Do you recommend laser treatment for my hypertrophic scar on my Indian skin? (Photo)

Question

I had a wide thick scar that I got excised 2 months back. The scar is much thinner but still slightly widened raise and red. As seen in the picture it is a linear scar on my face and is very visible. The scar is taking a great toll on my mental health. I am second year medical student and looking to get a laser treatment to help with the scar before I start rotations. (The pigmentation changes around the chin area is from stable vitiligo that I had for about 15 years) Looking forward to any suggestions.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Scars like these can be improved with a combination of vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, PDL, Vbeam and Excel V, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential, and Silagen gel should be used twice daily with Jan Marini BioShield. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Do you recommend laser treatment for my hypertrophic scar on my Indian skin? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

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

Do you recommend laser treatment for my hypertrophic scar on my Indian skin? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

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