Which procedure would be best for treating the atrophic scar on my forehead after cyst removal? (photos)

Question

Last week I had a sizable cyst removed from the middle of my forehead and it's left me with a horrific atrophic scar. It's wreaking havoc on my self-esteem and I can scarcely stand to look at myself in the mirror anymore. What are the best treatment options for this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that this has happened to you. There is a window of opportunity for treating an incipient scar during which appropriate treatment is most likely to achieve optimal improvement. That interval is between the end of week four after the surgery (when the wound is now strong enough to withstand treatment) and the end of week twelve (when the wound is considered "mature." )  So, fortunately, you are well within the window of opportunity.  Subcision, which I have been performing since 1995, has a proven track record for both safety and efficacy in all skin types for elevating and smoothing all kinds of indented, atrophic scars, including those from surgery as in this case. Professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the added risks and expense of RF Microneedling), which I have been performing for nearly twenty-five years can then be used to better blend the surface of the scar in both color and texture with the surrounding normal skin. You would be wise to avail yourself of this current window of opportunity and consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist and best of luck.

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

Which procedure would be best for treating the atrophic scar on my forehead after cyst removal? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal Surgery

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Which procedure would be best for treating the atrophic scar on my forehead after cyst removal? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.