Red scar on upper chest - is it worth looking into laser treatment? (photos)

Question

After doing scar revision on my upper chest 8 months ago, and then several steroid shots I was left with a long, red scar which did flatten a lot from the steroid. Was wondering if it is worth looking into laser treatment because my current plastic surgeon doesn’t offer it?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Despite all the marketing hype that surrounds relatively expensive "bells and whistles" devices, like fraxel lasers and RF devices,  the hard science to support their use lags woefully behind the hype. So, you might wish to consider for your problem more proven (and also a less expensive technique) that have racked up more than a two decades long track record for efficacy and safety: professionally performed microneedling (no need for the expense of the RF) accompanied by the application of prescription strength redness faders, such as topical brimonidine and tranexamic acid. Just make sure that you consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and not just any venue hawking the latest "next big thing" device that it has just purchased. Hope this helps.

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