Will an incision at both ends of the scar on my cheek get rid of the dog ears? (Photo)

Question

Had surgery in December to remove a spot (melanoma in-situ) in center of cheek. Ever since the stitches were removed around the 21st of December there has been the bumps which haven't resolved. I have tried massaging and have been using kelocote for 9 weeks. I saw the doctor at the end of January and he said don't worry we will fix it even if we have to make a small incision at both ends. I'm very self conscious about this because it sticks out really bad. Is a small incision an easy fix?

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, this is possible. Typically we recommend waiting at least 12 months for the scar to mature on its own prior to considering a revision. If a revision is necessary, either the entire scar can be removed (along with the standing cones of skin) or two small excision of the cones can be performed. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It can take 6-12 months for a scar to heal, so I would wait a longer amount of time to see the results of the surgery on your cheek.  Normally, any dog ears at the end of a scar do flatten out more over time.  If they do not, it is fairly simple to make a small incision over each to improve them.

Will an incision at both ends of the scar on my cheek get rid of the dog ears? (Photo)

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Will an incision at both ends of the scar on my cheek get rid of the dog ears? (Photo)

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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.