Is there a risk of hypertrophic scarring in children?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son has had one somewhat large scar on the right side of his neck and a small scar on the left side of his neck since a burn injury 10 months ago. He has received three laser treatments, and it looks much, much better. My son is almost 2 years old. Our plastic surgeon would do a scar excision if we wanted him to (or more laser treatments), but he is leaving it up to us.

I have read that other plastic surgeons say to wait until the teens so that the natural growth factors produced by a child do not result in a more hypertrophic scar after scar excision. Are children really more susceptible to the formation of hypertrophic scars after scar excision? I am trying to determine if scar excision is really the best option for him. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your son has a post-burn hypertrophic scar over the submandibular region. This type of scar often forms after a burn injury as the skin heals and produces extra collagen.

Right now, it is best not to go for surgery, as operating too soon can trigger the same kind of raised scarring again. With time, the scar usually becomes softer and flatter on its own. If needed, scar revision surgery can be considered later when you are a bit older and the skin has matured.

To help the scar heal and look better, your son can try these steps:

Gently massage the scar every day to soften it.
Apply silicone gel twice daily to reduce thickness and redness.
Use a pressure garment, if possible, to limit the chance of the scar growing raised again.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.