LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi Dr. Lam,

I am a 30 year old male from Ireland. Two months ago I had a bad fall which has left me with a nasty scar in the middle of my forehead. I received 11 stitches and 5 staples in the top of my head. The scar bothers me a lot and has depressed me in recent weeks. I dislike its shape, the fact that it continues up in to my hairline and most of all the location with it being very central. It is also indented.

I realise from reading your site that I am possibly an ideal candidate for GBLR however I am hoping a z-plasty could realign the scar away from the centre of my forehead and more to the left which would also mean it doesn’t look like a continuing scar in to my scalp. I understand this may lengthen the scar but I could accept this. I would greatly appreciate your advice. As I can’t upload a picture directly from my PC what would be the best way to send one on to you?

Since discovering your site I have enjoyed reading your blogs and they have helped me to put things in to perspective. Finally, I would like to thank you for taking the time and effort to answer all the questions as I can imagine you are extremely busy.

Kind regards

hi,
so sorry for the delay in responding. i somehow totally missed this forum post. in answer to your queries:
1. you need to wait at least 6 months before you contemplate having a scar revision, preferably even 1 year for maximal maturity and better decision making whether to intervene.
2. i would also prebotox the wound preferably a few days to a week before scar revision to limit stretchback.
3. i would stil recommend a GBLR because a z-plasty will not move a scar it will only redirect the forces and lengthen it.
4. you can send me a photo to drlam@lamfacialplastics.com
best,
sml

good morning dr lam
i had an accident 3 months ago left me like 3 horizontal scars on my forehead , they didnt need stitches ... the doctor advised not use anything on them n they will vanish within 6 month , after 3 month i c lil bit of improvement which apparantly after another 3 month they wont fade away ... a week ago i start using CEREDERM silicone sheets .... wht do you recommend for me doctor ? shal i continue with the silicone dressing or leave the scar breathe normally ?
i appreciate ur time n waiting for yr response
thanks dr. Lam

silicone really is only effective for the first 9 to 12 weeks in most cases. there could be some benefit but probably minimal at this point.

dr. lam wrote:silicone really is only effective for the first 9 to 12 weeks in most cases. there could be some benefit but probably minimal at this point.

thanks DR Lam ...... i got another question if u dont mind, i got another hypertrophic scar in my shoulder 5 yrs old n it never improved , i know that nothin gonna work out with it but to go under another surgery which i dont wanna go through , so my question is wht if i hide it with a tattoo .. does the needle will make things worse ? i mean does the scar (which is almost dark red) will receive the ink colours ?
appreciate ur efforts DR lam

if it is hypertrophic, then definitely a tattoo will make it much worse. sorry about that. try KTP laser and 5FU combination. that should help.

Pulsed dye laser can be substituted for KTP.

dr. lam wrote:Pulsed dye laser can be substituted for KTP.

thanks DR Lam for the info but unfortunatly i aint ready financially for laser treatment .. i ll take this option in consideration when am ready for it ... if u dont mind DR i wanna ask u about a product called REVITOL scar cream , wht do u think about it ? i just wanna mention that i ve tried almost everything on the counter ..from SPECTRA to VIT E to SCARFIX to CONTRACTUBEX .... and others and lately the CEREDERM sheets , n am just using them on surfaced scars on my forehead n they seems uniffeciente at all .. is this REVITOL is a real thing or just like the others , i ve searched on the web n it seems it got different ingredients than the silicone products or the onion extracts , but i really cant consider it .... i appreciate ur efforts and waiting for yr response

sorry, i have never heard of it. i don't know a lot of OTC products. sorry.