What can be done to fix ugly scarring on the back of my shoulder? (photos)

Question

Hello Doctors. Unfortunately I have got this long and prominent scar from getting up from the floor and then beating my back shoulder against a sticking metal used to put padlocks. It bled a lot. Now I have this scar that really bothers me, everytime I look back on the mirror I see it on my upper back. I have tried bio oil, sunflower oil but it’s not helping it. Which would be my best option to get rid of this scar? Lazer or surgery? Would it be expensive? Would the results be satisfactory? Tyvm

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

At least from the photos provided, one of the scars is bulked up and elevated. So, the first order of business would be intralesional anti-inflammatory triamcinolone in whatever concentration and amounts are necessary to get the job done. The scar may even lighten, as well, as a result.  Following that, professionally performed microneedling accompanied by the application of prescription pigment lightening medications, such as tranexamic acid, as well as a variety of other bleaching agents, such azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, etc. can help to lighten the hyperpigmentation, expecially if accompanied by the at-home application of prescription lightening agents. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! Options do exist to improve the scar. If the scar is thickened and raised, steroid injections can help to soften it. I often repeat these every 3 weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Massaging at the same time can also help. For the coloration, IPL may be a good option. Biorcorneum cream provides silicone and SPF to protect from the environment. CO2 laser can resurface the area. A last resort in my opinion would be excision as this may trade a scar-for-a-scar. Hope this helps!

What can be done to fix ugly scarring on the back of my shoulder? (photos)

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What can be done to fix ugly scarring on the back of my shoulder? (photos)

Answers (3)

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