What should I do to improve my wound after punch excision? (Photo)

Question

I had a punch excision in January to remove an ice pic scar. Unfortunately, once the stitches were removed, the wound opened up creating a hole. I had a fractional C02 laser treatment on it to help but wondered if there were any treatments that you could recommend for me to have. The dr has offered to redo the treatment, however I'm scared the same will happen, leaving an even bigger hole. Thanks in advance.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have personally been performing TCA CROSS for treating ice pick scars and dilated pores for over twenty-three years. It has a proven track record for both safety and efficacy in all skin types and is therefore my treatment of choice for these problems. For years already I have been cautioning my regular followers that surgical procedures, including punch excistons, particularly in areas subject to static or dynamic (muscular motion-related) tension run the risk for the development of stretch scars (which appears to be the case here) and even for tram track stitch marks. So, I share the concern that further surgery can run the risk for further widening.  Likewise, I have been cautioning my regular followers for many years that the expensive "bells and whistles" gizmos, like fraxel lasers. are unfortunately far more backed by marketing and social media hype than hard science. So, I am also not surprised that there was little improvement from that approach  Possible approaches include the use of subcision to elevate and smooth the scar or, while appearing somewhat wider than an ordinary ice pick TCA CROSS may still prove useful. You would be wise to consult an experienced, board certified cosemtic dermatologist. Best of luck.

What should I do to improve my wound after punch excision? (Photo)

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What should I do to improve my wound after punch excision? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Punch Excision

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