Thyroid surgery neck scar and wrinkles - what treatment is best? (photo)

Question

I'm a 55 yr old female with an old thyroid surgical scar (see arrow) and wrinkles. What treatment would you recommend please?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The scar appears to be both indented and possess surface textural and color irregularities as compared to the surrounding normal skin. So to achieve optimal improvement, subcision can be used to elevate and smooth the indented (atrophic, depressed) portions of the scar. This can be followed by the use of professional microneedling for better blending of the surface texture and color of the scar with the surrounding normal skin. Very important that you consult with q board certified cosmetic dermatologist and exercise a healthy dose of "buyer beware" when you will no doubt be confronted with the relatively expensive options of fraxel lasers, RF devices, or RF microneedling machines all of which are much more heavily supported by marketing hype rather than hard science. Hope this helps. Best of luck.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and while in person examination would be needed, it appears from your photo that combination Facelift with attention to your neck combined with scar revision of your previous surgical scar would be the best option for you. 
It appears that mini facelift with a formal neck lift suits you best to treat the redundant neck skin. Come see me or another board certified plastic surgeon in our area to explore the best options for you. Good luck.

Thyroid surgery neck scar and wrinkles - what treatment is best? (photo)

Answers (3)

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