Should I go to a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon for chicken pox scar excision on forehead?

Question

I went to consult a dermatologist to ask about excising two of my chicken pox scars on my forehead. One falls into a wrinkle but the other is in a tight area of my forehead. I understand I'll have a scar regardless but as long at its not a gaping, dark hole, I'm happy. Since this is a cosmetic procedure, would I have better results by going to a plastic surgeon?

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. You want to go to someone that is comfortable excising the scar and closing it with sutures. Often, this will be  a plastic surgeon since he/she will be very comfortable suturing the skin. Some dermatologists may be comfortable with this, but be sure to ask. All plastic surgeons should be comfortable with this as this type of procedure is standard for plastic surgery training. Best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing an expert to determine what is best, this may need combination treatment for the best outcome. Dr. Emer.

Omar Ibrahimi, MD, PhD · Answer

I think most dermatologists and plastic surgeons are capable of doing this and its part of both specialties training. See a physician that you trust and like most importantly. Also, you may be able to have some non-surgical options to improve your scar with laser/devices.

Should I go to a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon for chicken pox scar excision on forehead?

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Answer: Chicken pox scar excision

Answer: Chicken pox scar excision

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Should I go to a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon for chicken pox scar excision on forehead?

Answers (4)

Answer: Chicken pox scar excision

Answer: Chicken pox scar excision

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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