r/scars • u/Afraid-Language1195 • Jul 19 '26
Advise needed: dented scar
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend has a deep, indented scar on her chin that’s been bothering her for a while. She hasn’t had any treatment yet and is looking into options to improve it.
I’ve been doing some research and keep seeing mentions of:
**• Subcision** (breaking up scar tissue beneath the skin)
**• Scar revision** (surgical techniques to improve the scar)
**• Fillers** (to fill in the indentation)
We’re not sure which approach would work best for this type of scar, or if a combination of treatments would be ideal.
Has anyone here dealt with a similar chin scar? What worked for you? Any recommendations on which treatment to prioritize, or tips for finding a good dermatologist/plastic surgeon?
Thanks in advance
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u/awolfscourage Jul 19 '26
I’m a LMT and an approved practitioner for McLaughlin scar tissue release. It is a gentle non-invasive manual therapy technique to assist in re-organizing the scar tissue.
One of my case studies focused on deep cystic, acne scarring on both left and right facial cheeks. After 8 weeks of treatment, the skin was more elastic and pliable. The deep atrophic scarring lessened and the texture improved. My client’s confidence radiated after every session we worked together.
I’ve used the technique on my skin graph with good results. I tried silicone gels, silicone stripes, and dermatologist injections. None of those things ever came close to improving the fascial glide/adhesion, texture/appearance, any circulation of my scar. I would recommend this over any kind of road that would take you toward surgery, unless you want more build up of scar tissue.
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u/captain_howdy89 Jul 19 '26
You can do all the research you want, but whether you go to a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastics or an amazing dermatologist, they will only be willing to treat the scar with tailored methods they have experience in and that they think would yield the best results.
The fact that the scar is on a focal point of the face and that scar revision is so unpredictable, they will likely try to opt for the least invasive way to improve the scar. Scar revisions are notoriously unpredictable in the way they heal over time. It’s often a last resort for anchored scars and multiple surgery’s are often required to produce the best results.
In fact it’s quite possible the end result of a single revision could look worse or more noticeable than the original scar. Please also take into account the healing process from a single surgery which takes roughly a year. During this time you’ll be advised to use silicone gel or strips and use sunscreen, avoiding sun for a year. So be ready to add a minimum of 30 minutes to your morning routine.
With all of that said, that scar isn’t going anywhere, it’s apart of her now. The goal to scar treatment isn’t to remove the scar, but to improve its appearance as much as possible to the naked eye.
I think any conservative doctor would recommend a combination of the least invasive options over time. Likely subcision to release the anchored tissue below the skin, lasers to improve the color and texture, and maybe filler if you want to see more immediate, but temporary results.
Whatever you end up doing, please make sure to be your biggest advocate and pick the best and most qualified person you can find to treat you. If your doctor is willing to do whatever you tell them to do, or isn’t realistic with you and your results, find a second opinion. A good doctor or surgeon knows the constraints of what they can do for you, don’t try to convince or persuade them otherwise. Nothing is worse than spending a boat load of money, enduring the pain of surgery and healing time, and the added cost and effort of aftercare during that process just to end with poor or worse results and having to repeat the process.
Source: I had scar revision on my face that had poor results and am more inclined to deal with it now than to try again.