What procedure would lessen the appearance of this small round raised scar on my glabella? (Photos)

Question

I am middle aged. It has been there for 15 years. It formed from popping a pimple too hard. It has not changed, but has become a little more visible as I have aged. What are the options for minimizing it's appearance?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

At least from the photos provided and the history, the bump is likely to be a simple hypertrophic scar, although a close-up, in-person examination would of course be advisable. If this is indeed a hypertrophic scar, the use of an intralesional injection of triamcinolone would be an easy solution for flattening the scar and making it much less visible. Surgical removal, in an area such as the glabella, which is subject to continual muscular movement and tension, runs the risk for the development of a stretch scar and even stitch tracks. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist and best of luck.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

A small round bump that has not changed in 15 years is most likely a raised scar, though a few benign growths can look similar, so the first step is a proper look and feel, and sometimes a pathology check of what is removed. If it is scar, the choice usually comes down to two paths. Steroid injections can flatten some raised scars, but on the forehead they carry a risk of thinning or a small dent. Surgical scar revision removes the bump entirely and closes the skin carefully in layers, ideally aligned with the natural frown lines of the glabella, trading a round raised mark for a fine line that tends to blend in. That is still a scar, just a better-behaved one. An in-person consultation with a board-certified surgeon experienced in facial scar revision can tell you which approach fits your skin.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

A small, raised scar that has remained unchanged for 15 years is often consistent with a hypertrophic scar or a localized area of scar tissue, although the exact diagnosis depends on its appearance and feel. The fact that it developed after squeezing a pimple makes a scar plausible, but other benign skin growths can sometimes look similar.

The best treatment depends on whether the bump is firm, raised, or discolored. For a small, stable scar between the eyebrows, options may include:

Scar revision: A dermatologist or plastic surgeon may consider removing the raised tissue, although this creates a new wound and can result in another scar.

Intralesional corticosteroid injections: These may help flatten certain raised scars, but they are not suitable for every type of bump and can cause skin thinning or indentation, particularly on the face.

Laser treatment: Depending on whether redness, discoloration, or uneven texture is the main concern, certain lasers may help improve its appearance.

Careful observation: If the bump is benign and not bothersome, treatment is optional.

Because the glabella is a cosmetically sensitive area, I would avoid trying to remove or treat it at home. The first step is to confirm that it is scar tissue rather than another type of skin lesion. Once the diagnosis is clear, a targeted treatment may soften or flatten its appearance, although complete removal without leaving any mark cannot be guaranteed.

What procedure would lessen the appearance of this small round raised scar on my glabella? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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