What is causing redness around my incision scar? (Photo)

Question

I recently had my birthmark incised after 2 CO2 laser treatments that didn't fade the birthmark. My surgeon said it went well and the scar was normal. The redness around it is what I have a problem with. Sometimes the redness is very unnoticeable, sometimes it's very very dark. I was wondering if it's normal and if so how long will it take to heal. The birthmark was a light brown blotch maybe the size of sports drink cap. Any answer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Redness and scarring can be controlled with a combination of pulsed dye laser, an examination, sun avoidance, and application of Plato's Scar Serum. Best, DR. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is normal to have some redness around a scar after an excision.  With time, this normally will fade away but it can take months for this to occur.  Sometimes, a laser treatment can be done to help fade the redness faster.  You might want to ask your surgeon about this possibility.

Robert Paul, MD · Answer

The type of redness you are experiencing is normal after incisions have been made on the skin. All incisions turn red and is a result of the trauma and then healing process.  It is not a sign of infection unless the skin and tissues around the incision become red.  As for the duration, it varies for each patient but not uncommon to last for over a year before it fades to a white scar.  Have you had incisions or deep wounds before?  How long did it take for those to fade?  Expect a similar course.  You do appear to have a little pigment in your skin as well which will make the scaring process potentially a little more unpredictable especially if you have formed abnormal scars in other areas.   If waiting a year is too long and after a few months of letting the wound heal, you can find a certified physician in your area with a pulsed dye laser (PDL) for treatments of the incision.  This can remove the red faster.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

This is absolutely normal and will fade in time. I usually perform a series of Pulse Dye Laser or V Beam treatments one week after sutures are out. 3-4 sessions of laser will markedly fade the redness, and improve the scar as well. All the bestDr Davin LimLaser DermatologistBrisbane, Australia

What is causing redness around my incision scar? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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