Belly button piercing removal scar is itchy and painful at times - can the scar be removed? (photo)

Question

Hi, I had a reverse belly button piercing 5/6 years ago which rejected. Since then this scar has been growing and it’s itchy and can be painful at times. Could this be removed? What would you suggest? Thanks

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to determine the best solution for you without the benefit of a formal evaluation. Generally speaking, scars can be improved with a combination of surgery and/or lasers and microneedling with PRP. Below is a more detailed reference list of the treatments available. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert to determine which is best for your specific case. 
Options can include:
1. Vascular lasers (BBL, Yellow laser, V-Beam, Excel V) 
2. Fractional lasers (Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo) 
3. Microneedling/PRP 
4. Silicone-based scar gels with growth factors 
5. Excision/revision surgery 
See an expert to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer​

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The history of the piercing and the subsequent appearance over time of an elevated, itchy, reddish/purplish scar strongly suggest the development of a hypertrophic ("proud flesh") scar for which the treatment of choice to flatten them and treat the itch is the use of intralesional injections of anti-inflammatory agents, such as triamcinolone +/- 5-FU. If injected in appropriate combination and amounts, relief of the itching results in a matter of days; shrinkage and flattening may take several treatment sessions. Make sure to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist.  Best of luck.

Belly button piercing removal scar is itchy and painful at times - can the scar be removed? (photo)

Answers (3)

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