When can I start scar treatment after a facial injury?

Question

I was recently injured and had sutures in different areas on my face. I have significant scarring and would like advise on when I can start treatment. I don't have a specific treatment in mind, but I'm reading that laser treatments have good results. Thank you.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars as early as two weeks afterwards to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize appearance as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

When considering scar treatment after a facial injury, it's important to allow your skin adequate time to heal before beginning any interventions. Generally, you can start scar treatment once the wound has fully closed and the sutures have been removed, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks post-injury. However, it's important to consult with your dermatologist or healthcare provider to assess your specific situation and determine the most appropriate time to begin treatment.

For laser treatments, these are often considered once the scar has matured somewhat, typically around 3-6 months after the injury, to achieve optimal results. Early intervention with topical treatments like silicone gels or sheets can also be beneficial in minimizing scar formation and should be discussed with your dermatologist.

Always ensure you are following the advice of a healthcare professional who can tailor the treatment plan to your individual needs and skin type. If you have any concerns or questions, it would be advisable to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist who can provide personalized guidance.

When can I start scar treatment after a facial injury?

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When can I start scar treatment after a facial injury?

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