I had a facelift six months ago. The scars on one side of my face healed in this lumpy way. It feels like hard ridges to the touch. Can this be corrected? I have been religiously massaging with scar cream and it’s not improving. Absolutely hates this and want to correct as soon as possible. What are options and cost ?
September 20, 2023
Answer: It's still early. Be patient. If needed, can always revise scars later Hello and thank you for your question. After ANY surgery, the surgical incision goes through multiple stages of wound healing before arriving at the final "mature" scar. Assuming no infection or wound breakdown, during normal healing the incision approaches its final tensile strength 6-8 weeks after surgery, creating an "immature" scar. The immature scar is generally still raised and somewhat pigmented (pink or red), and can be associated with some discomfort or pulling, especially with movement or touch. It takes up to 1-2 YEARS for this immature scar to convert into a "mature" scar, during which time the scar remodels- the collagen becomes more organized, the scar flattens, and becomes less pigmented. It is typically safe to start massaging the scars at this point in the remodeling phase (after 6-8 weeks post-op), which can help break up and fibrosis/adhesions forming between the skin and underlying tissues. Also, it is very important to avoid UV light to the immature scar during the remodeling phase, as UV can cause permanent and irreversible hyperpigmentation (making it more noticeable)- so sunblock and sun avoidance are key until 1-2 years after surgery. If the final scar appearance is cosmetically concerning, this can always be revised electively- just note this will reset the healing process. Given you are still less than 12 months post-op, I recommend just being patient and continuing with the scar massage for now. I hope this helps!
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September 20, 2023
Answer: It's still early. Be patient. If needed, can always revise scars later Hello and thank you for your question. After ANY surgery, the surgical incision goes through multiple stages of wound healing before arriving at the final "mature" scar. Assuming no infection or wound breakdown, during normal healing the incision approaches its final tensile strength 6-8 weeks after surgery, creating an "immature" scar. The immature scar is generally still raised and somewhat pigmented (pink or red), and can be associated with some discomfort or pulling, especially with movement or touch. It takes up to 1-2 YEARS for this immature scar to convert into a "mature" scar, during which time the scar remodels- the collagen becomes more organized, the scar flattens, and becomes less pigmented. It is typically safe to start massaging the scars at this point in the remodeling phase (after 6-8 weeks post-op), which can help break up and fibrosis/adhesions forming between the skin and underlying tissues. Also, it is very important to avoid UV light to the immature scar during the remodeling phase, as UV can cause permanent and irreversible hyperpigmentation (making it more noticeable)- so sunblock and sun avoidance are key until 1-2 years after surgery. If the final scar appearance is cosmetically concerning, this can always be revised electively- just note this will reset the healing process. Given you are still less than 12 months post-op, I recommend just being patient and continuing with the scar massage for now. I hope this helps!
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June 27, 2023
Answer: Revision can be done to improve appearance of scars 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.
Helpful
June 27, 2023
Answer: Revision can be done to improve appearance of scars 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.
Helpful
May 29, 2023
Answer: Scars post facelift - can this be corrected? You have some rouching at the scar that hasn't completely settled down.At 6 months, these are unlikely to change very significantly and given your level of dissatisfaction you may wish to consider some treatment options.
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May 29, 2023
Answer: Scars post facelift - can this be corrected? You have some rouching at the scar that hasn't completely settled down.At 6 months, these are unlikely to change very significantly and given your level of dissatisfaction you may wish to consider some treatment options.
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