Scalp scar from a sebaceous cyst removal. What can be done to reduce the scar? (Photo)

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

Often this requires micropigment tattooing or hair transplantation or both.  It is rare that the hair will grow back if it has been damaged. The scar itself can be improved with microneedling or lasers but if you put hair over it you wont see it. Scar revisions can be performed but often still leave you with a patch of hair loss. Best, Dr. Emer.

Your widened scar can be improved. The options range from scar revision during which the scar would be removed and carefully repaired. This might require what is called "serial excision" during which the scar would be removed in 2-3 stages depending upon how tight your scalp tissue is. You could also consider a small hair transplant procedure or, in some cases, scalp tattooing can adequately camouflage this type of scar. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon