Forehead Scar Treatment for a Child

Question

My 1-year-old daughter ran into a corner and slit her forehead.  It is a straight cut and the ER glued it shut.  I've heard, and now just read, that she will inevitably have a scar.  What are your recommendations for minimizing it?    Thank you!

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

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

I would apply a silicone-based product such as Scar Guard (as Dr. Oppenheim mentioned), Curad scar therapy, Neosporin scar solution or Cicacare silicone gel sheeting (cut to size) to the area daily for 90 days.  If you are going to use the silicone gel sheets, I would apply at night-time and remove in the AM.  You will not know the final appearance of the scar until at least 1 year after this incident.  Infants and young children heal remarkably well from traumatic injuries - you may not need to consult a plastic surgeon for surgical revision.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Wait until complete healing of the scar. I would recommend silicone treatment and sun screens to avoid hyperpigmentation of the scar. The location of the scar and the type of skin will determine the healing. Kids in this age group heal very well.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (retired) · Answer

My advice would be to use Scar Guard MD and make an appointment to see a facial plastic surgeon.
    Without viewing the laceration and having the opportunity to gauge its depth, it is hard to evaluate whether this is going to leave much of a scar. 
    She has her young age going for her. Chidren below the age of two have somewhat different skin then adults and even older children. This allows them to heal with much less scarring than you would think.
    Still I would let a facial plastic surgeon take a peek at it.

Forehead Scar Treatment for a Child

Answers (4)

Answer: Wait for healing then plastic surgery

Answer: Wait for healing then plastic surgery

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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

Forehead Scar Treatment for a Child

Answers (4)

Answer: Wait for healing then plastic surgery

Answer: Wait for healing then plastic surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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