What is the best way to fix this scar? Laser or something else? (Photo)

Question

I had a scar revision done where the incision line is at but there's still a dented scar. Would a laser or something else help?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Some simple rules are in order for dealing with indented scars, especially in areas subject to static and dynamic muscular tension, such as the forehead. For one thing, scar revision surgeries run the risk for the subsequent development of stretch scars and even tram-track stitch scars. Moreover, highly hawked and relatively expensive "bells and whistles" devices, such as fraxel lasers and radiofrequency machines (most with equally glitzy names) while having a whole lot more device manufacturer supported marketing and advertising hype to promote their use, so far lack the hard science to back up the claims On the other hand, relatively simple and relatively inexpensive techniques, such as subcision for elevating and smoothing scars and professionally performed microneedling (not RF microneedling) for improving residual surface texture and color irregularities each has a several decades long record of proven safety and efficacy. Make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Scars like these can be improved with a combination of vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, PDL, Vbeam, BBL and Excel V, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential, and Silagen gel should be used twice daily with Jan Marini BioShield. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert. ​Best, Dr. Emer​​

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion you have a depressed scar with raised borders on your forehead. Treatment for the depression includes includes subsision with PRP and filler. The raised borders can be injected with steroid or 5 FU or treated with a fractionated laser.  Find a scar expert.
JEFF RAPAPORT MD FAAD 
REALSELF HALL OF FAME

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question. This is Dr. James Fernau from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I would recommend laser scar resurfacing, preferably with a Sciton profractional laser machine. The laser resurfacing will dramatically reduce the raise and the appearance of the scar. I recommend a scar revision consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Thank you and best wishes. Sincerely, James Fernau, MD FACS

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. It's difficult to evaluated your skin through this type of forum. Treatment options that injure the skin causing subsequent collagen formation is best in treating atrophic scarring. Such treatment options include laser therapy, microneedling, and in some cases, injectable fillers can help atrophic scarring. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to have your scar evaluated and to discuss appropriate treatment options that best suit your needs. Take care and good luck.

What is the best way to fix this scar? Laser or something else? (Photo)

Answers (6)

More Scar Removal Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Scar Removal Questions

2 year old fell down and got a scar on her inner eyebrow. What are our options? (Photo)

Breast reduction scars - how can I improve the scar around nipple? (photos)

What can I do about a cat scratch scar? (photos)

Tummy Tuck scar too high - what options do I have to fix this? (photos)

Breast Reduction scar - advice on how to correct? (photos)

What would help my acne scars? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS