Which procedure would minimize the appearance of a 10 year old chemical burn scar? (photo)

Question

About 10 years ago I developed a scar from a chemical burn. Two years ago I decided to try to treat since it was becoming more prominent with age. I have tried CO2 laser twice, a Mixto laser, Vbeam twice, and multiple sessions of microneedling with latisse. It is really the dark park that bothers me. It has not improved with these treatments.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A steroid injection should help.  Another option is to excise and close.  This will still leave a scar but flat and thin.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

For a 10-year-old chemical burn scar that has not responded well to previous treatments such as CO2 laser, Mixto laser, Vbeam, and microneedling with Latisse, there are a few other options you might consider to help minimize its appearance:

Fractional Laser Treatment: While you've tried CO2 and Mixto lasers, consulting with a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon who specializes in laser treatments might help. They can assess whether a different type of fractional laser might be more effective for your specific scar type.

Topical Treatments: Prescription-strength topical creams that contain hydroquinone, retinoids, or other skin-lightening agents may help reduce pigmentation over time.

Chemical Peels: Depending on the depth and type of your scar, a series of chemical peels might help improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation.

Silicone Gel or Sheets: These can be effective in softening and flattening raised scars and may also help with pigmentation over time.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: This treatment can target pigmentation issues and may be beneficial for reducing the dark appearance of the scar.

Steroid Injections: If the scar is raised, steroid injections might help flatten it, which can also impact the appearance of the pigmentation.

Consultation for Surgical Options: In some cases, surgical revision of the scar might be an option. This is especially considered when other treatments have not yielded satisfactory results.

It is important to have a thorough consultation with a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon to evaluate your scar and discuss these options. They can provide personalized advice and help create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Which procedure would minimize the appearance of a 10 year old chemical burn scar? (photo)

Answers (3)

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