What can I do to lighten and flatten my hypertrophic/keloid scar? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I'm 5 months post op and concerned if the scar is getting thicker than average scar healing process. What can I do to lighten and flatten? I'm currently using Dermatix Ultra 2x daily. I have history of keloid skin from chickenpox

Terrence Scamp, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hello there Your scar is still very early .It doesn't show any signs of keloid . Only mild hypertrophy .I would recommend that you apply silicone gel sheet to it for 3 months and see how it progresses .Even with no treatment the natural history is it is likely to improve over the next 18 months .Asian skin can react to laser and light source treatments by going dark so I wouldn't risk that if I were you .Just the simple silicone gel patch should be fine .CheersTS

Terence Goh, MBBS, MRCS(Ed), FAMS (Plast Surg) · Answer

Dear kimchijigae,Thank you for your question and sharing your photos. Your scars still look acceptable at 5 months and this is the average healing process. This is not a keloid scar and there is only slightly hypertrophy of the scar and erythema which is still very acceptable, especially in Asian patients. You have up to 12 months to modulate the scar. Please continue to use the Dermatix Ultra until the scar completely flattens (until 12 months). On top of that you should apply sunblock SPF 35 and above to the scar. This should be done every 3-4 hours (8am, 12pm and 4pm) and more if you are swimming or sweating profusely. The sunblock will help to prevent the scar from being pigmented. Pulse dye laser can also be done to reduce the redness of the scar and injections of steroids may be helpful if the scar continues to thicken. See your plastic surgeon early if you are concerned.I hope this answers your question. Have a great week ahead and all the best!Dr. Terence Goh
Plastic Surgeon, SingaporeMBBS (S'pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (S’pore)Fellow, Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Plastic Surgery)President, Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons (SAPS)International Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Keloid scars are characterized by their growth potential and increased degree of inflammation within the skin. Unlike non-inflamed scars, keloids have the potential for growth beyond the original footprint of injury. Our office specializes in the management of keloids, whether single or multiple, using a combination platform that includes lasers, RF, scar modulation, Parke-Davis Scar Protocols, and injection therapy. Some keloids will require surgical intervention as an initial step for treatment. 
Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself 100 Surgeon

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I recommend silicone gel application such as the one you have to be used regularly for 4-6 months and silicone sheeting can be even more aggressive for hypertrophic scars. It can take up to a year for a scar to mature and sun protection during this time is also very important. I recommend that you follow up with your Plastic surgeon if not improved in a few more months.All the best

F. True Lansden, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I continue to recommend silicone gel sheeting or Scar Guard, which contains silicone, starting approximately three weeks after surgery.  This can help remove some of the redness and raised portions of the scar.  If these scars persist after six months, laser and other treatments become an option.

Victor M. Perez, MD, FACS · Answer

You do not have a keloid, you have an hypertrophic scar, which are not the same.The best treatment is to be patient and wait for your body to heal, but if you want to do something now, you can try laser or IPL treatment, most hypertrophic scars get better with time in 12 to 18 months.Do not allow any provider to inject steroids now, let the scar mature first.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Based on your photograph you have a hypertrophic scar and not a keloid.  The best treatment to reduce a hypertrophic scar is a combination of IPL–intense pulsed light–in 1549 ablative fractional erbium laser treatments.  To learn more please read below:

What can I do to lighten and flatten my hypertrophic/keloid scar? (Photos)

Answers (7)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Is it ok to use warm compress after breast augmentation?

Is it possible to go from a B cup size to a C or D cup size with 240cc? (Photo)

I'm having breast augmentation on Wednesday. Will taking mucinex affect my surgery?

1 week post op. Will my double bubble resolve itself? (Photos)

How tight is the compression bra supposed to be? (Photos)

Is it necessary to book multiple consultations for a breast augmentation?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS