Now I've had this for 6 years. And I, really, really need this gone I can't look good with it on my forehead. Please someone tell me how to remove this.
September 6, 2017
Answer: Options for Treatment of an Atrophic (Indented) Forehead Scar
There are several options available to you:
Subcision and use of a soft tissue filler will provide improvement in the depression/indentation; but this will not remove the scar. The results will depend upon how soft the scar is and how tethered the scar is underneath. This treatment will have to be repeated at regular intervals (potentially as often as every 9-12 months).
Fractional laser resurfacing will likely provide some improvement/blending, but will not remove the scar. It may produce a scar that is slightly smaller or not quite as deep; and it may soften the edges of the scar.
Punch excision is a nice option depending upon the size of the scar. A circular punch is used to remove the scar and the skin edges are closed with sutures. If this can be removed with a 3mm or 4mm punch then there is good chance for significant improvement. The resulting scar would be about the same size as what you have now, and it would be linear. To reduce the risk for subsequent scar widening (when larger punch sizes are utilized), a deep suture can be placed to help support the skin closure. Trading one scar for another is a good option if the risks are low and the subsequent scar is viewed by the patient as an improvement over what was present previously.
If the scar is larger, then surgical excision can be used. This would involve a transversely-oriented elliptical excision of skin that incorporated the scar. The skin edges are closed with at least 2 layers of sutures, producing a transverse linear scar. The scar length would be about 3-4 times the vertical dimension of your current scar. The scar would run parallel with the relaxed skin tension, lines of the forehead and should heal well.
Consult a plastic surgeon to discuss these options further. Following an examination of the scar s/he can guide you in your decision making process.
Best wishes. Ken Dembny
Helpful
September 6, 2017
Answer: Options for Treatment of an Atrophic (Indented) Forehead Scar
There are several options available to you:
Subcision and use of a soft tissue filler will provide improvement in the depression/indentation; but this will not remove the scar. The results will depend upon how soft the scar is and how tethered the scar is underneath. This treatment will have to be repeated at regular intervals (potentially as often as every 9-12 months).
Fractional laser resurfacing will likely provide some improvement/blending, but will not remove the scar. It may produce a scar that is slightly smaller or not quite as deep; and it may soften the edges of the scar.
Punch excision is a nice option depending upon the size of the scar. A circular punch is used to remove the scar and the skin edges are closed with sutures. If this can be removed with a 3mm or 4mm punch then there is good chance for significant improvement. The resulting scar would be about the same size as what you have now, and it would be linear. To reduce the risk for subsequent scar widening (when larger punch sizes are utilized), a deep suture can be placed to help support the skin closure. Trading one scar for another is a good option if the risks are low and the subsequent scar is viewed by the patient as an improvement over what was present previously.
If the scar is larger, then surgical excision can be used. This would involve a transversely-oriented elliptical excision of skin that incorporated the scar. The skin edges are closed with at least 2 layers of sutures, producing a transverse linear scar. The scar length would be about 3-4 times the vertical dimension of your current scar. The scar would run parallel with the relaxed skin tension, lines of the forehead and should heal well.
Consult a plastic surgeon to discuss these options further. Following an examination of the scar s/he can guide you in your decision making process.
Best wishes. Ken Dembny
Helpful
September 18, 2013
Answer: Indented Scar on Forehead
Hi Helpme. You have several options. While none of them will leave this area looking perfect, there may be improvement.
1. Fractional Laser Resurfacing. The idea is to stimulate new collagen and release hard scar tissue below the scar. Results would be limited.
2. Punch excision. This is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the tissue where the scar is located. In this case, you are treading one scar for another. Find a plastic surgeon that does this and view photos of other patients before proceeding.
3. Surgical revision. Similar to punch excision, but there would be a linear scar present after. Again, trading one imperfection for another. Depending on how you heal, this may be preferable for you.
If you do not accept having to trade a new scar for an old one, try the laser resurfacing. Although the benefits may be limited, it will not involve trading for another scar like the other two options.
Helpful
September 18, 2013
Answer: Indented Scar on Forehead
Hi Helpme. You have several options. While none of them will leave this area looking perfect, there may be improvement.
1. Fractional Laser Resurfacing. The idea is to stimulate new collagen and release hard scar tissue below the scar. Results would be limited.
2. Punch excision. This is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the tissue where the scar is located. In this case, you are treading one scar for another. Find a plastic surgeon that does this and view photos of other patients before proceeding.
3. Surgical revision. Similar to punch excision, but there would be a linear scar present after. Again, trading one imperfection for another. Depending on how you heal, this may be preferable for you.
If you do not accept having to trade a new scar for an old one, try the laser resurfacing. Although the benefits may be limited, it will not involve trading for another scar like the other two options.
Helpful