Small hematoma on forehead - what is the best treatment for the scar? (Photos)

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

A small hematoma under a laceration can persist for several weeks to even 2–3 months, especially if the impact was significant. The firm, slightly raised area is likely a combination of:

Residual organized blood clot (hematoma)

Local swelling or fibrosis (scar tissue forming)

Timeline for resolution:
✅ Most small hematomas soften and reabsorb gradually over 4–8 weeks.
✅ Gentle massage and warm compresses (once the skin is fully closed) can help circulation and speed reabsorption.
✅ If it remains firm beyond 10–12 weeks, it could be a persistent fibrotic nodule, which usually still softens over time.

Once the area has fully healed and flattened, the best treatments for the scar include:

Silicone gel or silicone sheets: Apply daily to help flatten and fade redness.

Sunscreen (SPF 30–50): Essential to prevent long-lasting discoloration.

Gentle massage: Helps remodel collagen and soften the scar.

Optional later treatments (if needed): Prescription retinoids to improve texture, or laser treatments for persistent redness or thickness.

When to see a professional sooner:
If the area becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful, or drains fluid, it could indicate infection or a cyst, and should be evaluated promptly.

Otherwise, patience and consistent topical care usually yield excellent cosmetic outcomes for small forehead scars.

The ideal window of time for treating an imminent scar is between the end of week four after the injury and the end of week twelve. At four weeks the wound is typically healed enough to withstand treatment and there exists the best chance for possibly erasing the potential scar. After twelve weeks, the scar is considered "mature" and the chances for maximal improvement are much slimmer and fall into the range of a potential 60-80% overall improvement. The aforementioned applies not only to traumatic scars (as in this case), but to wounds resulting from surgery, infection (such as chickenpox) or severe acne.
With this time frame in mind, you would be wise to consult with an experienced board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment expert. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Injury to the heads heal fast due to the increased blood supply to that area. As for scarring, everyone is different and this is based on skin color, hydration and overall health. Some people are high risk for keloids. The hematoma itself will resolve, be absorbed by the body naturally but this too may take a while to completely resolve. Massage may help the area break down also. Once the wound is completely closed, you can use a silicone scar tape or find a professional practice that offers an IPL or Urbane laser resurfacing treatment. It will take several treatments to blend the area to lessen the scar surface.