LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Dr. Lam,

About two months ago I popped a pimple on my chest that was there for close to six months. (Terrible mistake which I regret everyday.) Since then, I have developed a hypertrophic scar in the center of my upper chest. My dermatologist scrapped it off in hopes that it would heal normally, however, that was not the case. The scar did come back hypertrophic but not as thick or raised. Since then, I have received one steroid injections (about a week ago) from a plastic surgeon.

With all of this happening I have spent hours on the internet obsessing, and looking for answers. The whole situation has taken a toll on my mental health and has caused me to see a psychiatrist, start taking anti-depressants, and ruined my relationship with my boyfriend because of how self conscious I am.

My question to you,
Would you honestly say that there is hope for me? Or is this slightly raised and red scar going to be apart of my life? Money is not an issue and I am willing to do any & everything that there is to help correct it, but with all that i've read-it seems hypertrophic scars aren't that simple.

I'm 19 years old and this scar is completely taking over my life.

what i have found to be the best for this (as you will probably see if you research this section of my forum) is 5-FU injections NOT steroids that carry too much risk combined with KTP laser. i have seen great improvements with this over several sessions spread out at least a month apart. it does not get rid of it but it safely improves it and in most cases substantially.
best,
sml

Thank you so much for the quick reply I really appreciate it.
With the methods you suggested, would that take care of all the redness as well? And how many months of treatment does this usually take? Will the scar be almost unnoticeable?

Thank you again, I really do appreciate this.

yes, it will help with redness. that is what KTP is particularly good for. i cannot predict how many times or if it will be unnoticeable but at least from what you describe it sounds as if you are a good candidate. generally speaking, it takes about 2 to 4 sessions to see an improvement.
best,
sml

Wow, I'm in the exact same position. I had a mole removed and a circular red scar formed with a brown dot in the middle of my chest. Since then I have received injections to completely flatten it, point laser treatment, and I'm in the process of getting it fraxeled. Which is supposed to decrease the redness but I'm hoping that there are other options to further improve it. I can't deal with the insecurity of my chest anymore. Is there any way to make the scar smaller? I would so much prefer a smaller stitch scar then the circular one I have now. I have read that surgury could also make it worse, which worries me. Are silicone sheets or skin grafting an option? What would be the best treatment? Thank you.

i cannot give you direct medical advice on here but in general fraxel probably is not a great option as it probably could make it worse. same with a skin graft and surgery. i would use KTP or pulsed dye laser and 5FU and silicone gel or sheets can help. those are my thoughts.
best,
sml