newly removed stitches

My 4 1/2 year old just had stitches removed from the bridge of her nose.  It has been 7 days since she first cut her skin open. The line is very visible and I am not sure how it will heal.  I have been told to put vitamin e and sunscreen on it.  Is there anything else I can do to help reduce scaring?  I am even willing to take her to a plastic surgeon if there is anything they can do.  She is a beautiful little girl and I really want to do everything possible to help minimize the scar.

Thanks so much,
LDB

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

It is much too early to determine the extent of scarring that will occur.  At this age, it would be my experience that the scar will not likely to need any form of revision.  Early redness and prominence is typical.  Although many people apply vitamin E or silicone gel to limit scarring after an injury, more important in determine the outcome of the scar is the nature of the original injury, the care of the wound at the time of suturing, and the genetics of the individual.  In the unlikely event that scar revision is required, then the longer the interval between the time of injury and the time of revision, the better.