Indentation from Shave Removal on Cheek, What Can I Do To Fix This?

Question

I had a shave biopsy done on my cheek for a mole that was flat on the surface. It has left me with a round hole the size of a pencil eraser. It has been 13 weeks and still looks bad to me. Will this ever level out or what can be done to fix it with out having an excision done to correct it. One end of the scar sticks up a little more which seems to be making the shadowing of the scar more noticeable.

Jennifer Reichel, MD · Answer

Thank you for the photo - it is very helpful in answering your question. It is common to have a slight indentation after a shave removal. Hopefully, it will fill in over time. Right now, your scar is going through a "contraction" phase. It will continue to remodel for up to 12 months. I know this sounds like a long time, but it should get slowly better and better. I recommend starting scar massage at 8 weeks after a skin surgery - so you could start doing this. If it is still indented after 4 months, then you could consider having a filler, such as Juvederm, or Restylane, placed under the scar. Another option after 4 months, would be to have a punch excision done on the scar and brought together with a suture. Hang in there - and if you're willing, be sure to go back to the doctor that did the shave so that you can work together to make it look cosmetically right.

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

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

This may level out, but unlikely.  You may need to have an incision to remove the defect.  See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to evaluate the location for a suitable correction.

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

As has been stated, often such depressions will fill in as they heal.  If they fail to do so within a reasonable period of time, subcision is sometimes helpful.  Injection of fillers under the scar sometimes provides temporary relief while the healing process takes places.  Occasionally the scar requires excision and repair.  One way or the other it is usually possible to achieve an acceptable aesthetic appearance of a scar in this area.

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

Many times we are left with unsightly scars which are indented after removal of skin lesions, traumatic injuries, or after surgical procedures.  Once the scar is allowed to "mature" for a period of 6-8 months it can be evaluated for revision.  Many times indentations can be fixed by filling them with fat.  Fat is harvested from the abdomen, packed in a syringe, and injected under the skin to fill the "void".  Ne further incisions are usually necessary.  It is an excellent procedure, and I have had much success.  Good Luck, Dr. Corrado

Indentation from Shave Removal on Cheek, What Can I Do To Fix This?

Answers (9)

Answer: Indentation after biopsy

Answer: Indentation after biopsy

Answer: Scar Revision with Fat Grafting

Answer: Scar Revision with Fat Grafting

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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.

Indentation from Shave Removal on Cheek, What Can I Do To Fix This?

Answers (9)

Answer: Indentation after biopsy

Answer: Indentation after biopsy

Answer: Scar Revision with Fat Grafting

Answer: Scar Revision with Fat Grafting

Browse related questions

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.