What can can be done to minimize the appearance of 5 month old steroid injection scar? (photos)

Question

I had this scar on my arm injected with steroids about 5 months ago. Since then there has been slight skin atrophy and lots of redness and veins coming from the scar. What can be done to make this scar the most invisible that it can be?

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize appearance as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Steroid injections can sometimes lead to skin atrophy and changes in the skin's color or texture. Here are some options that may help improve the appearance of your scar:
1) Topical Treatments: Silicone sheets or gels can help to reduce redness and improve the texture of scars. Vitamin E oil and certain creams or ointments containing ingredients like onion extract may also be beneficial.
2) Laser Therapy: Different types of lasers can be used to minimize the redness and improve the texture of scars. Pulsed dye lasers are often used to reduce redness, while fractional lasers can help to smooth the texture of the scar.
3) Fillers: If the scar is depressed due to atrophy, injectable fillers can be used to raise it to the level of the surrounding skin. This can make the scar less noticeable.
4) Microneedling: This involves using tiny needles to create controlled injuries to the skin, which can stimulate the production of collagen and help to improve the texture of the scar.
5) Surgery: In some cases, a scar revision surgery may be considered. This involves removing the scar and re-closing the wound, often in a different direction that can make the scar less noticeable.
6) Makeup: Cosmetic products specifically designed to cover scars can be a useful adjunct to other treatments.
It's important to consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to discuss these options and decide on the most appropriate treatment plan for your particular scar. Keep in mind that while these treatments can improve the appearance of scars, they may not be able to make them completely invisible.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Professionally performed, manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) accompanied by the application of prescription strength redness reducing topicals can help to better blend the scar in both color and texture with the surrounding normal skin. Revision surgery is not only expensive and engenders post-surgical downtime, but runs the risk for the subsequent development of stretch scars and even tram track stitch marks. The hard science to support the use of fraxel lasers and other expensive "bells and whistles" gizmos that may be hawked to you unfortunately lags well behind the social media buzz and marketing hype that promotes them. You would be wise to make sure to consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

I'd suggest scar gel such as Skin Medica Scar Recovery gel or Biocorneum.  You might also consider a vascular laser like intense pulsed light.

What can can be done to minimize the appearance of 5 month old steroid injection scar? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Manual Microneedling + Rx Redness Reducing Meds For Better Blending Scars With Surrounding Normal Skin

Answer: Manual Microneedling + Rx Redness Reducing Meds For Better Blending Scars With Surrounding Normal Skin

Answer: Scar therapy

Answer: Scar therapy

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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

What can can be done to minimize the appearance of 5 month old steroid injection scar? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Manual Microneedling + Rx Redness Reducing Meds For Better Blending Scars With Surrounding Normal Skin

Answer: Manual Microneedling + Rx Redness Reducing Meds For Better Blending Scars With Surrounding Normal Skin

Answer: Scar therapy

Answer: Scar therapy

Browse related questions

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.