Scar Revision on Open Heart Surgery Scars?

Question

I had open heart surgery at the age of 10 and hate my scar. I am now 40 years old (female). Can they do Scar revisions on this type of scar?

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

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, you may be able to have revision of your chest scar from heart surgery. It all depends upon how it looks and what you expect in terms of a result. Without evaluating your scar and taking a history, it would be difficult to tell.

Elan B. Singer, MD · Answer

In general, no. The chest doesn't heal well after open heart surgery procedures. It's just one of those places that heal poorly with regard to scarring. Thus, any scar revision would likely result in the same type of scar. Having said that, it's difficult to give you an accurate opinion without seeing you in person. If you had a terrible keloid scar (growing outside the boundries of your wound) then scar revision may improve it but this would be the extreme minority of cases. Sorry, I don't have better news for you.

Scar Revision on Open Heart Surgery Scars?

Answers (3)

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