Can My Indented Forehead Scar Be Improved By Scar Revision?

Q: I fell and now have a depressed scar on my forehead that I think (but what do I know) should probably be cut open and resutured so it results in just a fine line. It’s about 2″ long. I have attached a picture of it for you to see what it looks like. What do you think?

A: Scar revision is ideal for those scars that have healed with a contour depression or indentation. No other method, such as injectable fillers or lasr resurfacing, can change the level of the line of original injury as well as excision and reclosure. By cutting out the scar edges and recruiting normal unscarred skin and subcutaneous tissues, the lack of volume which represents the original scar indentation is replaced. You are correct in assuming that you are trading off an indentation for a smoother fine line scar. Your scar is small enough that it can be done in the office under local anesthesia, saving the expense of the operating room and other supplies. The new scar will be finer and mor even with the surrounding skin. It will take months for its redness to go away but, in the end, its appearance will be much improved.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis Indiana