What are the best permanent treatments for scars from mole removal? (Photo)

Question

I had a slightly raised 0.25" mole removed from the torso a few years ago, which has left a scar I regret. In retrospect the mole didn't need to be removed. I previously had flat moles removed from my face, which has left no scar at all, so they probably went deeper on this one. Are there any long term or permanent procedures, such as permanent fillers for the indent left, and lasers for the shiny scar surface?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne 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 acne 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 acne scars and indented acne 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 been 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 laser 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 acne 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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Steven_D,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from scar revision. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that this has happened. It is for this reason that I typically recommend Scalpel Sculpting instead of scalp or punch excisions that often result in stretch scars and tram track stitch scars, as seems to have occurred here.  Subcision alone or with the use of a filler can help to elevate and smooth the depression. Professionally performed microneedling accompanied by the application of pigment promoting agents can be used to treat the superficial surface texture and color irregularities. Just make sure to consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and not just any venue hawking the latest, faddish, expensive fraxel laser or RF device. Best of luck.

What are the best permanent treatments for scars from mole removal? (Photo)

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What are the best permanent treatments for scars from mole removal? (Photo)

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