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Cosmetic Surgery (Expert Forum)
Scar Revision on Upper Arm
Answered by
Howard Rosenberg, MD - Cosmetic Surgery
Accent on Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Medical Center
Questions in the Cosmetic Surgery forum are answered by Dr. Howard Rosenberg. Topics include bariatric surgery reconstruction, breast augmentation, chemical peels, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, face lift, nose reconstruction, and tummy tucks.
Scar Revision on Upper Arm
by paws24, Jun 11, 2007 12:00AM
Hello,
I had a tattoo excised from my upper right arm about 6 months ago and now am dealing with the nasty "armband" scar I have instead. I was wondering what the best way to go about treating the scar would be for this area of the body? Revision or laser? And how long does it take for the scar to mature? My scar is quite wide in some places and thinner in others.
My scar is actually pretty flat and in level with the rest of my skin. However, when I move my arm certain ways, its seems to sink in a little. It is extremely red though! I would like to get rid of the redness but am afraid it will turn white and my skin is naturally tanned.
My doctor has me using Scarguard but I'm not sure it will help because it seems to be for raised scars.
I'm confused about which route to take because I've been to 3 different doctors and they've all told me completely different things. I would just like to have it faded enough or smaller so that I could be comfortable enough to wear sleeveless tops again.
Thank you!
I had a tattoo excised from my upper right arm about 6 months ago and now am dealing with the nasty "armband" scar I have instead. I was wondering what the best way to go about treating the scar would be for this area of the body? Revision or laser? And how long does it take for the scar to mature? My scar is quite wide in some places and thinner in others.
My scar is actually pretty flat and in level with the rest of my skin. However, when I move my arm certain ways, its seems to sink in a little. It is extremely red though! I would like to get rid of the redness but am afraid it will turn white and my skin is naturally tanned.
My doctor has me using Scarguard but I'm not sure it will help because it seems to be for raised scars.
I'm confused about which route to take because I've been to 3 different doctors and they've all told me completely different things. I would just like to have it faded enough or smaller so that I could be comfortable enough to wear sleeveless tops again.
Thank you!
Doctor's Answer
by Howard Rosenberg, MD, Jun 12, 2007 12:00AM
, Jun 12, 2007 12:00AM
Scars and scar revisions are one of the most difficult problems to handle. Among the factors that determine scar formation are the scar location, the genetic healing capabilities of the individual with the scar, the nature of the original injury, the orientation of the scar, and the age of the scar. Scars located on the arm are notoriously poor for healing. Your scar may take over one year or more for full maturation. Lasers can be used to reduce the redness, but just time will do the same. Since your scar is not raised, there is little further I would recommend, but patience. With time, the scar will improve, but not disappear. the ultimate outcome will likely be determine by your genetic predisposition to scar formation and healing.
guess i will try some laser treatments - my arm hurts ALL the time - i am having injections right now - they are very painful as well - honestly i would rather have my freaking tattoo back, you?
anyway - let me know if you find a miracle cure - and i will post here if i do as well