LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi Dr Lam,

I am hoping to have the keloids on my chest excised followed by radiation. I am aware of the possibility of the scars returning. However, I have 2 questions regarding the healing process.

Assuming that the operation DOES go well (as in the keloids don't come back):

(1) How long would it generally take for the excised scars to look good again and mature to the point where the redness is gone out of them? I plan to use silicone sheeting once the wound has healed.

(2) Should the new scars be kept out of the sun? And for how long?

Hope you can shed some light.

Thanks

(1) How long would it generally take for the excised scars to look good again and mature to the point where the redness is gone out of them? I plan to use silicone sheeting once the wound has healed.
everyone is different but typically your scars look so much better you won't be bothered by any redness. if you do have redness it may take a few months to fade.
(2) Should the new scars be kept out of the sun? And for how long?
i would say 6 to 8 weeks in general.

Thank you for the reply.

So you're saying that if the new scars do not turn keloid, then they could be looking good after a number of weeks? That's good to hear because I've read things about it taking up to a year for new scars to fade, and that they can look worse initially. Is that ever the case?

Also, having to keep the scars out of the sun for about 6 to 8 weeks is good news. I have heard before about having to keep new scars covered for approximately 6-18 months or you risk darkening the scars, or turning them red/purple? or is that only the case if they are keloid/hypertrophic?

I'm not trying to second guess you, I really just want to understand this before I opt for surgery.

Thanks a million,
James

So you're saying that if the new scars do not turn keloid, then they could be looking good after a number of weeks? That's good to hear because I've read things about it taking up to a year for new scars to fade, and that they can look worse initially. Is that ever the case? YES, I AM SORRY THAT I WAS NOT CLEAR ABOUT THIS. SCARS DO TAKE A YEAR OR MORE TO FADE ADEQUATELY.

Also, having to keep the scars out of the sun for about 6 to 8 weeks is good news. I have heard before about having to keep new scars covered for approximately 6-18 months or you risk darkening the scars, or turning them red/purple? or is that only the case if they are keloid/hypertrophic? NO, SUN IS NOT GREAT FOR THAT PERIOD OF TIME TO BE EXPOSED TO THE SUN FOR RISK OF DARKENING OR BEING IRRITATED. YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THAT ADVICE.

I'm not trying to second guess you, I really just want to understand this before I opt for surgery. NO WORRIES. THAT IS WHAT THIS FORUM IS FOR.

S.

Haha ok I'm a little confused now

So, the new scars can take up to a year to fade? but they can look much better after 6-8 weeks?

And, it is best to try and keep the scars covered from the sun for up to a year? (The reason I ask is I might be moving to a very sunny climate soon after my surgery and I'm not sure)

Hope you can help clarify this for me.

Thanks a mill,

James

So, the new scars can take up to a year to fade? YES. but they can look much better after 6-8 weeks? IT DEPENDS. SOMETIMES IT CAN LOOK BETTER SOMETIMES WORSE. IT DEPENDS ON TWO THINGS: HOW BAD YOUR SCAR LOOKED BEFORE I STARTED AND WHETHER YOU HEAL WELL OR NOT. SOMETIMES IT COULD STAY REDDER OR THICKER THAN ANTICIPATED SO IT IS BY NO MEANS A GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULD LOOK BETTER AT 6 TO 8 WEEKS.

And, it is best to try and keep the scars covered from the sun for up to a year? (The reason I ask is I might be moving to a very sunny climate soon after my surgery and I'm not sure)
HARD TO SAY BUT DEFINITELY NOT TOO MUCH SUN IN THE FIRST 6 TO 8 WEEKS. REMEMBER HEALING IS VARIABLE SO YOU SHOULD NOT GET A DEFINITIVE ANSWER FROM ANYONE. SOMETIMES THINGS HEAL TREMENDOUSLY WELL AND YOU ARE SURPRISED. SOMETIMES THINGS TAKE MUCH LONGER TO GET THERE.

s.