Can this stitch mark on my forehead be removed? (Photo)

Question

I met an accident when I was 4 year old and ended up getting 2 stitch mark on my foreheads now that they look very odd on my face can it be removed

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 Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Though you can not permanently remove your scar you can improve upon its appearance with a combination of dermal fillers, chemical peels, and possibly a surgical scar revision.  Hope this helps.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Your situation is quite a common scneario: trauma and then a residual linear, ivory white or off-white surgical scar and stitch tracks. If there is depression of the linear scar, as seems to be the case here, subcision lifting (with the addition of a biostimulatory filler)  is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to elevate the base of the scar so that it is more flush with the surrounding skin. Once this is done, microneedling with the addition of topical tyrosine and topical lanatoprost can be helpful for blending any residual superficial color and texture irregularities, such as stitch (railroad) tracks. Fraxel lasers are not particularly effective in my experience and, especially in skin of color, may give rise to prolonged postinflammatory hyperpigmentation or worse, permanent hypopigmentation.  Make sure that you consult with a board certified aesthetic physician with experience and expertise in all forms of scar treatments and be sure to ask to see his/her before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  With that
being said, based on your photograph, you may benefit from a scar revision excision.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

vaishnav_reddi.    Your forehead scar is noticeable because of it's depressed nature.  Scar revision should greatly improve the region because the scar would then lie flat and fall into the natural lines of your forehead. I doubt laser or other options will yield as good a result. The procedure can be done in the office under local anesthesia and costs between $1000-$2000.  Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Reza Tirgari, MD · Answer

The scar looks deep enough that a dermal filler would be a good starting point.  Once the skin is flat, resurfacing can be done either with laser or (with darker skin) through a series of peels and microneedling.  After enough sessions, the scar can be made almost invisible in most cases.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello vaishnav_reddi,When it comes to scars there are certain characteristics that make them more noticeable.  In your case it is the fact that the scar is depressed which makes it most noticeable.  This is best treated by first excising the old scar.  This may then be followed by lasers or dermabrasion, injections, and topical products.  I'd recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon given the scars location. I hope this helps and good luck.

Can this stitch mark on my forehead be removed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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