20 replies to this topic

[cconnors]

I have one hypertrophic scar (from a pimple) smack dab in the middle of my chest. This thing is completely taking over my life right now. I can't wear any of my old clothes and broke up with my boyfriend because of how self-conscious I am about it. I'm also on anti-depressants because well...i'm completely depressed and hate my life right about my life now. I hate that my summer is going to be ruined. I wish I was exaggerating.

So I already received one steroid injection, and I'm aware that it sometimes requires multiple and my scar is already flattening. but there is still a lot of redness.

I'm prepared to get as many steroid injections, laser treatments/whatever it takes! My biggest concern after all that if it will still be noticeable/look like a big pimple.

Has anyone ever improved (I realize no scar can be completely eliminated) their hypertrophic scar enough that it is at least flat and matches the rest of their skin? I'm trying to so hard to stay optimistic because I know this is not an easy fix and will require a lot of time. I just would love to hear some success stories (if there are any) to keep me going.

thank you )

[cconnors]

please help, someone.

[Homer0001]

I am EXACTLY like you. I feel EXACTLY like you everyday because of my keloid scars. The only difference between you and me is that you have 1 scar on your chest. I have 20. Then about 10 on my shoulders. Hope that makes you feel better.

I can't provide the answer you want to hear because as we both unfortunately deep down know, these scars will never be satisfactorily healed.

All I can tell you is that I've had 9 sessions of steroid injections and 5 or 6 sessions of laser treatment and the scars are still raised and red.

I too will keep going to the derm until these are 100% healed, but at the rate the treatments seem to be working, it looks like I'll be at the derm for the next 30 years!

[cconnors]

Oh man. I am so so so sorry that you have to deal with such extensive scarring. You will be on my mind all day.
I also can't believe you've gone through so many sessions of treatment with little results. I'm so sorry.
It absolutely baffles that with all the advances in plastic surgery, these stupid scars can't be fixed easier. I mean, I was watching tv the other day and a girl got her ENTIRE face bitten off by a dog and a year later you couldn't even see a scratch! There's gotta be something out there that can help us.
I'll say a prayer for you although praying hasn't gotten me anywhere recently.

[Homer0001]

For me, the interesting part is that I've yet to really find a derm who is offended by the scars. In other words, I want a derm who gets pissed when his treatments don't work and when he is clearly failing to treat them and for this to encourage him to try more methods, research, etc.

Yeah, I'd forget about praying. It simply doesn't work. Ever. And it's not like we pray to benefit at the expense of others. We just want a slight, personal bodily modification that simply makes us normal and average.

[cconnors]

Well I have an appointment with a very good plastic surgeon, and i've been doing a lot of research- i've seen pictures of before & after treatments for hypertrophic scars & they're unbelievable. I have hope for myself despite the naysayers on here. I think a lot of people on here aren't having success with treating their hypertrophic scars because they're doing wacky things like poking them with needles and rubbing lemon juice on them? A plastic surgeon knows what he/she is doing. I suggest you guys to make an appointment if you can afford the procedures. If you're anything like me, you want these scars gone. best of luck.

[will4u]

I started with a few, invasive treatment at the derm only made mine worse... in particular laser treatment make all my chest hairs infected.... and all of them turned into scars (even with injections)

so yeah.. I have 30+ scars on my chest now... when I only started with maybe 6-7.

I would happily have 1

still no regrets... 6-7 and 30 is the same to me... but you do run the risk of more scarring if you choose to go invasive.... 1 isn't that bad.

If you have any luck with anything, please do post back

[Homer0001]

I started with a few, invasive treatment at the derm only made mine worse... in particular laser treatment make all my chest hairs infected.... and all of them turned into scars (even with injections)

so yeah.. I have 30+ scars on my chest now... when I only started with maybe 6-7.

I would happily have 1

still no regrets... 6-7 and 30 is the same to me... but you do run the risk of more scarring if you choose to go invasive.... 1 isn't that bad.

If you have any luck with anything, please do post back

What laser did you use? I used a pulsed dye laser called vbeam

[cconnors]

Just an update-

Yesterday I was treated with the V Beam pulsed dye laser, today I am already seeing results! (Slight, but considering the doctor said it could take 5+ treatments, I'm stoked!) Anyways, I already see a decrease in redness, and it may be wishful thinking but I honestly feel that my scar is flatter. I have a lot of hope that after my sessions of v beam are done I'll be content with my scar- meaning it will be flat and blend with my surrounding skin.

The procedure was $250, and figuring i will need 5 or so..... all I have to say is thank goodness for generous parents.

It hurt a little, nothing too bad, just some stinging.

Since the scar will be treated every 2 weeks, I'm hoping come September I can have my life back!!!

I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

[Phyllis]

I have a pretty good sized hypertrophic scar in the middle of my chest too. It prevented me from wearing many low cut tops, which really sucked during the summer. I always tried to cover it with make-up or chunky necklaces. So yeah, I can sympathize with what you're going through.

I finally went to the derm and got it injected with steroids. It would flatten out but then slowly grow back. After the third and final shot, it stayed down for good. Have patience and it will all work out!

[cconnors]

^^Good to hear. Is it unnoticeable now?

[Phyllis]

^^Good to hear. Is it unnoticeable now?

Nope! Once the redness goes away (may take a while), it looks just like the surrounding skin.

[cconnors]

^^Good to hear. Is it unnoticeable now?

Nope! Once the redness goes away (may take a while), it looks just like the surrounding skin.

That is soooo good to hear, I could cry! thansk so much for sharing

[EmilyD1970]

How much did the steroid shots cost?

Just an update-

Yesterday I was treated with the V Beam pulsed dye laser, today I am already seeing results! (Slight, but considering the doctor said it could take 5+ treatments, I'm stoked!) Anyways, I already see a decrease in redness, and it may be wishful thinking but I honestly feel that my scar is flatter. I have a lot of hope that after my sessions of v beam are done I'll be content with my scar- meaning it will be flat and blend with my surrounding skin.

The procedure was $250, and figuring i will need 5 or so..... all I have to say is thank goodness for generous parents.

It hurt a little, nothing too bad, just some stinging.

Since the scar will be treated every 2 weeks, I'm hoping come September I can have my life back!!!

I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

[cconnors]

I believe 75 dollars

[Jake114]

I'm in the same boat as you all. I'm male, but with lots of slightly raised scars on my chest.

I have an appointment next week with a laser expert. We'll see how it goes from there.

Here's a picture of what I've got: dl.dropbox.com/u/4595850/CIMG3799.JPG

In unflattering light that highlights the irregular texture, it looks a lot worse. I'm very shy about taking off my shirt in public because of it.

Take a look at this case study of ReCell being used on a similar scar on the chest: www.avitamedical.com/index.php?ob=3&id=279

It looks like in some cases it might be fixable, but ReCell has seen very little use for cosmetic procedures and it's hard to find a derm who's used it much. I wish I knew who conducted that study.

[jnicker]

Have you life back. Thats rich. One scar on your chest. I have hypertrophic scarring on my face and there is probably not much that can be done about it. Whatever....congrats.......enjoy your scar free chest!

[SavedByGrace1]

I have a scar on my chin from a terrible fall when I was like 10. I did have steroid injections for a while, and then the doctor referred me to a plastic surgeon. The scar used to look like the shape of Texas, and the surgeon was able to re-route it into the crease in my chin...I don't think it's really noticeable anymore. In the summer I am extra careful to apply sunscreen to it just in case. That was about 15 years ago, and I often think...it they could do that back then, what can they do now....?? But the other part of me just accepts it as who I am now.

[sunnygal1988]

Hey, l also have a hypertrophic scar right in the middle of my chest!

It depresses me so much because l've had it for a while now and tried the injections which seemed to work for a little bit and then stopped.

I had my first V Beam treatment today for $110. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me if you've seen any progress with this course of treatment.

I'm just at the point where l feel like it's made me into damaged goods and l can't see the bump or redness ever getting better *cries*