Can internal scar from nipple piercings be removed?

Question

I’ve gotten nipple piercings twice in the past several years, which have been healed and closed for years. Having them pierced twice has caused build-up of internal scar tissue, causing one of my nipples to look bigger (wider and more erect / longer) and more erect than the other due to excessive internal scar tissue (which can not be seen on the outside of the nipple like a keloid). How can the scar tissue be removed to bring it back to normal?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne 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 acne 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 acne scars and indented acne 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 acne 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

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Internal scar tissue from nipple piercings can sometimes be reduced but not always completely removed. The process usually involves a surgical procedure known as scar revision. Depending on the extent of the scarring, different techniques can be used including excision, laser treatment, or injections of corticosteroids to help reduce the size and appearance of the scar.
However, the success of scar removal procedures can vary greatly depending on the individual's healing process, the size and depth of the scar, and the specific techniques used. It's important to consult with a qualified medical professional, such as a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, to discuss the options and potential outcomes.
It's also important to remember that while scar revision can improve the appearance of a scar, it may not completely erase it. The goal is typically to make the scar less noticeable or to relieve any discomfort it may be causing.

Can internal scar from nipple piercings be removed?

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Can internal scar from nipple piercings be removed?

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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