Hi, in December I had facial feminization surgery and that included a lip lift. My scar has only gotten worse and more red the farther I get from surgery. in the beginning I wasn’t the best at taking care of it. But have really been on top of it for the past few months. It’s really stressing me out with how red and bad it is cause I’m 21 and in college. Is this a hypertonic scar? Will laser help and make it be less noticeable? Is it possible to make it the scar everyone else gets? :(
October 25, 2023
Answer: You have options! I am sorry to hear you aren’t satisfied with your scar but don’t despair, you have options. I will and break down my answer into section for ease of reading. 1. **Hypertrophic Scar vs. Keloid:** A hypertrophic scar is raised and red but doesn't grow beyond the boundary of the original wound. A keloid, on the other hand, is an overgrowth of scar tissue that can expand beyond the wound area. It's important to determine which type of scar you have, as treatments can vary. 2. **Scar Maturation:** Scars can take up to a year or even longer to mature. Over this time, they may become less noticeable. The redness in a scar usually diminishes over time, but the exact duration can vary from person to person. 3. **Laser Treatment:** There are various laser treatments available that can potentially help in reducing the appearance of scars. For example, pulsed dye lasers can target the redness of a scar. Fractional lasers can help in improving the texture. It's essential to consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon experienced in laser treatments for scars to determine the best option for you. 4. **Other Treatments:** There are other treatments like silicone gel sheets, steroid injections, and microneedling that can potentially help with scars. Again, the effectiveness can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the scar. 5. **Revision Surgery:** In some cases, if a scar is particularly bothersome or not responding to treatments, a revision surgery might be considered. This would involve surgically removing the old scar and carefully closing the wound to produce a less noticeable scar. 6. **Consultation:** It's crucial to consult with your surgeon or a dermatologist to assess your scar and provide personalized advice. They can offer guidance on the best treatments and set realistic expectations. Remember, everyone's healing process is different, and scars can behave differently in different individuals. It's essential to be patient and seek professional advice to address your concerns.
Helpful
October 25, 2023
Answer: You have options! I am sorry to hear you aren’t satisfied with your scar but don’t despair, you have options. I will and break down my answer into section for ease of reading. 1. **Hypertrophic Scar vs. Keloid:** A hypertrophic scar is raised and red but doesn't grow beyond the boundary of the original wound. A keloid, on the other hand, is an overgrowth of scar tissue that can expand beyond the wound area. It's important to determine which type of scar you have, as treatments can vary. 2. **Scar Maturation:** Scars can take up to a year or even longer to mature. Over this time, they may become less noticeable. The redness in a scar usually diminishes over time, but the exact duration can vary from person to person. 3. **Laser Treatment:** There are various laser treatments available that can potentially help in reducing the appearance of scars. For example, pulsed dye lasers can target the redness of a scar. Fractional lasers can help in improving the texture. It's essential to consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon experienced in laser treatments for scars to determine the best option for you. 4. **Other Treatments:** There are other treatments like silicone gel sheets, steroid injections, and microneedling that can potentially help with scars. Again, the effectiveness can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the scar. 5. **Revision Surgery:** In some cases, if a scar is particularly bothersome or not responding to treatments, a revision surgery might be considered. This would involve surgically removing the old scar and carefully closing the wound to produce a less noticeable scar. 6. **Consultation:** It's crucial to consult with your surgeon or a dermatologist to assess your scar and provide personalized advice. They can offer guidance on the best treatments and set realistic expectations. Remember, everyone's healing process is different, and scars can behave differently in different individuals. It's essential to be patient and seek professional advice to address your concerns.
Helpful