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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
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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, FRCPC


Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 55 reviews

April 23rd, 2011

Fixing scar on face

{{ 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). 


Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

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

April 23rd, 2011
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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
April 23rd, 2011

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

{{ 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

Learn more: http://weberfacialplasticsurgery.com/scar-treatments/

Stephen Weber, MD, FACS
*Treatment results may vary

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