Deep scars from cheek piercing revision - How would you lesson the appearance? (photos)

Question

I have deep scars from prior cheek piercing. How would you lesson the appearance? I'm okay with trading my deep depressions with a flat scar.

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Depressed scars can be improved with vascular lasers like Yellow laser, BBL, or Excel V when they are red --- and with CO2 spot treatments, fillers, microneedling with PRP, and subcision to help with texture and blending. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer​

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I am always reluctant to recommend scar revision surgery, particularly in areas subject to a great deal of muscular tension or movement, which can lead to the subsequent development of off-white or ivory colored stretch scars and even tram-track stitch marks. Subcision is a simple, proven technique for elevating and smoothing all kinds of indented, depressed, atrophic scars and has a nearly three decades long track record for safety and efficacy in all skin types. Once more elevated, professionally performed microneedling accompanied by the application of prescription-strength pigment enhancers, such as topical tyrosine and lanatoprost can be used to help restore more normal skin texture and color. Make sure to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Jamé Heskett, MD · Answer

Hi, I would definitely start with some Carboxytherapy to loosen the adhesion of the scar tissue causing the pulling in of the skin. Once that was softened, I would use filler to soften it more fully. Trying to put filler in without softening the tissue will only result in an uneven appearance, Also, you will use less filler if you soften the adhesions first and rejuvenate the tissue where it was damaged. 
I hope that gives you a good option for your situation
All the best, 
Dr. Heskett

M. Shuja Shafqat, MD · Answer

Good morning,
There are several options for this. You would need to be seen in person to make a formal assessment. However, it appears that the scar is indented. This would be challenging to treat with minimally invasive methods. You may need to have the scar tissue removed and a new scar made. As you mentioned, it would be a new scar but flatter. You should see a board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon in person to make a formal assessment. Best of luck!

Deep scars from cheek piercing revision - How would you lesson the appearance? (photos)

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Answer: How to improve deep scars on the face ?

Answer: How to improve deep scars on the face ?

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Deep scars from cheek piercing revision - How would you lesson the appearance? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: How to improve deep scars on the face ?

Answer: How to improve deep scars on the face ?

Answer: Cheek scar

Answer: Cheek scar

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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.