Treatment options for redness and scar after temporal brow lift? (Photos)

Thank you for the question and the photos! There are many laser options for you to look at if you want to avoid steroid injections. While BBL targets browns and reds, it is not a laser.  Lasers, such as the Vbeam/PDL, use very specific wavelengths that target redness/vessels. For scars, usually a combination of different technologies result in the best outcome.  An example would be combining the Vbeam with UltraClear Laser and/or VivaMD (a radiofrequency technology).  Such combinations treatments, help by breaking down the scar tissue itself and helping with collagen reformation to create natural looking results.  One of the most important things to remember about scars is that it typically takes 6 treatments - it's a long process but well worth the results.  Consult with your doctor to see what would work best for you and your goals.

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

Consider the use of professionally performed, mechanical microneedling ( no need for the added expense or risks of RF microneedling) accompanied by the application of Rx topical agents known to reduce skin redness. Microneedling has an over twenty-five year track record for safety and efficacy--something that cannot be said for so many of the expensive, "here-today-gone-tomorrow" light and energy-based gizmos. I have also personally found the use of scar treatment gels and patches to be of little value and often just a lot of unnecessary busy work
The continued use of steroid creams is ill-advised in my opinion as it risks further thinning of the skin and even generating broken blood vessels. Microneedling has the additional benefit of being able to improve superficial skin texture, which is another issue for scars following surgery.
You would be wise to seek consultation with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Persistent redness after surgery is usually related to increased vascularity and healing changes in the scar, which can sometimes last for many months, especially in lighter skin types. Since your procedure was performed less than 6 months ago, it is still considered within the active healing phase.

Treatment options include:

Vascular lasers or light-based devices (BBL/IPL, pulsed dye laser, KTP laser): These are effective for reducing redness and broken capillaries. When performed properly, they typically do not damage hair follicles in the area.

Topical agents: Silicone gel or sheets, and topical formulations with ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide, may help improve overall scar quality.

Steroid injections: Can reduce thickening or raised areas, but should be used cautiously in thin skin as they may cause atrophy.

Time: Scars often continue to mature and fade over 12–18 months, with redness gradually decreasing even without intervention.

In summary, BBL or other vascular-specific lasers are safe and commonly used in this context, and they can help reduce persistent redness without harming surrounding hair when done conservatively.