Second scar revision? What can be done about a small yet noticeable stomach scar?

Question

I had a simple cut out and re-sew scar revision for a burn scar on my stomach. There is still a part of the original scar that wasn’t removed because of the irregular shape. The scar seems to have widened, especially at the top and I am very disheartened. I would like to make the scar as thin and unnoticeable as possible as well as address the part that is sticking out on the bottom. Would a second revision make sense? What can be done? Thank you

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear emastar,
scar prevention begins in the OR during the surgery when I meticulously close wounds in multiple layers in order to reduce tension and reduce scars width. I tape my incisions during the early postoperative period to reduce micromotions of the tissues so the incision can heal earlier. I also use compression garments and later Biocorneum gel.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to determine the best solution for you without the benefit of a formal evaluation. Generally speaking, scars can be improved with a combination of surgery and/or lasers and microneedling with PRP. Below is a more detailed reference list of the treatments available. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert to determine which is best for your specific case. 
Options can include:
1. Vascular lasers (BBL, Yellow laser, V-Beam, Excel V) 
2. Fractional lasers (Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo) 
3. Microneedling/PRP 
4. Silicone-based scar gels with growth factors 
5. Excision/revision surgery 
See an expert to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer​

Second scar revision? What can be done about a small yet noticeable stomach scar?

Answers (3)

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