How Can My Scalp Scar Be Improved?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am looking to possibly revise a scar from a surgery years ago that is 5-6 inches in length along the back right side of scalp up to above the right ear. I had cortisone injected into scar not long ago and it seems kind of depressed now.  The scar is covered by hair but I would like to shave my head as my hair is getting thinner and transplants are not really a goal at this time due to how thin the hair is becoming only making more problems. Any advice or consultations would be appreciated. 

A: The scalp scar you have appears as if it is from a hair transplant harvest procedure by its location and length. These scars can become visible when there is scar separation and the scalp hairs along the scar are not right up against each other. Wide scars are not going to be improved by steroid injections as that will not bring the edges any closer together. Rather it is donw what could be anticipated…creating a scar depression without narrowing the scar. The only way to improve your scalp scar is by excision of the non-hair bearing scar and bring the hair-bearing scalp skin edges closer together. Basically only a formal scalp scar revision will work.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana