Technically, no scars actually go away, they just become finer and thinner and less noticeable with time and with treatment.
Hypertrophic scars are different from regular scars. Instead of being flat, they are thick and raised within the confines of the original scar. If this growth goes beyond the confines of the original scar, it becomes a keloid.
Hypertrophic scars and keloids are different but very similar in the way that we look at them and treat them.
Can you cut off a hypertrophic scar?
It’s usually not advisable to just cut off a hypertrophic scar because there’s often some inflammation going on behind the scenes, which could cause the scar to come back. However, if the cause of the inflammation doesn’t exist anymore, we can remove the scar. One example is a hypertrophic scar caused by an infection from an earring piercing. Once the infection is gone, we can remove the scar.
Most of the time steroid injections, injectable Kenalog, injectable 5-FU, and lasers, can help make these scars softer, and less noticeable with time. Microneedling is another great option and one that I like to use. I typically perform several microneedling treatments to get the scar to a very good place where the chance of it coming back is very low. Then I remove the scar and continue the microneedling treatments that help it heal into a fine scar that’s not easy to see.
What is the best treatment for hypertrophic scars?
The best treatment for hypertrophic scars depends on why the scar is hypertrophic. If it’s caused by inflammation, then once that inflammation is gone, we can start with a plan to remove it.
If it’s hypertrophic because of tension on the scar, such as those resulting from the incisions of a facelift, it’s better to treat with things like injectable Kenalog, injectable 5-FU, and lasers rather than removing the scar and causing more hypertrophy.
Have questions? I’d love to help.
Call me at (281) 336-9300
About Dr. Angela Sturm
Dr. Angela Sturm is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon with certifications with the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sturm’s meticulous nature makes for exceptional results and satisfied patients. Dr. Sturm was named Texas Monthly’s Super Doctors Rising Star in 2016-2017, Texas Monthly’s Super Doctor in 2018-2019, H Texas Magazine’s Top Doc in 2013-2018, Top Doc by Houstonia magazine in 2016-2018, Houston Business Journal’s People on the Move and 40 under 40, Blazing Star Award by Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Top Women in Business, one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston, Best Female Cosmetic Surgeon in Out Smart, and given the Patients’ Choice Award, On Time Doctor Award and Compassionate Doctor Award by Vitals.com.
