How can I remove an old sunken scar from an injury? (photos)

Question

I have a sunken scar which has around 8 years next to my eye that runs from the end of my eyebrow to the tip of my eye, I got it when I was little while I was running and I fell and hit my face with the handle of a butane or a gas cylinder, I had 3 stiches. What can I do to remove it?

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

When scars are fully matured, i.e. have been present for at least a year, as is the case here, there are a variety of approaches that can be considered. For over twenty years, subcision has proven an easy and effective method for permanently elevating depressed scars of various types, including traumatic scars and acne scars. Subcision is a procedure in which a sterilized needle is inserted, following the administration of local anesthesia, directly beneath a depressed scar (regardless of whether from acne, infection, trauma, or surgery) and used to break up the thick bands of fibrous scar tissue that bind down the surface and create the depression. Breaking up the abnormal bands of thickened, scar collagen accomplishes two things. First, it allows the surface of the scar to float to the surface. In addition, the tissue fluid that immediately fills the space following treatment contains growth factors and other wound healing substances that promote neocollagenesis, native collagen production, that allows for improvement and elevation of the scars. Between two to four treatments, spaced at six week intervals, are generally required to promote sufficient new collagen to achieve a satisfactory improvement. Since, the collagen produced is one's own, the results of subcision are typically permanent. A small amount of collagen-stimulating volumizer, such as Radiesse, may be instilled right after treatment to further promote neocollagenesis (new, native collagen formation). Fractional microneedle therapy aka medical microneedling (or dermarolling) works by creating numerous areas of controlled microwounding that set off in turn a cascade of events that result in new, native collagen synthesis, which translates into healthier, thicker skin that improves the appearance of the underlying scars. It is particularly useful for improving the surface tone and texture of skin to enhance blending with the surrounding normal skin. In this case, it would be helpful for improving what appears to be a background of acne scarring.Unfortunately, to date I have not been impressed with laser success rates nor the actual degree of overall aesthetic improvement with their use. When it comes to lasers, there is an abundance of media hype and a dearth of rigorous scientific support. Scarabrasion, in which the scar is first surgically excised and then followed up by manually dermasanding the area about eight to twelve weeks later, is certainly a possibility. However, subcision is much simpler, requires no stitches or surface healing and would seem to me to be the treatment of first choice in this case. Consultation with a board certified aesthetic core physician with extensive experience and expertise in all forms of scar treatment is essential.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

From your photo, the scar above your eye appears depressed.  It may be possible to improve the scar with the injection of a filler to raise it, but a more permanent option would be to have a surgical scar revision.  This procedure would ideally trade your scar for one that is flat and less noticeable.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

As seen in the posted photo the scar in question needs revision in my over the internet opinion...//

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The only option is to try a scar revision, but there is absolutely no guarantee that it would be better, and may even be worse afterwards.

How can I remove an old sunken scar from an injury? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: How can I remove an old sunken scar from an injury

Answer: How can I remove an old sunken scar from an injury

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Answer: Scar on side of upper lid

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How can I remove an old sunken scar from an injury? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: How can I remove an old sunken scar from an injury

Answer: How can I remove an old sunken scar from an injury

Answer: Scar on side of upper lid

Answer: Scar on side of upper lid

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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