Old Thyroid Scar That is Still Red and Noticeable, How Can I Get Rid of it?

Question

I had a thyroidectomy 19 years ago. I developed a keloid scar within 6 months. 2 yrs later a plastic surgeon put me onto duoderm tape that I wore religiously for 2 years. This flattened the scar a lot but intense redness remained. Later I discovered silicon sheeting and wore this for 2 years as well. This flattened & faded the scar more. Now, almost 20 yrs later, the scar is flat but broad in the middle. It is still slightly pink with thin brownish margins to it. How can I improve it further?

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Without photos and an examination, it would be total conjecture as to what you should do. If surgical intervention were deemed prudent, then excision of the scar with immediate steroid injections and close monitoring for at least a year and a half with possible repeat steroid injections (even monthly), is one option. Using radiation therapy in addition to the surgery is another. These 2 scenarios would also employ silicone gel sheeting for a protracted period of time.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Keloid and hypertroophic scars are very difficult to deal with.  After 20 years if it is flat and not significantly red, it may be best to leave it alone. Without an exam I could not be sure.

Julian Henley, MD · Answer

Correction of keloids and hypertrophy scars has always been challenging. After none invasive treatments have been tried a tension free resection and closure followed by immediate low dose superficial radiation seems to be consistently the most effective means of treating a refractory keloid scar. A keloid is essentially a scar tissue that continues to grow and the normal healing process fails to cease.

Old Thyroid Scar That is Still Red and Noticeable, How Can I Get Rid of it?

Answers (4)