LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Dr Lam,

A few weeks ago I got cellulitis on my chin. After 2 days, my whole chin was swollen and extremely painful so I went to the ER and they started me on antibiotics. Another 2 days later, an abscess formed which caused me to have to go back to the ER. They laced it with no anesthesia because they did not have to cut that deep and within 2 days, the combination of them draining it and the antibiotics dramatically reduced the swelling. 2 weeks later, I have finished my antibiotics course and my cellulitis is gone

The swelling around the area of the abscess is gone but I am left with a hard, raised lump where the abscess was. It is about a half inch across and a half inch vertical. It is like an acne cyst but is painless and not really inflamed. From your experience, do you believe this is a hypertrophic scar or is it normal in the healing phase of an abscess as it has only been 2 weeks since they laced it?

I have heard that it is best to treat hypertrophic scars early so I want to get on this as soon as possible. I am considering silicone sheets from CICA-CARE as they get good reviews. Also, do you think that it is safe to resume using Tazorac and Benzoyl Peroxide on my chin? This combination keeps my skin extremely clear and I haven't used it for the past 2 weeks as I have been recovering from cellulitis.

I am also interested in any options that you offer if this is something that you treat. Please let me know what you think.

Thanks

honestly, this is hard for me to diagnose over a forum like this. that being said, it is most likely scar tissue. silicone may help for superficial scarring but not as effective for deeper scars. i would have it evaluated and consider 5FU injections if no improvement over the next couple of weeks to month.

Dr Lam,

It has now been a little over a month since I had my abscess drained. I have massaged it a few times a day and it is not as raised anymore. The problem is that it is still very red, still somewhat raised, looks like a cyst, and my facial hair isn't really growing in that area anymore. I have attached a few pictures this time so you can actually see what I am dealing with. I am making an appointment with my plastic surgeon but I always appreciate other opinions.

Thanks

honestly, i don't know. see your doctor. it is probably scar tissue unless it is a sebaceous cyst or something that would need to be removed. hair loss hopefully is just shock loss and would come back.
s.