6 months post FDL - should I wait longer for scar to heal? (Photos)

Question

I am 6 months post op from FDL. Part of my scar is healing beautifully, but the rest has keloid tissue. I am wondering if I should ask the surgeon for a revision, or if this is to be expected and I should wait longer for it to heal.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hello Livoie, 
Yes part of your scar is in hypertrophy. 
Its 6 months post surgery, and its best to intervene now to make it better. 
The treatment is multimodal and includes intralesional steroids, silicon gel sheets and scar massaging. And give it some time with these treatments.  If these measures fail, then you may need a scar revision. 
Please consult your board certified plastic surgeon as soon as possible and start treatment. 
Hope this helps. Thank you for your query here.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It can take a year for scars to mature so it is best to wait until that time for a revision.  However you may benefit from other treatments now such as steroid injections, laser treatments, or silicone strips.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon to discuss these options.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Livoie,
I typically wait one year to allow scars to mature and settle before considering scar revision.
That being said, the red and raised scars are hypertrophic scars, and may benefit from steroid injection. I would suggest meeting with your plastic surgeon to be examined and to have a discussion.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MD MSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Livoie,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Romy Ahluwalia, MD · Answer

There is some hypertrophic and keloid scarring visible. Consider steroid injections and re excision without tension followed by silicone sheeting

6 months post FDL - should I wait longer for scar to heal? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Answer: Hypertrophic scar

Answer: Hypertrophic scar

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6 months post FDL - should I wait longer for scar to heal? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Answer: Hypertrophic scar

Answer: Hypertrophic scar

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.