I was bitten by a dog on my cheek when I was a kid.

Question:
I was bitten by a dog on my cheek when I was a kid. The scar still bothers me and I’m very self-conscious about it. It never healed particularly well and is now thinner but still a raised, very long line that’s whiter than the rest of my skin. Is there anything that can be done to improve it?

Answer:
White scars are difficult scars to improve. A raised scar however, can be improved upon. I have had good success in scar revision with the use of the Fraxel laser. The laser is effective in reducing the height of the raised scars and also decreasing the pigment in more red scars. White scars are less responsive to laser improvement of the scar.

Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld