Which is the Best Way to Remove Facial Surgery Scars Obtained Recently?

Question

Any further plastic surgery required? Thanks.

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

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Scars are the result of injury and healing. All scars go through a predictable process of healing with unpredictable results.
Typically wounds are inflammed for 3-4 days, followed by a phase of proliferation lasting 6 weeks during which they enlarge as well as become thicker, wider and more red.
After 6 weeks and up to 2 years scars undergo a process called maturation at which point they become thinner and last red.
Generally we allow 3 months (12 weeks to elapse) prior to beginning to consider scar revision. During this time non-surgical interventions such as taping, massage, silicone gel sheeting, sun protection, etc are utilized.
There are a small group of physicians who believe that more agressive  interventions sooner than this may help scars. This includes the use of lasers, IPL, dermabrasion, etc. However, this remains primarily anecdotal and largely unproven.
Although the use of Vitamin E, cocoa butter, Mederma, aloe vera are polular touted, the benefits remain essentially unproven as well.

Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH · Answer

Depending on how "recently obtained" your facial surgery scars are, they may actually heal very well by themselves and even fade to nearly invisible. The best scars do this. The ability to do this is 50% the skill and technique of the surgeon, and 50% your own body's wound healing biology. My patients are always amazed to hear that scars don't reach their "final" look for about a year, and their "final final" look by 2 years. The truth is.... scars continue to improve every single day, even after that.

	If your scars are really a problem, see a careful and talented plastic surgeon or dermatologic surgeon for evaluation, but don't rush to do anything right away. Waiting as long as possible always leaves the least amount to do, with the best possible outcome. Scar revision surgery, laser, massage, and other techniques can be brought to the table to help.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	If the wound is closed, you will probably be best served by waiting until the scar tissue matures. See a local plastic surgeon who can examine you to determine your best course of action.

	 

	Best Regards,

	 

	John Di Saia MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Scars are permanent. However, you can sometime s reduce the appearance of the scars especially if they are not healing well. This can be done with scar revision, silicone sheeting, paper tape, massage, to name a few.

Which is the Best Way to Remove Facial Surgery Scars Obtained Recently?

Answers (5)

Answer: Scar maturation first...then re-assess

Answer: Scar maturation first...then re-assess

Answer: Facial surgery scars

Answer: Facial surgery scars

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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Which is the Best Way to Remove Facial Surgery Scars Obtained Recently?

Answers (5)

Answer: Scar maturation first...then re-assess

Answer: Scar maturation first...then re-assess

Answer: Facial surgery scars

Answer: Facial surgery scars

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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.