Indented surgical scar from mole shave biopsy. Scheduled for FRAXEL CO2 in less than two weeks. Any suggestion? (photo)

Question

It's been about five months and I have this indented scar on the front of my neck that has been bothering me since I got a shave biopsy roughly five months ago. If I had known that a scar like this would have been permanent and this deep, I would have never got this procedure done (dermatologist didn't need to cut so deep, but he did) It has lowered my self esteem quite a bit. So, I am trying to make it less indented, and noticeable. Here is a picture of the scar.

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

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

This could just be the pictures you have submitted, but what is most apparent to me is the color.  The pulsed dye laser is a great option to get the red out.  This can be done by itself or followed with a non-ablative fractional laser for resurfacing.  Please not that this is not the CO2 laser as you have stated.  Good luck.Best, Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

In my practice I would start with something more gentle than fractional CO2 laser.  The neck skin is delicate and thin.  I would likely start with pulsed dye laser or non-ablative fractional laser.  I would suggest that you speak with your dermatologist about your treatment options prior to your treatment.Regards,Dr. Ort

Indented surgical scar from mole shave biopsy. Scheduled for FRAXEL CO2 in less than two weeks. Any suggestion? (photo)

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Indented surgical scar from mole shave biopsy. Scheduled for FRAXEL CO2 in less than two weeks. Any suggestion? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.