I’m 1 yr postop from botched necklift w/ bad hypertrophic scars placed too far in front of and below ears. Am doing revision in 3 more mos. My new PS said she can easily cut the scars out. But I am also seeing a thin white line which I was told is depigmented skin at the hairline behind my ears. The white is very unsightly. How can depigmented areas be treated? Can this be fully resolved? Also what is risk for hypertrophic scars and more depigmentation in revision surgery?
August 6, 2018
Answer: Depigmenting... Hi Downhillfast,Aside from cutting out the depigmented skin, consider make-up and tattoo. Aside from these modalities there is no way to re-pigment skin or scar tissue.You’re at risk for hypertrophic scars with an additional procedure, as you’ve already proven to have developed hypertrophic scars with your first procedure. Cutting out the hypertrophic scars will required adequate undermining of the surrounding skin for a tension-free closure— make sure your surgeon has enough skin to work with.Scar tissue does not have pigment, so realize that anytime you make an incision on the skin and it heals, that fine line will have no pigment.Best wishes,Dr. Jay
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August 6, 2018
Answer: Depigmenting... Hi Downhillfast,Aside from cutting out the depigmented skin, consider make-up and tattoo. Aside from these modalities there is no way to re-pigment skin or scar tissue.You’re at risk for hypertrophic scars with an additional procedure, as you’ve already proven to have developed hypertrophic scars with your first procedure. Cutting out the hypertrophic scars will required adequate undermining of the surrounding skin for a tension-free closure— make sure your surgeon has enough skin to work with.Scar tissue does not have pigment, so realize that anytime you make an incision on the skin and it heals, that fine line will have no pigment.Best wishes,Dr. Jay
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August 4, 2018
Answer: Hypertrophic scars You have no photos posted so I can’t really see what’s going on. Second, hypertrophic scars are not necessarily because of a botched surgery, but can just be a result of your healing and the way your body heals which cannot be predicted. Without pictures, the scars may have been pulled forward and enlarged out of position by the skin healing. That being said, there is a real risk of scar recurrence with another surgery. You will get a better result if you skin loosens more first and your best solution may be to get a repeat lift to excise the scars without tension on closure. A scar revision might work but I will leave that up to your doctor who can examine you. I have no solution for a thin depigmented scar line. Sometimes this might be the way your body heals. While you are waiting for your revision, make sure your surgeon has considered kenalog injections to improve scar appearance. Some doctors also use 5 FU injections. Best of luck with your treatment.
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August 4, 2018
Answer: Hypertrophic scars You have no photos posted so I can’t really see what’s going on. Second, hypertrophic scars are not necessarily because of a botched surgery, but can just be a result of your healing and the way your body heals which cannot be predicted. Without pictures, the scars may have been pulled forward and enlarged out of position by the skin healing. That being said, there is a real risk of scar recurrence with another surgery. You will get a better result if you skin loosens more first and your best solution may be to get a repeat lift to excise the scars without tension on closure. A scar revision might work but I will leave that up to your doctor who can examine you. I have no solution for a thin depigmented scar line. Sometimes this might be the way your body heals. While you are waiting for your revision, make sure your surgeon has considered kenalog injections to improve scar appearance. Some doctors also use 5 FU injections. Best of luck with your treatment.
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