What would be the best treatment for a deep cat scratch on the nose? (Photos)

Question

Two years ago I was scratched badly by a cat. The gash on my nose was deep and has not been stitched up. I applied silicon for few months and, although I can see some improvements, even after 2 years the cut is still very visible. I want to fix it. I have been suggested two options and I would like to know which one is the best for my specific case. option 1. laser to reduce the cut option 2. FELC Plasma Machine to reduce the cut which would you recommend? Thank you.

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  In person examination with side lighting and magnification loupes is needed to assess the skin.  In general, a bespoke treatment needs to be tailored to the individual scar and your individual background skin.  For indented scars, injectable fillers like Bellafill can be used.  For tethered scars, subcision can help.  Red scars can be treated with vascular laser.  Hypertrophic scars can be injected or excised.  Widened scars may require surgical scar revision, with layered closure and meticulous attention to create tension free closure.  Resurfacing scars can be achieved with microneedling/PRP, radiofrequency devices and fractionated laser technologies.  Multiple treatments will be required for best results.  Please see a scarring expert.  I hope this helps

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Skinpen, C02 skin resurfacing laser, IPL laser, fractional with the palomar icon are all effective treatments to help diminish scars,  increase your cell turnover rate and produce healthy skin cells.   The skinpen is a microneedling device that wakes up your natural growth factors and creates healthy skin cells.  The C02 laser is an ablative laser that repairs and rejuvenates the skin. The IPL laser helps to take the red out of the scar and can only be performed on lighter skin types.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our Hidef protocols for scar revision can address different types of scars, depending on your scar biometrics and characteristics. Protocols vary in duration based on the severity of your scars. 
Bad scars can manifest in many different ways, including pigmentation, thickening, and depression of atrophic scars. Thick scars are best treated in my practice with IIT, cortisone injections, pressure management, and laser. We recommend daily use of Plato’s Scar Serum to the scars to mediate scar hypertrophy. 
Hyperpigmented scars respond well to Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams. If the area is large, consider Luminase and Exfolase creams for the body. Hyperpigmentation PIH can also be treated with Q switch laser, PICO, chemical peels, and rapid scar exfoliation. PIE erythema scars are best treated with pulsed dye laser. 
Keloid scars are our specialization. We manage small and large keloid scars with excision, IIT, PRP, laser therapy, and scar modulation. Use Plato’s Scar Serum daily. 
Textural scars respond well to nanofractional RF and fractional laser to help improve surface texture. When combined with scar modulation, the results can improve dramatically. The most important variable is for you to choose a plastic surgeon with expertise in laser therapy using Hidef protocols. 
Best,  
Dr. Karamanoukian  
Realself100 Surgeon

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

That was quite a swipe!Yes, there are non surgical ways to make this scar on your nose improved.Microneedling with prp, over series of treatments will help.Subcision with a bit of filler may also be needed.Best. Dr BrechtSeattle, Wa

What would be the best treatment for a deep cat scratch on the nose? (Photos)

Answers (4)