Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

Dr. Lam: I am scheduled for a neck lift and facial fat transfer with you very soon. For some reason, it takes a long time for my scars to "turn white". I've been told it is because of the red tones in my skin. I really don't know, but from past experience, my scars remain red for quite some time. Is there any way to reduce this redness with a laser? If so, how soon after surgery would you be able to do this?

yes, great question. 2 things:
1. the incisions for a facelift are well hidden so most people don't see them to begin with even during the healing phase especially if hair can cover it well. that is not the case if i did a scar revision across your cheek. if that incision were red, it could stay that way for a long time.
2. yes, i have the best laser for redness that exists out there, the KTP. it works specifically to target red. in fact, when i do do a mole removal or scar revision in an exposed area like the central cheek, i almost always look to manage the scar with the KTP, as the KTP manages 2 problems: redness and a raised scar. that is a nice benefit of this laser. some lasers will actually worsen the redness and the scar. mine does not.
look forward to take care of you,
sml