How can I remove scars from a colectomy? (photo)

Question

I have some scars left over from a partial colectomy due to colon cancer. They really bother me and I was wondering if it is possible to remove them completely and if so how?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Keloid scars are characterized by their growth potential and increased degree of inflammation within the skin. Unlike non-inflamed scars, keloids have the potential for growth beyond the original footprint of injury. Our office specializes in the management of keloids, whether single or multiple, using a combination platform that includes lasers, RF, scar modulation, Parke-Davis Scar Protocols, and injection therapy. Some keloids will require surgical intervention as an initial step for treatment.

Massaging your scar can reduce inflammatory mediators that are responsible for chronic inflammation and scar overgrowth. It’s a rather simple technique that inactivates celluar inflammation mechanisms that can lead to keloid and hypertrophic scars. Start by applying a thin coat of Plato's Scar Serum twice daily to the scar and gently massaging the scar footprint. Be gentle, taking care not to slough off newly formed skin and reducing shear force on the dermis. This is ideal for new and old scars. 
•	Twice daily application of a scar gel. 
•	Scar modulation with gentle massage.
•	Intralesional injections in case there is overgrowth of scar tissue.
•	Vascular lasers for neovascularization of scars.
•	Stimulatory injections for scar atrophy. 
Scar gels work well, but should be combined with a physician-directed protocol to reduce scar formation and reduce scar visibility.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
The Scar Doctor
Realself100 Surgeon

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear Nice7453,Laser and steroids are helpful for hypertrophic scars but will never replicate the result of surgical revision with a tension free closure. Lasers and steroids can be added during and after surgery to lower your risk of scar formation. I have performed hundreds of scar revisions, and usually tension on the scar or tethering of the scar is the culprit. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.Good luck,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.

·      Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

·      Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

·      RealSelf Top Doctor

·      Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

·      Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

·      RealSelf Top Doctor

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it's difficult to determine the best solution for you without the benefit of a formal evaluation. Generally speaking, scars can be improved with a combination of surgery and/or lasers and microneedling with PRP. Below is a more detailed reference list of the treatments available. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert to determine which is best for your specific case. Best, Dr. Emer   1. Vascular lasers (Yellow laser, V-Beam, Excel V) 2. Fractional lasers (Fraxel, Erbium, CO2) 3. Microneedling/PRP 4. Silicone-based scar gels with growth factors 5. Excision / revision surgery   See an expert to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nice7453,
there are no options to completely remove scars. However, it can be improved with a combination approach using laser treatment, microneedling, prp or maybe even scar revision surgery. If you are considering a treatment, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on your photographs, your colectomy scars can likely be improved with a surgical scar revision.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Sutton Graham II, MD · Answer

Plastic surgeons endeavor to avoid, hide and minimize scars, because we are unable to actually eliminate all scars.  The photo shows a lower abdominal scar that appears to be overgrown (hypertrophic) which can be treated with silicone scar sheets or silicone scar gel, some lasers and occasionally with scar revision surgery.  The other smaller scars could have scar gel treatment.  The most common way we remove lower abdominal scars is actually during tummy tuck, in which loose skin and old c-section or other scars are removed and replaced with another favorable scar.  So in answer to your question, no it is not possible to completely remove the pictured scars.  Best wishes.

How can I remove scars from a colectomy? (photo)

Answers (6)

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