metal staples, which left me with a railroad track scar. I was wondering if the scar can still be treated. It has improved over time, but my goal is to get rid of the railroad track appearance. Is this achievable?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Once a scar has become fully matured (over three months of age), an improvement of somewhere between 60% and 80% is typically the best improvement that can be anticipated from any legitimate treatment modality or combination of treatments currently available anywhere in the world.  Professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the added expense or risks of RF microneedling) accompanied by the application of pigment promoting topical medications, such as tyrosine and lanatoprost, can help to improve both the superficial, surface textural and color irregularities of the scar. Exercise a hefty dose of "buyer beware" when being hawked this or that light, fraxel laser or RF gizmos, as the hard science to suipport the use of these expensive approaches lags well behind the heavy marketing and social media buzz that surrounds them. You would be wise to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

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