Post-lift upper facelift scar doesn't heal after 1.5 years, what should I do? (Photo)

Question

Hello, a year+ ago I had an upper facelift (temporal), scars on both sides are very stretched and fragile. On the one side there is a small wound that doesn't heal.Sometimes it's small puss filled inflamation, sometimes just opens split. Then the crust forms, stays in place for a month or more, but when it falls off there's still a small open wound. Exactly same spot. Surgeon suggested nothing.Other surgeon said it's a perm suture, but couldn't find it. What should I do?

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

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulty you're experiencing with your healing process. It's important to address this issue carefully. Here are a few steps you might consider:

Seek a Second Opinion: It may be beneficial to consult with another board-certified plastic surgeon or a dermatologist who specializes in post-surgical wound care. They can provide a fresh perspective and may identify underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Wound Care Specialist: Consider seeing a wound care specialist. Persistent wounds might require specialized treatments, such as advanced dressings, debridement, or other therapies that promote healing.

Investigate Possible Infection: If there is inflammation and pus, it might indicate an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics. A culture of the wound could help identify any bacterial cause.

Review Surgical Records: Request a copy of your surgical records to understand what materials were used during your facelift. This information could be crucial if a permanent suture or other foreign body is contributing to the issue.

Non-Surgical Treatments: Some non-surgical treatments, such as laser therapy or steroid injections, might help improve the appearance of scars or promote healing.

Consider Allergies: Explore the possibility of an allergic reaction to suture material or topical products used on the wound.

Nutritional and Health Assessment: Ensure that your overall health, including nutrition and any underlying medical conditions, is optimized for healing.

Remember, it is important to address these concerns promptly and with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Your situation requires a tailored approach, and working with a specialist can help determine the best course of action.

Post-lift upper facelift scar doesn't heal after 1.5 years, what should I do? (Photo)

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Post-lift upper facelift scar doesn't heal after 1.5 years, what should I do? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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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.