Can fillers be used to fill a deep scar on my cheek? (photo)

Question

In 2006, i went to dermatologist to get rid a sebaceous cyst, but he gave me a huge scar which looks very prominent when I smile or laugh. Another doctor in suggested fat transfer from my hips or thighs to cheek. Recently I have been reading about various fillers like Juvéderm. Is Scar revision surgery required first? Fillers last for 1 year perhaps, is there any safe filler which could last longer? Are there any side effects of getting fillers every year or so. Is there any better solution?

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photos. The scar looks like is atrophic (i.e., thin), depressed (i.e., deeper than the surrounding tissue), and spread (i.e., the edges of the original excision seem far apart). In this situation, a surgical scar revision is warranted. After this, if needed, small amounts of filler or your own fat can be used to give the area more volume. Best of luck moving forward!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Fillers could be used to help raise a depressed scar on the cheek, such as yours, but I think a better long term solution would be having a scar revision.  In the ideal setting, once the scar revision was done, you would not need any fillers.

A. David Rahimi, MD · Answer

Good morning. I suggest you research Voluma by the makers of Juvederm. It is a filler that lasts 2-3 years and would significantly improve your scar. I usually perform subcision before injection fillers. Subcision is a process by which the deep scars are released using a special needle. 2 syringes of Juvederm Voluma and subcision would improve the scar about 50% to 75%. Please review the photos on my Acne Scarring FB site.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Using subcision to release the deeper scarring from the skin and filler is a good way to start.It will improve significantly and has a much faster recovery than scar revision.  Your scar is spread and a formal scar revsion my be required but with a simple subcision and filler you will improve without sutures.Best wishes,Dr. Denkler

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Fillers are a good way to help treat scars.  I would definitely suggest you try a filler such as Restylane or Juvederm.  The scar looks depressed and will help fill and lift the scar.  You can safely have this procedure repeatedly on a yearly or as needed basis.

Can fillers be used to fill a deep scar on my cheek? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Filler is a good way to start

Answer: Filler is a good way to start

Answer: Fillers and deep scar

Answer: Fillers and deep scar

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Can fillers be used to fill a deep scar on my cheek? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Filler is a good way to start

Answer: Filler is a good way to start

Answer: Fillers and deep scar

Answer: Fillers and deep scar

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.