How Do You Prevent Scarring After Sutures Have Been Removed on the Face?

Question

I recently had sutures on my face (below my brow bone and underneath my eye). The sutures were removed a week later. Right now, I think I have been taking the right preventative measures-leaving the area moist by applying Mederma at least 3-4 times a day? I also use sunscreen/sunblock of SPF110 when leaving the house. Is there anything else I should be doing? Given this my face, I am a little worried. Also, there is some redness the area. Anything to be worried about? Thank you!

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

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Once the skin is penetrated/injured, a scar is permanent.  I usually have patients keep it taped for 6 weeks or longer and somtimnes use topicals, always recommend sunblock, and soemtimes suggest silicone sheeting.  Lasers to improve the color are not on the top of my list.

Carla R. Retief, MD · Answer

When sutures are removed the scar is generally red and sometimes bumpy.  Treatment every 2 weeks with the Vbeam laser after suture removal has been proven to improve scarring and hasten the healing process.  Wearing flesh-colored paper tape over the areas 24 hours a day for the first 2 weeks is also very helpful in eliminating the redness and promoting a smooth scar.  Keeping air off the scar is, in general, very helpful so any occlusive cream or ointment will help it heal faster.  Mederma is not very effective on scars in my opinion.  There has never been a controlled study comparing Mederma to anything else or to placebo.  It's worthless.  Definitely wear sunscreen over the scars.

Brent Spencer, MD · Answer

Anytime the skin is cut, scarring resutls.  So the answer to your question directly is that you can't per se prevent scarring after sutures have been removed.  You can take some steps to ensure that the scar heals in the best way possible.  Keeping the area moist helps, but you really don't need to do this for more than a week after the suture removal.  Save your money on the Mederma, numerous studies have shown that it does not work.  The sunblock is a great idea, as this will help prevent post surgical hyperpigmentation (darker skin).  Your redness should gradually fade after the surgery.  Sometimes if there is an exuberant redness response, I will use the pulsed dye laser to help with the redness and scarring.

How Do You Prevent Scarring After Sutures Have Been Removed on the Face?

Answers (4)

Answer: Unfortunately you are going to have a scar regardless

Answer: Unfortunately you are going to have a scar regardless

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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How Do You Prevent Scarring After Sutures Have Been Removed on the Face?

Answers (4)

Answer: Unfortunately you are going to have a scar regardless

Answer: Unfortunately you are going to have a scar regardless

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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