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Can You Tell Me Your Thoughts On Treating A Scar Too Early With IPL May Cause Hyperpigmentation?

Posted on Thu, 24 Oct 2024

Question: I had a mole removed on face 5 weeks ago and it’s still extremely red. My plastic surgeon recommend we do IPL but I read treating a scar too early with IPL may cause hyperpigmentation. Can you tell me your thoughts on this? Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wait till 3 months

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
IPL is not recommended now.
Allow the scar to heal on it's own.
Scar is totally formed within 6 weeks but it takes time for redness and slight tenderness to subside.
Wait for at least 3 months before going for any procedure.
Apply silicone gel for faster recovery.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (14 hours later)

Thank you doctor Kumar! When you say scar is totally formed by 6 weeks does that mean the indentation I see will not fill in? I thought scar remodeling takes place 6 months up to a year? I was hoping to see gradually improvement with that.

Thank you again!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details below

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
You are absolutely correct.
Scar formation means formation of epithelium and healing of wound which takes around 6 weeks.
However scar remodeling takes around 6 months during which the scar will flatten off and match with the surrounding skin.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr. Yogesh D