2mm punch excision healing. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

2 weeks ago I had an acne scar re-excised with a 2mm punch. The PS used 2 stitches this time as the wound opened last time. The external stitches came out 1 week ago today. There were no internal stitches. The wound is closed and looks well approximated but the area directly above and below the ends of the incision are really raised which is making things look awful. I'm terrified that these are dog ears and things will always look this bad. Am I healing normally? Will things get better?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi IA.  It looks like you still have a fairly significant indentation where the scar was excised.  To smooth out the area, you may consider fractional laser resurfacing.  Take a look at an Orange County, California scar removal patient (link below) that came to us after lacerations to the forehead sustained in a car accident.  After 3 resurfacing procedures, her scars are much less visible.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This looks larger than a 2mm punch to me, multiple sutures are typically not needed to close a small punch.  Please post before photos for us to give advice. At this point, a combination of subcision, lasers or radiofrequency, followed by bellafill would be best.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Greg Chernoff, MD · Answer

I t is common to be anxious in the early healing period. I have found that it takes at least 6 months to see the final result from an excision such as you had. Wearing some scar tape or scar gel can aid the healing process.Share your concern with your doctor so as to keep communication open. There are many other techniques to ensure meticulous healing in this situation.

2mm punch excision healing. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (3)