What should I do to best prevent a permanent scar after suture removal from a facial laceration? (photos)

Question

I fainted today for the first time and hit my face on a metal table. I was taken to the ER and received sutures on my eyelid near my eyebrow. I will be getting the sutures removed in 5-7 days. Since this is on a prominent part of my face, I am really worried about the scar that will result after suture removal. What products and procedures can I look into to prevent/minimize the scar I will be left with? I've ordered Mederma Gel and read about silicone sheets and laser scar treatments.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Back in the late 1980s already it was known that procedures like conventional dermabrasion--conventional electrically or manually performed--initiated between weeks eight to twelve following the repair of the injury or following conventional surgeries--can minimized significantly scar formation or even some cases "erase" them.  By week eight, the wound is considered strong enough to withstand treatment and after week twelve the scar is considered "mature" and the window for achieve maximal improvement is past. Silicone sheets and gels don't hurt, but in my experience are not particularly effective.For years now, I have replaced the use of manual dermabrasion with professionally performed microneedling with very gratifying results. Microneedling, as opposed to dermabrasion or laser abrasion, is less  expensive, only minimally invasive, engenders little to no significant downtime and achieves very gratifying results. You would be wise to consult with an experienced board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, the most reproducible reduction in suture scars is from lasering. The laser should be performed 6 to 8 weeks after the sutures are removed. The recommended lasers are fractionated CO 2 or fractionated erbium. All the topicals you have mentioned can be utilized after the laser procedure.
Find a scar expert.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD 
Realself Hall of Fame

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your injury.  The three scar treatments that you mentioned are all good treatments.  The key is to begin using them as soon as your surgeon says you can and to be consistent.  Scars take up to a year to fully mature, so not giving up on these products is important.  It is also important to protect your scars from the sun and use sunscreen every day.

What should I do to best prevent a permanent scar after suture removal from a facial laceration? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Scar treatments

Answer: Scar treatments

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What should I do to best prevent a permanent scar after suture removal from a facial laceration? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Scar treatments

Answer: Scar treatments

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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