Overlapping scar caused by improper wound stitching after an accident. Is revision possible? (photo)

Question

I had a bike accident 1 month ago and tore my face in the area of left lips and face. After removing the stitches and the skin healed, it showed that the skin is overlapping real bad and even causing trouble to mouth opening. I asked some of the doctor and they said I could go to do some revision to fix it after 3-6 months when it heals more but they said they could not do it and they direct me to some plastic surgery center. I want to hear opinion first

Mustafa Aydinol, MD · Answer

I’m sorry you’re going through this – facial scars can be frustrating, but the good news is that this can absolutely be improved with revision surgery.
The overlapping scar you’re describing will likely need to be surgically excised and carefully re-stitched to realign the tissue properly. This will help address both the functional issue (trouble opening your mouth) and the appearance of the scar.
After the initial revision, follow-up treatments like laser resurfacing or microneedling (Dermapen) can help soften and blend the scar further, improving texture and reducing redness. In some cases, steroid injections or PRP may also assist in minimizing thickening during healing.
It’s true that waiting 3-6 months allows the scar to fully mature, making revision more predictable. I’d recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon experienced in facial trauma and scar revision – they’ll have the skills to improve both the cosmetic and functional aspects.
You’re definitely on the right track, and with the right approach, the scar can be significantly improved over time!

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

Overlapping scar caused by improper wound stitching after an accident. Is revision possible? (photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal Surgery

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

Overlapping scar caused by improper wound stitching after an accident. Is revision possible? (photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal Surgery

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