Best way to remove this scar from a glass cut? (Photos)

Question

This was from a glass cut and should have got stitches at the time. You can see now that it's quite big, and would surgical excision be the best way to go? What would the downtime be like, as it's on the chest? I imagine I wouldn't be able to move the area much post surgery Thank You in advance

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

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The scar appears elevated, If so, then intralesional injections of an anti-inflammatory agent can be used to flatten it. 
Once the scar is uniformly flat, then manual dermarolling Microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks for adverse reactions from RF Microneedling) can be performed accompanied by the application of Rx pigment enhancing agents, such as topical tyrosine and lanatoprost, can be used to better blend the scars in both color and texture with the surrounding normal skin. 
The problem with surgical removal, particularly in this presternal area of the chest is the risk for stretch scarring and stitch track marks and for the development of an even larger hypertrophic scar than was caused by the injury. This area is particularly prone to scar owing to the tension on the wounds. 
You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist and be wary when being hawked expensive fraxel lasers and RF treatments, as the hard science to back up the use of these bells and whistles gizmos lags woefully behind the heavy marketing and social media buzz to promote them. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Best way to remove this scar from a glass cut? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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