Question:

My three-year-old daughter had a bad accident three months ago and has a 5cm scar from the middle of her forehead, through her left eyebrow and inside her eye socket from the internal and external sutures inserted by the plastic surgeons in the emergency department of our children's' hospital. It is slightly indented and looks shiny and is still red — I know it's early days but are there any lasers treatments that have proved effective in minimising scarring and when is the best time to start treatment?

Answer:

All wounds when they are healing will be firm and have high blood flow and appear red. There are scar management treatments that can be used soon after the injury and for the next 12 months while the scar matures. They include massage of the scar and silicone sheeting, also protection from the sun with sunscreen. Until the scar has fully matured these treatments are the best option. After the scar has fully matured treatments such as laser or scar revision can be considered. The answer is to have good advice and this can be found from a consultation with a plastic surgeon or through the outpatient clinic at major hospitals with a plastic surgery department.

www.drjeremyhunt.com