Botox to minimize forehead scar? (Photo)

Question

A couple years ago, I split my forehead open about 2.5 inches long about two inches above my eyebrow. Stupidly I trusted my dad to pull out the stitches. Which resulted in a slightly raised puckered scar that is very visible when I smile which is also a problem as I am a model. I'm curious to know whether Botox would help improve the scars appearance..

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This should have laser treatments with or without subcision and filler (would have to be seen in person to determine best results).  Botox in that area can stop movement so that the scar heals better after laser but wont improve the scar itself.  I suggest seeing a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in scars and lasers.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, your scar is somewhat difficult to assess in order to properly answer your question.  If the scar is more obvious when your forehead moves, then Botox could be useful to help minimize its appearance.  However, a scar revision may be a more useful solution.  A consultation with a plastic surgeon would help to answer your question more thoroughly.  And don't worry about having your dad remove the stitches, that likely didn't have any effect on your ultimate scar.  Best of luck!

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

You would have to be seen in-person to make an accurate assessment of how to best treat your scar. Sometimes Botox and Fillers can work well in reducing the appearance of a scar. Other treatment options include laser resurfacing, RF treatments, etc.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your
question and the photo and sorry that you are having your concern. You should
make a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to
fully evaluate the scar – at rest and at motion – to determine the best
treatment course for you. While toxins and fillers can be used here, most of us
would probably recommend the use of fractional lasers, specifically the CO2
fractional lasers, which have been shown to work very nicely with these types
of scars. Intralesional steroids will, on occasion, help with the scar, but
will do better when used in combination with the laser treatments. If this is
done correctly and by a skilled practitioner, most of this scar will diminish
and become less visible over time.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

If the scar is tethered to underlying muscle fascia, when you raise your eyebrows, the scar will retract and be more noticeable. In that case, Botox may prevent such muscular contraction related issues.You can get scar revision and that would be a good place to start.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

Treatment for a raised, or hypertrophic scar, can be accomplished with a corticosteroid injection directly into the scar. This could take a series of injections at 4 to 6 week intervals, or it may just respond to only the initial injection. The concentration of the steroid would be dependent on the nature of the scar. The usual steroid injected is triamcinolone, and concentrations vary from 5 to 40%. However, if it's injected into tissue other than the scar, an indentation can occur. Treating a scar by such an injection can soften and flatten the scar, but still leave an imprint of where the scar was. This can then be treated with fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing. Alternatively, fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing can be used from the get-go. It would just be a longer procedure. Hope this helps.                       jlr

Robert S. Bader, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox is used to paralyze muscles--in effect to relax lines that are caused by movement. Lines and/or a scar that is present at rest will be unaffected by Botox.

Botox to minimize forehead scar? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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