Keloid scar from deep knee scrape 6 months ago - Possible to lighten the scar? (photos)

Question

I have a size-able keloid scar on my right knee and am seeking all course of treatment options to improve its appearance. I injured myself back in July 2023, and the injury took 1.5 months to fully heal. Currently I dress silicone sheet on my scar daily and just had one cortisteroid injection. Also I would like to know if it is ever possible for my scar to lighten and come close to matching my skin tone.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

A treatment algorithm consisting of Intralesional injections of varying types, concentration and amounts is the approach of choice for shrinking and flattening keloid scars. Revision surgery, expecially in areas prone to a great deal of movement, as in this case, carry a significant risk for the subsequent development of stretch scars and tram track stitch marks and even a recurrent keloid. In my experience, silicon dressings prove unfortunately to be more busy work than they are worth. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar specialist. Best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Keloid scars can be challenging, but there are various treatment options to improve their appearance. In addition to silicone sheets and corticosteroid injections, other potential treatments include laser therapy, cryotherapy, or surgical removal. Combining different approaches may be more effective.

Regarding skin tone, while complete restoration might be challenging, improvements in color matching are possible with time and appropriate treatments.

Best of luck !

Keloid scar from deep knee scrape 6 months ago - Possible to lighten the scar? (photos)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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

Keloid scar from deep knee scrape 6 months ago - Possible to lighten the scar? (photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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