Linear surgical scar on a forehead. What can I do to make it invisible? (Photos)

Question

Dear Doctors! I had a chickenpox scar EXCISION 4 mo ago. Stitches were removed on the next day after surgery. Now the scar is healed but it is depressed and visible. Based on my impressions the wound dehisced a bit after early removal of stitches. My surgeon told me that it is completely normal normotrophic scar. What do you think? I expected it to be 90% invisible, but now it is as bad as chickenpox depressions were. Is it possible to remove the scar without additional excision? What can we do?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Anastasia.  Yes, your scar is normal after an excision and unfortunately, you will always trade one scar for another when having a surgical procedure like yours.The good news is that fractional resurfacing should be able to smooth out much of the issue you currently see. A deep resurfacing can often improve a scar like yours 50% - 75% after 2-3 visits especially while the scar is still healing.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on
your photographs, you may benefit from a surgical scar revision.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This scar can be improved with laser spot treatment, fillers, microneedling/prp and subcision to help texture and blending. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Linear surgical scar on a forehead. What can I do to make it invisible? (Photos)

Answers (4)