What can I reduce scar redness? (Photo)

Question

About 10 years ago I had a burn in my stomach that left keloids . About 6 years ago I had surgery to remove them . But the they came back again. Now I want to reduce the redness of the keloids ? What is the best way? What is the best cream? Thank you

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thankyou for your query. The most common treatment to reduce the bulk and colour of the keloids is intralesional steroids. Those who do not respond may respond to 5-FU or injection of other medications. Several sessions  may be required. For much  larger keloids I do an excision of the keloid leaving a rim of the scar tissue around and follow it with steroid injections. The most important thing during surgery is to leave a rim of the scar tissue otherwise you can have an even bigger scar and consequently a larger keloid. Silicone gel may also be helpful during the healing phase. Please find an experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon near you who can help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

At least from the phtotos, the each of the scars is actively keloidal. In order to diminish the redness, the keloids need to be reduced. The simplest method is intralesional injections of intralesional anti-inflammatory agents in varying amounts, concentrations, and combinations. Once the keloids are flattened, they will likely fade, as well to an off-white or ivory color. If they do not respond to the aforementioned, then they might need to be scalpel sculpted flush with the surrounding normal tissue and then injected, as above. Make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with experience in scar treatments. Best of luck.

What can I reduce scar redness? (Photo)

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