Hypertrophic scar: I’ve been thinking of injections to help flatten it?

Question

I’ve been getting Fraxel laser done on a hypertrophic scar & I’ve had a total of 6 sessions. First two weeks after each treatment the scar remains flat however by the 4th week it is raised. I use flattening sheets& biocorneum between treatments. I’ve spent a total of 1,700$ on laser still no results. I’ve been thinking of injections to help flatten it but I do not have much knowledge on this. I’m from buffalo NY would be open to meeting recommended doctors/derms & different treatment options.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear you are struggling with a hypertrophic scar.  Please feel free to post a photograph so I can better assess the scar.  I have found that the Fraxel 1550nm and 1927nm is not highly effective for hypertrophic scars and many treatments may be required before you notice some improvement.  There are other lasers which in my hands are more effective for hypertrophic scarring with a multimodal approach - CO2 fractional ablative lasers, dermabrasion and intralesional therapy.
An in person consultation with a scar revision specialist would be the best step moving forward.  Thank you for reaching out.

Hypertrophic scar: I’ve been thinking of injections to help flatten it?

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Hypertrophic scar: I’ve been thinking of injections to help flatten it?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

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