Getting Rid of Thyroid Surgery Scar

Neck scars are unpredictable. In some cases, the scars heal as a thin line while in other cases, they may be extremely thickened.

The goals of therapy are to modulate the scar early on in order to decrease the chance of it thickening. This is accomplished by rigorous massage in the early postoperative period. Other options include application of silicone sheeting, injection of cortisone, and ultimately, reexcision of the scar.

One of the reasons why neck scars do not heal as well is because we cannot completely immobilize the neck during the healing phase. Thus, the body deposits more collagen in the area in order to prevent the incision line from dehiscing.

If you have a poorly healed scar, consider speaking to a plastic surgeon about your options as discussed above. You are always welcome to email our office if you have specific questions.

Unless there is an obvious step off between the two skin edges, I would wait before considering any revision surgery.  I would, however, recommend the use of lasers to tone the scar down and make it more subtle during the healing process.  I would start as soon as a few weeks after surgery and repeat every four to six weeks until the scar is nice and subtle.  I would also recommend Embrace dressing for the first six weeks after surgery and then follow this with a regular silicone dressing.

Most raised thyroid scars flatten over time. However, there is some interval treatment that can be done to help it heal more flat if it doesn't appear to be doing it on its own. There are two over the counter preparations available, one is mederma and another is scar guard. There are generic ones also that might be effective. I would begin using those products once the scar is healed and follow the directions on the package. Other treatments might include the use of laser or intense pulsed light devices to diminish the redness which will also help the scars to flatten over time. Injections of Kenalog by your doctor may also assist the process. Finally, if after six months to a year the scar is not acceptable it can be surgically revised.

I agree with everything Dr. Wallach has said. In addition there may be a role for a tincture of time. Scars typically take 6 months to fully mature. During that time the body constantly remodels them, changing concentrations of collagen and remodeling the scar structure. Sometimes acting with steroids or additional surgical intervention before the scar has had a chance to mature can cause additional problems.
I hope this helps.
Steven Williams, MD

While this is a very fresh scar and the tincture of time will definitely make a substantial improvement, that process will take months and even up to a year. Until then this is understandably disturbing to you and you would feel better if you could do something that may offer a speeding up of the natural healing process. At one month after surgery, I would use a topical such as Scarguard. If you are not seeing significant improvement at three months, then I would consider pulsed light therapy treatments to the scar.