What can be done to minimize the appearance of a scar on my forehead? (photos)

Thank you so much for sharing your photo and your story. I can see how much effort and commitment you’ve already put into improving your scar, and I completely understand how important it is to you to feel more comfortable with your appearance.

You’ve already done a lot of the right things, scar revision surgery and multiple CO2 laser treatments, which shows you’ve been very proactive. While it’s difficult to promise a 90% improvement, there are definitely still options that can help soften, smooth, and blend the scar even more.

Some treatments that may be helpful include fractional or resurfacing lasers, microneedling with radiofrequency, or a combination approach with injections like PRP or steroids (depending on the scar’s texture). In some cases, another surgical revision may also be considered, but this is very individual.

The best results often come from layering treatments over time, and with your willingness to travel, you could definitely benefit from seeing a specialist who works with advanced scar therapies. Even if the scar can’t disappear completely, many patients notice a big difference in how natural and blended it looks.

You’ve already come such a long way, and I believe with the right plan, you can see more meaningful improvement.

Since the scar is indented, subcision may be used to elevate and smooth it. And since it is an area where there is a great deal of muscular movement, the use of a few microdroplets of Botox to quiet the movement there to allow for better healing should be considered, as well.
Following this, manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF Microneedling) can be used for better blending the skin in both color and texture with the surrounding normal skin.
Surgical revision surgery, particularly in areas subject to a great deal of motion, such as the forehead, run the risk for the subsequent development of stretch scars and even tram track stitch tracks.
I am not surprised at all by the lack of success with the laser treatments as my regular followers would well know. And, scar revision surgery, as my regular followers would also tell you, as well, especially when performed in areas subject to a great deal of underlying muscular movement, often results in stretch scars and even in tram track stitch marks. So, again, no surprises at your lack of success with this approach, too. Sorry.
You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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