Ask a doctor

How Can I Remove a Finger Nail Scratch Scar on Face?

My husband hit me by scratching my face. Now, I have a long thin line scar on my cheek right under my right eye. How can I remove this scar?

Doctor Answers 2

Fixing scar on face

April 23rd, 2011
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

There are several options for improving the scar on your face. Certainly time alone will help, but we can expedite things with a topical tretinoin cream as well at night and sunscreen in the morning. If the scar has been there a little while, we can try chemical peels or microdermabrasion, although if the scar is too deep, we may need to do laser resurfacing with a fractionated laser (e.g. Profractional). 

Benjamin Barankin, MD


Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 42 reviews

Facial scars will improve on their own for 12 months - wait that long before considering surgery

April 23rd, 2011
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Facial scars will improve on their own for 12 months. Over the counter scar gels and sun protection will help in the meantime. I agree with the options proposed by my colleague but would also add that spot dermabrasion (office procedure) can be very quick and helpful.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Web reference: http://weberfacialplasticsurgery.com/scar-treatments/

Stephen Weber, MD, FACS

Stephen Weber, MD, FACS
Denver Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 123 reviews

Related content

View all Scar Removal reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.