Old scar on forehead + forehead wrinkles = Yikes!!! (Photos)

Question

I have had a vertical scar on my forehead for the last 15 years. I got stitches in 2000 when I busted my head open. The scar never fully healed. I used silicone sheets, cocoa butter, mederma, and sunscreen at various times, but I have been lax lately. I had come to accept the scar, but in the last 3 months, I have started to see forehead wrinkles. It is hard to manage both without becoming completely demoralized. What course of action should I take? I live in Columbia South Carolina. Thank you.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  The best way to treat your forehead wrinkles would be through the use of a neuromodulator such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin.  All three lead to safe and predictable muscle paralysis to prevent the horizontal wrinkles.  As for your scar, use of a lightening cream, sunblock, and retinol may improve its appearance and coloration.  See a plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would begin with application of Plato's Scar Serum, followed by fractional lasers to help improve your vertical forehead scar. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The forehead "worry line" wrinkles can be readily treated with a neuromodulator, such as Botox, Dysport or Xeomin. For the scar itself, I am skeptical of the silicone sheeting and Medermas, since I have personally found them to be of limited to no signficant value. I would, however, suggest a combination of at-home treatments and in-office microneedling to help improve the scar. Topical prescription strength preparations containing tretinoin, hydroquinone (or other bleaching agents) used regularly combined with in-office microneedling may help to better blend the scar's surface textural and color irregularities with the surrounding normal skin. Moreover, the beneficial effects of microneedling may be additionally enhanced especially when the underlying muscular activity that often impedes scar healing has been softened by the Botox. Make sure that you seek consultation with a board certified aesthetic physician and be leery of the exaggerated, one-size-fits-all marketing claims for this or that fractionated laser or radiofrequency device.

Old scar on forehead + forehead wrinkles = Yikes!!! (Photos)

Answers (3)

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.

Old scar on forehead + forehead wrinkles = Yikes!!! (Photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.