Addressing Forehead Indentation After Injury: Plastic Surgery Options

Depression or indentation after facial wound healing?

Hello, I would like to inquire about my daughter's forehead scar.
When she was 3 years old, she fell and hit her forehead on the ground, resulting in a small piece of flesh being lost and exposing the bone.
After taking her to the hospital for suturing, I applied artificial skin for nearly two years.
I initially thought the scar would be unnoticeable, but I have now noticed a significant indentation.
I am very interested in taking her to a plastic surgeon, but I am unsure if there is a way to fill in this indentation and close the wound in a way that leaves no visible scar.
What type of surgery would be required for this? Can I take her to a hospital's plastic surgery department for treatment, or is it necessary to go to a general aesthetic clinic? Please let me know.
Thank you!

Xiao Hai De Ma Ma, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/21

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery

An assessment must be conducted first to determine the appropriate course of action.

Reply Date: 2016/04/21

More Info

Addressing forehead indentation after an injury, especially in a young child, is a sensitive issue that requires careful consideration and professional evaluation. Given your daughter's history of a significant forehead injury that resulted in a visible indentation, there are several plastic surgery options available that can help improve the appearance of the scar and the indentation.

First and foremost, it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in pediatric cases. This is crucial because children's skin and healing processes differ from adults, and a specialist will have the expertise to handle such delicate situations. The surgeon will evaluate the indentation, the surrounding tissue, and the overall condition of your daughter's skin to determine the best course of action.

One common procedure for addressing indentations or scars is subcision. This technique involves inserting a needle under the skin to break up the fibrous tissue that may be causing the indentation. By releasing this tissue, the skin can lift and fill in the indentation more naturally. This procedure is minimally invasive and can often be performed in an outpatient setting.

Another option is fat grafting or fat transfer. In this procedure, fat is harvested from another area of the child's body (such as the abdomen or thighs) and injected into the indentation. This method can provide a more natural fill and improve the contour of the forehead. The results can be long-lasting, but it may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired effect.

For more significant indentations or if the scar is particularly wide or deep, a revision surgery may be necessary. This could involve excising the scar tissue and re-closing the wound in a way that minimizes the appearance of the scar. The surgeon may use techniques such as layered closure or Z-plasty, which can help to redistribute tension and improve the aesthetic outcome.

In some cases, dermal fillers can also be used to temporarily fill in the indentation. While this is not a permanent solution, it can provide immediate results and may be a good option while considering more permanent surgical interventions.

It's important to note that while these procedures can significantly improve the appearance of scars and indentations, there is no guarantee that the results will be completely scar-free. The goal of plastic surgery is often to improve the appearance and functionality of the area rather than achieve perfection.

In terms of where to seek treatment, both specialized plastic surgery clinics and reputable medical aesthetic clinics can offer these services. However, for a child, it is generally advisable to seek treatment at a hospital or clinic with a dedicated pediatric plastic surgery department. This ensures that the medical team is experienced in handling children and understands the unique challenges involved in pediatric care.

Before proceeding with any treatment, ensure that you have a thorough discussion with the surgeon about the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of the procedures. Additionally, consider the timing of the surgery, as children's skin continues to grow and change, which may affect the final results.

In conclusion, addressing your daughter's forehead indentation is possible through various plastic surgery options. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon who specializes in pediatric cases will provide you with the best guidance tailored to your daughter's specific needs. With the right approach, it is possible to improve the appearance of the scar and enhance your daughter's confidence as she grows.

Similar Q&A

Facial Injury Assessment: Treatment Options for Forehead Trauma

Yesterday, while riding my scooter, a small stone seemed to have hit my forehead, leaving a noticeable dent that looks dark and resembles a scar. It is painful and has a depression. I would like to know if applying regular Mentholatum will help, or if I need to buy artificial ski...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It is recommended to change the dressing daily using sterile saline and antibiotic ointment to maintain sterility. Avoid contact with tap water, as it may lead to infection. If the wound does not get infected, there should be minimal scarring. Also, avoid sun exposure. Ple...

Forehead Cyst Removal: Post-Op Care and Scar Prevention Tips

Hello, doctor: I would like to undergo surgery in the plastic surgery department to remove a subcutaneous cyst approximately 1.5 centimeters on my forehead. Could you please advise me on how to care for the area post-surgery to avoid scarring? Additionally, is there a possibility...

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery
Postoperatively, artificial skin can be used to care for scars. Hypertrophic scars are more likely to occur in areas subject to tension, such as joints, shoulders, and the chest and abdomen, while they are less likely to occur on the forehead.

Reconstructive Surgery Options for Orbital Fractures After Car Accidents

Hello Dr. Luo, Last year, I sustained facial injuries and an orbital fracture due to a car accident. Currently, my lower orbit has been replaced with titanium alloy, but the fat behind my eye has been damaged. After a second surgery, my eye was slightly repositioned, but the ap...

Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
Hello: It seems that your injury is quite severe. The orbital fracture has resulted in orbital depression, and even after undergoing fracture reduction surgery, there may still be a possibility of depression. Even with a second surgery (reconstructive surgery), achieving precise ...

How to Restore Indented Scars After Head Injury Sutures?

Doctor, I recently suffered a skull fracture from falling down the stairs, resulting in a stitched scar. However, the scar feels like a depression. The surgeon mentioned that this is due to the gap between the bones. At that time, I opted for a more expensive method to minimize s...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
If there is a depression in the bone, it will take at least two to three months for the bone to heal and for callus formation to fill in the area, resulting in a smoother surface.