Old surgical scar (flat and red). What can I do to treat this condition? (Photo)

Question

2 years ago I had a scar revision surgery on my arm. It was cut and stitch back to straight thinner line. Now it is tflat but still pink, and it changes to bright red depending on body temp. I believe it’s blood vessels showing due to thin skin after steroid injection before the surgery. I asked doctor for V beam but wouldn’t do it as i should wait for a few more years? What can I do to treat this condition?

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Pioneering823184,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Old surgical scar (flat and red). What can I do to treat this condition? (Photo)

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Old surgical scar (flat and red). What can I do to treat this condition? (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.