How can I hide my hairline lowering surgery scar? (Photos)

Question

I had hairline lowering surgery 5 years ago and now I have a scar across my forehead. What is my best option to hide this scar please ?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing the photo. It’s not uncommon to have visible scarring after hairline lowering surgery, especially along the frontal hairline. While these scars often fade over time, some remain more noticeable.

Here are the most effective options to help conceal or improve the appearance of your scar:

1. Camouflage with Hair or Styling Techniques:

If possible, part your hair or adjust your hairstyle to naturally cover the scar. Bangs or fringes can help mask the frontal area.

Use hair fibers or scalp concealers (like Toppik or DermMatch) that blend with your hair color to reduce the contrast between the scar and your scalp.

2. Scar Revision Treatments:

Microneedling with or without PRP (platelet-rich plasma) can help stimulate collagen and smoothen the scar.

Laser treatments (such as fractional CO2 or erbium lasers) are highly effective at improving scar texture and pigment irregularities.

Steroid injections may help if the scar is raised (hypertrophic or keloid in nature).

3. Topical Treatments:

Silicone-based gels or sheets (e.g., ScarAway, Strataderm) may help flatten and fade the scar over time.

Prescription or over-the-counter retinoids can improve skin texture gradually when used regularly.

4. Hair Transplantation into the Scar:

A highly effective option if there’s enough donor hair. Transplanting hair follicles directly into the scar can help blend the area naturally with the rest of your hairline.

Each of these options can be tailored depending on your scar's appearance, your skin type, and your goals. It's good that the scar is mature (5 years post-op), which means treatments can be focused on remodeling rather than active inflammation.

Let me know if you'd like to go over specific product or treatment recommendations.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Professionally performed, manual microneedling (no need for the added expense or risks of RF microneedling) accompanied by the application of topical Rx pigment enhancers can be used to help repigment Hypopigmented Scars from any cause. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist and best of luck.

How can I hide my hairline lowering surgery scar? (Photos)

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How can I hide my hairline lowering surgery scar? (Photos)

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