Best treatment for hypertrophic scars behind both ears that hurt and vertical bands in neck 3 months post-op. (Photos)

The scars that I am seeing in the photos could benefit from Kenalog injection. This medication can flatten and soften these hypertrophic scars very effectively. If Kenalog injections do not fully correct the scar you may need a scar revision. Scar massage can also help. The vertical bands in the neck also looks like deep scar tissue under the skin. This can benefit with the same type of treatment (Kenalog injections, massage). Stretching of the neck while massaging can also help.

The treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars begins with pretreatment of the scars with massage and application of Plato's Scar Serum with polysiloxanes. Therapy begins with laser treatment with pulsed dye laser or fractional laser, fractional RF, ablative laser, or Kenalog IIT injection. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

A revision can improve the scars and the neck. However I would recommend waiting a few more months to ensure there is not excessive skin tightness.  Intralesional kenalog can help the postauricular scars not be so uncomfortable. 

Thanks for your question. It's hard to say without assessing your scars in person. It's possible that Kenalog injections would be beneficial to help even out the scar and make it less raised. You could also potentially be a good candidate for a laser treatment to help reduce the scars appearance. I recommend either having a conversation with your operating surgeon or scheduling a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon who can take a look at your scars in person to make the best recommendation possible.

Raised red scars after facelift are typically Hypertrophic Scars caused by the tension on the scar produced by the skin that has been tightened.  Best initial treatment for hypertrophic scaring is Kenalog/5 Fu injection to the area.  Micro-needling with Radiofrequency treatment are the next step. You neck bands are internal scaring and tightening of platysma muscle. Kenalog and Botox mixture can help to reduce it.  Good luck with healing. Dr. Sadati

Yes, they will get better with time but not much.  Forget scar gels.  Steroids are going to help but they can produce a lot of tissue atrophy.  Increasingly, dermatologists are focusing on the medical management of scars. You might see if a local dermatologist can assist you.  I recommend looking into a combination of 5-FU and lower dose steroids.  It is important to understand that this will help reduce the scars but not necessarily the sensation of tightness. 

Hello and thanks for your question- 
the great news is that there are some good treatment options for you! Steroid injections and massage is how I would start. The goal is to loosen up the collagen that's involved with the scars. It can take several treatments (3-5) generally but expect a good outcome. Your PS should be able to help you with this. 
Hope this helps and God Bless!
Dr. Robb

Hi Susieparrothead,I believe that a good starting point to treat your scars would be steroid injections. You may need a course of 3-4 injections. Good luck!

Thanks for the question and posting pictures. Hypertrophic scarring will tend to improve over time. You are still fairly early in your post-op course. Final scarring won't be apparent until about 1 year after surgery. Most surgeons would not recommend any scar revision before that time. However, you may be able to apply scar therapy silicone bandages or Embrace at this point, or potentially Kenalog (steroid) injections. Speaking with your plastic surgeon about scar options would be prudent at this stage. 
It is unclear if the neck was opened and treated during your operation, or only the face. Your plastic surgeon may give treatment options for the neck which may include massage to help even things out and diminish swelling. Allowing some more time to pass to assess the final appearance may be advised before proceeding with any additional treatments. 
Best wishes, 
Rohit Jaiswal, MD   Plastic Surgeon 
Las Vegas, NV and Lake Havasu City, AZ

Dear susieparrottheadThank you for your questions and photos!  Some thickening of the scars is possible - and best treated with injection of an antimetabolite with steroid- this will reduce the scar and your pain symptoms. In the Neck - you may want some BOTOX placed in the muscle - to relax and improve the appearance.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD