Best Treatments to Prevent or Minimize Scarring?

Question

My friend's 10 year old son was attacked by a dog. Right now, he has 42 stitches on his right cheek. There are three different cuts along his cheek from the dog's teeth. I am wondering what can be done to prevent scarring and what my friend should or should not be doing to help the wounds heal properly? Thank you in advance for your advice.

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

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

Dog bite lacerations notoriously will result in scars often due to the jagged injuries that are caused by the teeth. If the wounds are properly repaired, this helps to minimize this from occurring. Other ways to help with the scar include products like mederma, scar guard and silicone sheeting. Avoidance of sun exposure is key with sunscreen. Finally, vascular lasers like the pulsed dye laser can help to minimize the appearance of scars. I hope this information helps.

Marisa Lawrence, MD · Answer

We have had great results with a product called kelocote. It is a liquid silicone gel, that, when applied to post-traumatic wounds, creates very well healed scars. I would reommend purchasing the products with sunscreen. My patiens generally use this product on their scars after the sutures are removed, for about 6-9 months.

Chad L. Prather, MD · Answer

Scarring occurs anytime there is a break in the skin down to the middle portion of the dermal layer, such as with a cut or puncture wound.  Unfortunately, it sounds as if the cuts are deep enough to scar.
While scarring can't be completely avoided, the cosmetic appearance can be optimized by using cosmetic reconstructive techniques during the repair.  Now that the repair (suturing) is done, there are 4 things you can do to help optimize the ultimate scar:
1. Keep the area moist with ointment over the next 2 weeks.  Polysporin works great, but so does petrolatum (Vaseline) or Aquaphor.  Try not to let the area dry out and form a thick scab
2. Minimize activities for 2 weeks.  No excercise or any activities that will put stress or tension across the wound and spread the wound.
3. After 2 weeks of healing, apply topical silicone to the area for 2 months.  This can be silicone sheeting worn at night while you sleep, or silicone gel to the area. Silicone is the only topical product proven to help with scarring.
4. After 4 weeks of healing, begin massaging the area.  Use medium pressure and massage 5-6 times a day for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
Scars take several months to improve.  If, after 2-3  months, the scar is not where you would like it to be, see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to talk about other options such as dermabrasion, steroid injection, or laser treatment.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Use vitamin E cream, aloe, lanolin, silicone sheeting, hydrocortisone, or combinations of these. Rub in daily. If not helping than IPL laser next therapy. Hope this helps. 
From MIAMI Dr. B

Best Treatments to Prevent or Minimize Scarring?

Answers (5)

More Scar Removal Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Scar Removal Questions

How to Treat Old Scars from Razor Bumps and Acne on Dark Skin?

Is Micro-pigmentation an Effective Method to Camouflage a Tummy Tuck Scar?

Best Treatment for Scar from ACL Surgery?

Should I do microdermabrasion for scar removal?

Removing Lump of Internal Scar Tissue

Silicone Sheets for Raised Red Scar from BCG Injection?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS