Which procedure would help minimize the appearance of atrophic scarring and redness on the cheek after stitch removal? (photos)

Question

About 8 weeks ago I was in a terrible accident and my cheek was busted open where my smile line is. There is some redness and atrophic scarring. At 6 weeks post stitches (2 weeks from today), I had microneedling w/ PRP and the Vbeam laser used. I know that results don’t happen that quick and that several sessions may be needed. But is this the best treatment to do or is there something better that can be done? This scar affects my self confidence so much and has really made me sad.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

I can already tell from the photos that this scar is going to heal very well and be almost invisible by one year from the injury because it already looks so good at 8 weeks. However, there are still some things you can do to help that are very easy. The basics of scar management are moisturizer, massage, silicone gel or sheets, and sun protection. I like a product called Biocorneum as it hits 3/4 of those and you add the massage. The next step up in the scar game is topical treatments such as laser, microneedling, and botox injections into the scar. You can start those now if you want. Make sure you see an expert in wound healing and scarring.
Good luck!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery 
Tampa, FL

Which procedure would help minimize the appearance of atrophic scarring and redness on the cheek after stitch removal? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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Which procedure would help minimize the appearance of atrophic scarring and redness on the cheek after stitch removal? (photos)

Answers (2)

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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.