9 months after scar revision, is it too early for microneedling? (photos)

Question

I had a scar revision 9 months ago and this is how it's healed up. Is it too early for microneedling?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It's great that you're taking proactive steps to manage your scar healing. Generally, microneedling can be a beneficial treatment for scar improvement, but the timing and appropriateness depend on several factors. Here are some considerations:

1. **Healing Status**: Nine months post-scar revision surgery is usually sufficient time for initial healing. However, it's essential to ensure that the scar is fully healed and stable before undergoing microneedling.

2. **Scar Type and Location**: The type and location of the scar can influence the decision. Some scars may benefit more from microneedling than others.

3. **Consultation with Your Surgeon or Dermatologist**: It's crucial to consult with the healthcare professional who performed your scar revision or a dermatologist. They can assess the current state of your scar and determine if microneedling is appropriate at this stage.

4. **Skin Type and Sensitivity**: Your skin type and sensitivity to treatments should also be considered. Microneedling can cause irritation, so your dermatologist will evaluate your skin's readiness.

5. **Overall Health and Medical History**: Any underlying health conditions or medications you are taking could affect the healing process and suitability for microneedling.

6. **Alternative Treatments**: Sometimes, other treatments such as topical treatments, laser therapy, or silicone sheets might be recommended either in conjunction with or prior to microneedling.

Nine months post-scar revision is typically a reasonable timeframe to consider additional treatments like microneedling, but the final decision should be made with input from your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that the treatment plan is safe and effective for your specific situation.

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

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello Phenomenal! Thank you for your question. 9 months is generally an adequate amount of time to consider a scar "healed" depending on its size, depth, location, etc. However, the good news is that one microneedling treatment in particular- called SylfirmX which includes the use of radiofrequency- treats young AND old scars. When used at the appropriate settings by a provider with extensive experience, the SylfirmX can help reduce the appearance of newer, red scars as well as older, white scars. Best of luck in your search, I hope this helped! Best, Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Dr. Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS at Center for Classic Beauty, Danvers & Boston MA.

9 months after scar revision, is it too early for microneedling? (photos)

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9 months after scar revision, is it too early for microneedling? (photos)

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