I was left with a very thick, raised, ugly hypertrophic scar along the bikini line after a hysterectomy. Is this normal?

Question

I had the scar injected 4 times with steroids at 2 week intervals and then interrupted treatment because of an emergency that prevented me to go back to the dermatologist at the time. A month later, the scar seems to have popped back up even thicker. Is this normal? What can I do the ensure long-lasting results? The injections were very painful and bloody to start. (black skin)

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You likely have a hypertrophic scar and other treatments need to be offered.  Injections with or without 5FU, laser treatments (pulsed dye laser/ Excel V +/- fractional ablative or non-ablative), or surgical excision +/- radiation.  It is best to go to someone who specializes in scars.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael E. Jones, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello Lola, it is possible you are developing a keloid scar, which is more common in African American skin and can develop on the bikini line after surgery. Keloids tend to grow progressively and, unlike other scars, do not subside over time. Scar excision is the best option to remove the keloid but it does not guarantee that the keloid won't grow back. Some doctors, including myself, also use secondary treatment, such as superficial radiation therapy (SRT-100), post-surgery to greatly reduce the chance for re-growth. Good luck!

I was left with a very thick, raised, ugly hypertrophic scar along the bikini line after a hysterectomy. Is this normal?

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