Hidef Scar Protocol
Our office specializes in the management of all scars; whether on the face or body. All scars have unique characteristics; including redness, presence of inflammation, thickening, widening, color variegation, pigmentation, and growth patterns. During your consultation, Dr. Karamanoukian will carefully evaluate your scar and determine whether surgery or non-surgical options are suitable. Non-surgical options include laser, RF, PRP SC, IIT SC, injection fillers, fat grafting, fibrous release, ablative treatments, non-ablative treatments, subcision, punch grafting among others. The goal of our therapies is to maximize your results with the fewest treatments. In many cases, we will recommend topical therapies for scars; including the Melarase cream program for PIH pigmentation; Body Brightening Kit for PIH on the body; and Plato's Scar Serum for hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Depigmentation PIH Protocol
Healing scars can develop hyperpigmentation and discoloration; a sign that inflammation stimulated pigment cells to release abnormal amounts of melanin into the skin. We see this commonly with plastic surgery scars, burns, and acne. If this occurs, it may take several months to restore skin to its normal complexion. Our office utilizes a Scar Depigmentation Protocol that includes skin lightening creams to reduce PIH and scar discoloration. Melarase creams are typically used for pigmentation of the facial skin or on small areas; whereas Luminase and Exfolase Body Brightening creams are used on the body or large surface areas.
- Melarase Depigmentation Protocol: Melapads, Melarase AM and Melarase PM (HQ or Arbutin versions); Replenish creams
- Luminase Depigmentation Protocol for large areas: Luminase, Exfolase, Melapads, and Replenish
Chicken Pox Scars
Indented chicken pox scars are usually caused by a loss of structural collagen deep within the dermis of the skin as a result of an acute chicken pox vesicle. Atrophic chicken pox scars are noticeable months and years after the onset of chickenpox and rarely resolve on their own. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian uses a Hidef scar revision protocol for chickenpox scars that includes subcision, fractional laser, Venus Viva, Ematrix, fillers, and TCA Cross to help even out deeply indented scars.
Venus Viva and Ematrix are excellent fractional RF treatments for deep chickenpox scars. Unlike fractional laser, Venus Viva and Ematrix cause less skin damage and thus have shorter periods of recovery.
Earlobe Scars and Repair
Injuries to the earlobes can occur after wearing heavy earrings or as a result of trauma. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian specializes in the repair of torn earlobes under local anesthesia or twilight sedation. Torn earlobes can be sutured using a less invasive approach that minimizes downtime.
Topical Treatments
Not all scars require surgical revision. Our office strives to expand the use of non-surgical conservative treatments to help our patients achieve exceptional results with minimal downtime or recovery. There are three main classes of scars that respond well to conservative topical treatments:
- PIH Hyperpigmented Scars: Recommendation is to use Melapads, Melarase AM and Melarase PM (HQ or Arbutin). Light pigmentation responds well to Plato's Dark Scar Corrector.
- Raised Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars: Recommendation is to use Plato's Scar Serum twice daily
- Red Scars: Recommendation is to use Plato's Scar Serum twice daily
- Mixed Scars: Depending on the above characteristics, you can mix and match topical creams. We recommend using the Plato's Scar Serum after application of other creams.