What procedures can improve indent after forehead cyst removal? (Photos)

Question

A small cyst (under 1cm) was removed from my forehead about 4 months ago. Unfortunately, after initially appearing like the results were good, after about 2 months, the scar sank and now looks deep and indented. What procedures can improve this? Is there any chance of improvement naturally, in which case should I wait 6 months to a year before having anything done? The centrality of the indent on my face is impacting my self esteem as much as the original cyst.

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

It has been known since the late 1980s that the ideal time for treating an imminent scar-- a time frame during which there remains a chance for erasing or near erasing it--is between week four following the injury or surgery--when the wound is considered strong enough to withstand treatment--to no later than the end of week twelve--after which the scar is considered "mature" and the possibility for overall improvement falls to between 60%-80% Since it is already four months, you would be wise to seek consultation with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatology scar specialist as soon as possible. Subcision, which I have been routinely performing since 1995, is a relatively inexpensive technique, has a several decades' long track record for elevating and smoothing indented scars from all causes in all skin types--something that certainly cannot be said for all the expensive, glitzy, "bells and whistles" gizmos out there, like fraxel lasers and RF devices, whose hard science to support their use lags woefully behind the heavy marketing hype and social media buzz to hawk them. So, "buyer beware" when considering these. Finally surgical scar revision, especially in areas like the forehead that are subject to a great deal of static muscular tension and muscular movement, carries a real risk for the subsequent development of stretch scars and tram track stitch marks. Make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

What procedures can improve indent after forehead cyst removal? (Photos)

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What procedures can improve indent after forehead cyst removal? (Photos)

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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.