How should I treat this large keloid scar on chest? (Photo)

Question

Had surgery 2 years ago on chest and the scar did not heal properly and is currently raised and red and I am very self confident about it. What treatment would work best to treat it?

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

From the photos provided, there appears to be a simple keloid scar. If so, the treatment of choice is intralesional injections of an anti-inflammatory agent. Ocassionally, more than one anti-inflammatory agent is needed in varying concentrations and amounts. But, in general, this is a fairly straightforward process. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with scar treatment experience. Beware of all the inflated claims for the use of expensive "bells and whistles" lasers and other gizmos, since the hard science to back up their use lags well behind the heavy marketing hype and social media buzz to promote them. Best of luck.

How should I treat this large keloid scar on chest? (Photo)

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How should I treat this large keloid scar on chest? (Photo)

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