How to Get Rid of Hot Wax Burn Scar?

Question

When I was 9 years old, I had a hot wax from the microwave that spilled on me. It burned on my left thigh. It has gotten a bit smaller but some of it is still thick. Now im 14 years old. How can I get rid of the scar?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Unfortunately at your age, your very healthy healing process may result in a thick scar. You could flatten the scar using steroid injections but you could risk lightening and blood vessel formation. The best option is probably excision with linear repair, Hwoever, many people would argue about the optimal timing for this procedure. It is my impression that lasers, etc would be of minimal benefit.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. 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 decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

John Philip Connors III, MD · Answer

Haily-
I spent many years at the Boston Shriner's Burn center and managed many burn scars. Unfortunately, the biggest hurdle for burn scar patients to climb over is the idea that once scarring occurs, in many cases it is permanent.
However, there are a few techniques that a Board certified Plastic Surgeon can use to help "camoflauge" the scar.  Most importantly, it is very import for you to see a surgeon with burn experience, as they will be able to look at all aspects of your scar (size, shape, contour, involvement, location,etc.) and only then be able to give you non-surgical and surgical advice.
Techniques currently used are excision, dermabrasion, scar rearrangement (Z-plasty or flaps), laser therapy (new research on Fractionated ablative and non-abative lasers) as well as even subdermal fat injections to stimulate scar remodeling.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Dr. C

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Burn scars can be very difficult to deal with. This scar may be able to be reduced by serial excision or even direct excision which may leave you with a slightly widened scar on the thigh.

Beverly Johnson, MD (retired) · Answer

Your dermatologist may be able to help you by injecting some medicine with a very small needle. After applying cold compresses, the injection is not really painful. You may also get a prescription for medicated tape that sometimes helps to flatten the scars. Good luck. Since it is getting better, I think it will continue to do this!

How to Get Rid of Hot Wax Burn Scar?

Answers (5)

Answer: Burn scars

Answer: Burn scars

Answer: How to flatten a thick burn scar

Answer: How to flatten a thick burn scar

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How to Get Rid of Hot Wax Burn Scar?

Answers (5)

Answer: Burn scars

Answer: Burn scars

Answer: How to flatten a thick burn scar

Answer: How to flatten a thick burn 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.