Indented scar (line) on face after mole excision and allergic reaction to sutures. Will laser resurfacing help?

Question

Mole excised 6 months ago. Vertical excision between my nasolabial fold and my philtrum. One inch long. I had a reaction to the sutures -- inflamed and swollen for a week & then allergic to the Monocryl. Localized hives and cheek flushing which spread to body-wide hives. Hives are finally gone! Scar is an indented line with slightly raised outer edges. I think due to all the inflammation while healing? How long should I give it to fill in before I look into revision? Can laser resurfacing help?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It really takes a full year for a scar to remodel,  You might want to start some gentle massage and a scar cream such as Mederma or Scar Guard, and of course, meticulous sun protection is also important.  If you are still unhappy with the scar at the end of a year, you could see your board certified dermatologist to discuss microneedling or laser if you have a skin type that would be appropriate for treatment, but be sure you check the experience level and credentials of your physician.  Best of luck!

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Typically it takes a scar about 1 year to fully mature. Silicone sheeting can help with scar formation, as can massage. But, honestly, time is the best thing. Laser resurfacing may help, depending on the depth of the laser - usually CO2 laser is a good laser for scars - but you can be somewhat persistently red for weeks, and depending on your skin type (if you have darker skin), it may not be the best treatment for you. If you need a revision, I would suggest speaking with your Plastic Surgeon and coming up with a plan - it may be reasonable to start with a laser and then if that doesn't yield acceptable results move onto revision surgery. Best of luck!

Indented scar (line) on face after mole excision and allergic reaction to sutures. Will laser resurfacing help?

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Indented scar (line) on face after mole excision and allergic reaction to sutures. Will laser resurfacing help?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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