How to prevent/treat scarring after bad knee scrape? (photos)

Question

I fell of my bike 2.5 months ago and had a bad scrape on my left knee. For the first 30 days, I put on Vaseline and a new bandaid each day after a shower. For days 31-75, I kept a Scaraway silicone sheet on the site for nearly 24 hours a day, but it looks like a scar is still forming. My body tends to form dark scars easily and I have some at other locations. How can I prevent or treat the scar on my knee?

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! Sounds like you've done proactive treatment so far to help the scar heal well. At this point, it may be worth visiting with a surgeon who has the ability to treat scars with options like IPL or laser. IPL can help to reduce coloration depending on the intensity and location. Laser options can be useful to resurface the skin which hasn't healed optimally. It does take scars upwards of 12 months to fully heal so there is still time. In the interim, using silicone sheeting and protecting from the scar from the sun is very important. Hope this helps!

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

Luis A. Perez, DO · Answer

The sooner you start the treatment the better the outcome you will have. Using micro-needling with radio-frequency will ameliorate these scars appearance. Look into Morpheus8 for scar treatment. Again, the longer you wait the worse results you will have with any intervention. 
Hope this helps, 
Dr. P

How to prevent/treat scarring after bad knee scrape? (photos)

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How to prevent/treat scarring after bad knee scrape? (photos)

Answers (3)

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