Treatment for Red, Flat Burn Scar?

Question

I have a 7-year-old burn scar on my arm. It's red in color but not raised beyond its original borders. Is there treatment for this and what are approximate costs? I live in the Ann Arbor, MI area.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

It's not clear how recent the burn occurred, but most burns scars that are red in appearance will gradually fade with diligent sunscreen use.  Being that your son is quite young, many practitioners may want to take a wait and see approach.  If a pracitioners determines he condition, maturity level, and skin type are appropriate for lasers, we recommend the pulsed dye laser. 

	In our practice, we use the VSTAR laser for these conditions with excellent outcomes.  Please visit the below link for before/after photos and more information.

	Regardless of your decision, the use of sunscreen on a daily basis will be a great starting point.

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

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

If there is a blood vessel component responsible for the red appearance of the scar, the appearance of the scar may improve with vascular laser/light therapies including the pulsed-dye laser and IPL (Intense pulsed light). I would check with board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists in your area for a face-to-face evaluation pricing. Good luck.

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