What approach would you take to treat this vertical, indented forehead scar to make it as inconspicuous as possible? (Photo)

Facial scarring can improved with subcision, fillers, medical tattooing and laser treatment or surgical removal. I suggest you speak to an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

This is the type of scar that would likely respond well to subcision and filler injection. Given the narrow nature of the scar I think it is unlikely that you will require formal scar revision surgery. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

For a quick temporary fix, injectable facial fillers can definitely improve the appearance of the scar. There is minimal recovery time but may require multiple treatments depending on the type of filler used. A more permanent solution is subcision of the scar and filling the area with fat grafting taken from somewhere on your body. There will be more significant swelling and bruising and permanent results may not be seen for up to 6 months. In my experience, both produce great results but it depends on your comfort level with a surgical procedure and which recovery period you are comfortable with. For the best treatment options, it is important to visit an expert for an in-person examination. Hope this helps!
Johnson C. Lee MD
Plastic Surgery