3 years later and scars still red (Photo)

Question

Hi hope you can help me my scars are still so red nearly 3 years down the line they get redder when cold and when Massage get slightly better can they still improve after 3 years?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Yes, scars can still improve after three years, although the degree of natural fading tends to slow with time. Persistent redness often reflects visible small blood vessels within the scar. It is common for this redness to fluctuate with temperature, exercise, emotional stress, or rubbing/massage because these triggers temporarily increase blood flow to the area.

From the photo and description alone, I cannot determine whether these are flat, mature scars or raised hypertrophic scars, and that distinction helps guide treatment. If the scars are thick, itchy, tender, firm, or extending beyond the original injury, they should be evaluated for hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation.

For redness that remains bothersome, vascular laser treatments, such as pulsed-dye laser, may help reduce redness by targeting the small blood vessels in the scar. Several treatments are often needed, and results are gradual rather than immediate. If there is also texture, thickness, or tightness, other options may include fractional laser resurfacing, microneedling, silicone-based products, or injections, depending on the scar type and location.

Gentle massage may temporarily change how a scar looks or feels, but it is unlikely to permanently remove established redness. Avoid aggressive massage if the scar becomes more irritated.

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is important, since sun exposure can make scar color differences more noticeable. A dermatologist can assess the scar in person and recommend the safest, most appropriate treatment plan for your skin type and scar characteristics.

— Anna H. Chacon, MD, FAAD

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

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin. This is a great question. I highly recommend scheduling an in-person consultation in order to better assess your areas of concern and discuss an appropriate treatment plan to help achieve your aesthetic goals. Our office phone number is: (312) 944-0117. I hope this helps and best of luck!

3 years later and scars still red (Photo)

Answers (3)

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