My nose bridge skin was cut open about a month ago and I got 4 stitches and now it’s scarred up seems I have keloid need advice. Been putting on silicone gel during the day and gel sheet at night didn’t help. Can I get steroid injection or laser now? What else can I do?
Answer: Hidef Protocols for Scar Revision Keloid scars are characterized by their growth potential and increased degree of inflammation within the skin. Unlike non-inflamed scars, keloids have the potential for growth beyond the original footprint of injury. Our office specializes in the management of keloids, whether single or multiple, using a combination platform that includes lasers, RF, scar modulation, Parke-Davis Scar Protocols, and injection therapy. Some keloids will require surgical intervention as an initial step for treatment.
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Answer: Hidef Protocols for Scar Revision Keloid scars are characterized by their growth potential and increased degree of inflammation within the skin. Unlike non-inflamed scars, keloids have the potential for growth beyond the original footprint of injury. Our office specializes in the management of keloids, whether single or multiple, using a combination platform that includes lasers, RF, scar modulation, Parke-Davis Scar Protocols, and injection therapy. Some keloids will require surgical intervention as an initial step for treatment.
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December 25, 2018
Answer: Immature scar care As plastic surgeons, we classify abnormal scarring based on the growth of the scar relative to its original borders. Scars that grow thick and/or discolored over time but stay within the boundaries of the original scar are labelled hypertrophic, while those that continue to grow beyond those margins are labelled keloids. Semantics aside, in your case, you appear to have an immature scar that is continuing to undergo the process of scar maturation. Unforunately, this process takes weeks and continues for as long as a year and a half, during which the scar flattens and lightens in color as the body sends less blood and supplies to the area. Luckily, your scar does not appear to be growing outside its original boundaries, so I would recommend optimizing scar care and lots of patience. You can massage the scar with light pressure (enough to push the blood out of the scar and make it change colors) for a few minutes 3-5 times a day to expedite the softening of the scar and regular sunblock application to avoid hyperpigmentation of the scar. Self-adhering silicone sheets can also be applied, but they need to stay on the scar for at least 12-16 hours a day to be helpful. It's a little early to think about scar revision, which usually entails excising the ugly scar and reclosing the healthy edges. I think you'll get a good result with some observant management. Luckily it's winter and the sun's not as intense, especially up there in Maine. Good luck!
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December 25, 2018
Answer: Immature scar care As plastic surgeons, we classify abnormal scarring based on the growth of the scar relative to its original borders. Scars that grow thick and/or discolored over time but stay within the boundaries of the original scar are labelled hypertrophic, while those that continue to grow beyond those margins are labelled keloids. Semantics aside, in your case, you appear to have an immature scar that is continuing to undergo the process of scar maturation. Unforunately, this process takes weeks and continues for as long as a year and a half, during which the scar flattens and lightens in color as the body sends less blood and supplies to the area. Luckily, your scar does not appear to be growing outside its original boundaries, so I would recommend optimizing scar care and lots of patience. You can massage the scar with light pressure (enough to push the blood out of the scar and make it change colors) for a few minutes 3-5 times a day to expedite the softening of the scar and regular sunblock application to avoid hyperpigmentation of the scar. Self-adhering silicone sheets can also be applied, but they need to stay on the scar for at least 12-16 hours a day to be helpful. It's a little early to think about scar revision, which usually entails excising the ugly scar and reclosing the healthy edges. I think you'll get a good result with some observant management. Luckily it's winter and the sun's not as intense, especially up there in Maine. Good luck!
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