Get Rid of Redness After Shave Biopsy?

Question

I had a shave biopsy done on my nose to remove a small lesion left from a cyst I had a few years ago (I figured it was a hypertrophic scar). The lesion came right back and the biopsy shows that is a dillated hair follicle with surrounding acanthosis.However, it is now red rather than skin-colored. Will cortisone injections help with either the redness or to reduce the mass itself? My doctor has said Candela laser will help with the redness but I am hesitant to undergo any more procedures.

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

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

The redness will likely resolve on its own with time. If you are needing the redness gone sooner rather than later, laser with pulse dye laser or IPL would be helpful. Cortisone injections reduce thickness of scars and reduce redness somewhat. Minimizing sun exposure during healing helps redness resolve faster too.

Anifat Balogun, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

To confirm, your primary concern is to reduce the redness of the nasal lesion, but not necessarily get rid of the lesion/cyst itself. I am not clear from your question what the interval was between the shave biopsy and recurrence of the cyst.

	Diffuse redness is best resolved using intense pulsed light (IPL), diode or pulsed dye lasers. An Nd:YAG laser can be helpful as well. If it has only been a few weeks or months since the shave biopsy and redness, you may be best served by waiting for the natural healing process to progress, at which point the redness will resolve on its own. We advise patients to use generous amounts of a broad spectrum (SPF 30 minimum) sunscreen and other sun protection while incisions are healing to prevent prolonged redness and hyperpigmentation

	Cortisone injections may not be helpful to reduce the mass itself, unless there is an element of inflammation.

Get Rid of Redness After Shave Biopsy?

Answers (3)