What Is The Best Way To Improve My Indented Cheek Scar From Skin Cancer Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a Moh’s surgery on my right cheek Dec. 27th 2012. I am unhappy about the indentation on the mid to lower half of the scar especially when I speak. I have photos I can send. Would like to know if you think I would need a revision, subcision, or laser, or this will subside in the months.  Also, if revised, do you agree with the theory of lasering 4 to 8wks after sutures are removed to reconfigure the modeling of the tissues resulting in superior results, rather than waiting the full year of the old theory. I am not interested in temporary fillers.

A: I am assuming that you had a primary closure of your original Moh’s defect. The reason you have an indentation is that there is tissue missing over a dynamic area. As such, no amount of release or scar revision is going to improve its appearance. This is a tissue loss problem and releasing underneath or cutting out the scar/indentation from above does not address the biology of why it is there. I would take a reverse approach to conventional wisdom by doing fat injections under the indented area. This will provide both a release and adds volume at the same time. While fat may be unpredictable in survival, this natural form of tissue volume expansion better addresses the cause of the problem. This would be more effective done early in the healing process (months) rather than later. (year or longer) The overlying scar in the face of underlying tissue expansion should wait for further healing.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis,Indiana