How can I make my appendix scar more flat and not indented? (Photo)

Question

I had my appendix removed when I was 5 and I hate how it indents. Wondering what are my options and average cost. Preferably no general anesthesia surgery.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Subcision, which I have been performing since 1995, is an excellent method for permanently elevating and smoothing indented scars from all causes, including those resulting from prior surgery. The subcision can be supplemenetd by the addition of a robust HA lifting filler, NOT to act a "spacer," which is often quoted on Drs. Google, TikTok and Instagram as the reason for its use, but instead for its biostimularoty effect to increase new collagen and new elastic fiber synthesis, which contribute to making the results of the subcision permanent. 
Scar revision surgery which may be recommended to you, runs the risk for the subsequent development of a stretch scar and even tram track stitch marks. 
You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with extensive experience in per;forming subcisions. Exercise a great deal of buyer beware caution if offered expensive "bells and whistles" gizmo treatments, such as fraxel lasers or RF devices, as the hard science to support the use of these expensive, often "here-today-gone-tomorrow" machines lags well behind the heavy marketing hype and social media buzz to promote them. Hope this helps and best of luck.

How can I make my appendix scar more flat and not indented? (Photo)

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How can I make my appendix scar more flat and not indented? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal Surgery

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