Can laser help minimize the appearance of a scar? 5 weeks after sutures (photo)

Question

Hi, I had an accident 5 weeks ago and split my head open. I had sutures and this is how it is healing after 5 weeks. I don’t know if it is healing well and how bad it will be after the healing process is complete but I’m anxious because it’s in the middle of my face. Could you please tell me if it is likely to heal well and what I can do to help it’s appearance. Would laser work well? Thanks

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

Nadir Qazi, DO · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your accident and the wound on your face. It's understandable to feel anxious about how it will heal and the appearance of the scar.
It's important to keep in mind that the healing process for a wound can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as the size and location of the wound, as well as your overall health and lifestyle habits. However, there are steps you can take to help promote healing and minimize scarring.
As for the appearance of the scar, it's difficult to say how it will look once it has fully healed. However, there are options for improving the appearance of scars, such as laser treatments or other cosmetic procedures.
Laser treatment can be effective for reducing the appearance of scars by promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation. However, it's important to note that laser treatment may not be suitable for everyone and should only be done by a qualified and experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Other options for improving the appearance of scars may include topical treatments, such as silicone gel or sheeting, or injectable treatments, such as corticosteroids or fillers.
In conclusion, it's difficult to predict how the wound on your face will heal and what the final scar will look like. However, there are steps you can take to help promote healing and minimize scarring, as well as options for improving the appearance of scars once the wound has fully healed. It's important to speak with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Joshua Jacobson, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi. The scar is very wide. You should consider a revision but usually it's best to wait 6 months until swelling has resolved. In the meantime you can apply Silicone gel. I like the Biocorneum brand, which you can buy on Amazon. (I have no financial interest in the product)

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