Should a scab ever be removed on facelift? (Photo)

Question

I had a "mini" facelift jan 2 (had full face lift 11 yrs ago) and there was a pretty good scab then, but this time it seems to have lingered more and even grown. I was given some advice to use hydrogen peroxide to soften and remove it, but not sure I trust that. Is there ever a case for that, or should i just leave it to nature? Thanks!

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

I wouldn't advise you to remove the scab yourself.  It can bleed and cause consternation for you.  However, your surgeon should gently remove it with sharp scissors.  After it is removed, the wound can be treated with an antibiotic ointment.  It will heal faster if this is done.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Richard O. Gregory, MD · Answer

Although uncommon this is due to poor circulation in the affected area and usually in front of or just behind the ear because the tissue is thin, stressed and under tension.  As noted by the other answers this can be handled in a variety of methods and should be discussed with your doctor.  In general if there any signs of infection then the scab  (also called an eschar) should be removed so that proper wound care can be done.  If the eschar is firmly attached  but not infected then it can be left in place as a biological dressing and it will loosen as the wound heals under it.  Usually the resulting scar (there is always one present) will be smaller than the eschar and can be revised if necessary after it has fully healed.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Dear net, thank you for your question. Specific facelift or mini lift questions like this should be addressed directly with your surgeon or a face to face second opinion. Good Luck!

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

The main concern regarding the manipulation of the scab is the resulting scar. It is possible that area of skin necrosed. This is not the normal course of healing but with careful management, the scar can be minimized. You are better off not picking at the scab. The hope is that the skin underlying the scab will contact a bit as it heals. You are better off using some type of ointment to soften it. Contact your surgeon so the scab can be evaluated.

Should a scab ever be removed on facelift? (Photo)

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Should a scab ever be removed on facelift? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Should a scab ever be removed on facelift?

Answer: Should a scab ever be removed on facelift?

Answer: Should a scab ever be removed on a facelift?

Answer: Should a scab ever be removed on a facelift?

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