16 months old scar. Is laser treatment an option? (Photo)

Question

My son fell and got a laceration on his forehead about 16 months ago. He got stitches at the ER. The scar has improved over the months but I’m starting to worry that it may not get much better without further treatment. Right now we use silicone creams and and I try to put sunscreen daily to protect it from sun. He is now 7 years. Is laser treatment an option? Do we need scar revision surgery?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis.  We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. 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 discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

If the scar is now flattened and hyperpigmented and flush with the surrounding skin, as appears to be the case in the photo, then professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) can be considered, accompanied by the topical application of prescription pigment diminishing medications to both better blend the scars in both texture and color with the surrounding normal skin. At this stage, the scar is considered a "mature" scar (older than twelve weeks) and therefore an overall improvement in appearance of between 60%-80% is what can reasonably be expected from legitimate treatments. Exercise a great deal of "buyer beware" caution when considering "bells and whistles" laser treatments. For one thing the hard science to support the use of these expensive gizmos has yet to live up to the social media buzz and marketing hype.  You would be wise to make sure to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with scar treatment experience. Best of luck.

16 months old scar. Is laser treatment an option? (Photo)

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16 months old scar. Is laser treatment an option? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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