How can I improve this scar after explant? (photo)

Question

Big scar after 6 months to close the open wound. I had a 2x2 in hole under my breast. It’s finally closed but left a big scar. What can I do to make the appearance of the scar better. It’s bulky in places. I massage it daily.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

​​I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist for after care. I recommend Silagen + Bioshield to promote healing. Scars like these can generally be improved with lasers (BBL, ProYellow, Excel V, VBeam) and microneedling with PRP. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer​

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question. This is Dr. James Fernau from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I would recommend laser scar resurfacing, preferably with a Sciton profractional laser machine. The laser resurfacing will dramatically reduce the raise and the appearance of the scar. I recommend a scar revision consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Thank you and best wishes. Sincerely, James Fernau, MD FACS

How can I improve this scar after explant? (photo)

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