How to reduce appearance of shin scar? (photo)

Question

I received a deep graze to my shin after slipping from a box. The incident occurred 4 months ago however a large scar persists and highly visible. Is there anything I can do to help the reddish/purple scar lighten in colour so it's not so obvious?

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for the question!  It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year.  In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar.  The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage.  Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible.  Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids.  In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process.  If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself.  The appearance will likely to improve over time.  The location is very difficult as there is much tension in this area and a paucity of laxity of skin/soft tissue at that area.  Steroids and or surgical scar revision may likely be considered in the future.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Non invasive therapies are - IPL, Hydroquinone creams, massages."Tweener" therapies are - Dermarollers with Vit E/C + PRP at 2mm depth 3 sessions fee $3,000 range.Invasive therapies are - scar revision with layered closure or w-plasty repair + BOTOX micro droplets to wound edges. fee from $3,000.

Jennifer Deaver, MD · Answer

Dear Patient, Some patients experience very red scars which can persist for months after an injury. This is because of the wound healing process. After an injury/wound, an increased number of small blood vessels form at the site of the wound/injury. This aids in bringing in healing factors and cells involved with wound repair. The increased redness in the scar is therefore due to this increased number of small blood vessels. Overtime, these small blood vessels will resolve on their own, but it can take up 12 months to occur. To help speed this process along, vascular lasers, which target hemoglobin in the blood, can be used. These lasers heat the small blood vessels which helps them to close and resolve slowly over a few treatments. As a result, patients will gradually see the redness in their scar(s) fade out. Types of vascular lasers most commonly used for red scars include Intense Pulsed Light and Pulsed Dye Laser. Warm regards, Dr. Peterson

How to reduce appearance of shin scar? (photo)

Answers (4)

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