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Does this punch excision appear to be healing correctly? (photo)

E
elisabellaJun 26, 2016

This is day six after a punch excision. I am concerned about scarring. I use peroxide on the site and put Vaseline on every day and cover with bandage. I have experienced no pain and little issue, but this morning I did not a small trace of blood. This is day 6. Stitches to be cut out in three days. Should I see the doc before then?

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Dr. Jason Emer, MD
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Dr. Jason Emer, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
4.7 | 522 Reviews
Answered on Jun 30, 2016
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Dr. Brian S. Biesman, MD
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Dr. Brian S. Biesman, MD
Oculoplastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Ophthalmology
4.8 | 60 Reviews
Answered on Jun 29, 2016
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Dr. Nelson Castillo, MD
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Dr. Nelson Castillo, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
5.0 | 305 Reviews
Answered on Jun 28, 2016
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More Punch Excision Questions

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Jason Emer, MD

That scar shouldn't have been punched out, anyone who does a significant amount of scar surgery know the scar would be 2-3 times the size after in a straight line.  With that said at this point you need lasers, subcision and fillers to improve it.  I suggest you see a laser and scarring expert. ...

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Anil R. Shah, MD

Punch excision is not currently a favored treatment of mine as it has the potential to make acne scars worse.  Essentially a scar is either removed with a punch or lifted with a punch and sutured to the skin.  

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Jason Emer, MD

2mm punch excisions should not be indented, I suggest posting photos and see a cosmetic dermatologist who specializes in scars.  This can be treated with revision surgery, subcision, and/or lasers -- massage or creams will not help.  Best, Dr. Emer.

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Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Hi IA.  It looks like you still have a fairly significant indentation where the scar was excised.  To smooth out the area, you may consider fractional laser resurfacing.  Take a look at an Orange County, California scar removal patient (link below) that came to us after...

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Jeff Rapaport, MD

In my opinion, punch excision should be reserved for ice pick scars. In particular ice pick scars that are less than 2 to 2.5 millimeters. The scars that you are displaying in the photos are saucer-shaped scars. They respond best to subcision and fillers. We have had some success combining...

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Jason Emer, MD

Scars can form from any type of surgery.  This is the typical look after 7 days, post suture removal.  Typically I have patients use Biocorneum three times a day.  After 2-3 weeks if the scar isn't less red we do a combination of Excel V laser treatment (which treats the scars...

+2 answers
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