Dear Dr. Winder:
Q. I have a scar from an old c-section that runs, basically, from my belly button down to the pubic bone; it is ugly, and I'd like to get rid of it. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Unfortunately, I don't have any really good suggestions. Vertical scars never heal as well as one that's placed horizontally. However, if you've had a c-section, you may at some point in life need to have a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty; this surgery would remove all or the better part of this scar.

Dear Dr. Winder:
Q. I had an auto accident, and had a laceration on my forearm that had to be stitched up. Now, after about 4 months, it has turned into a keloid scar - it is about l/4" wide and 2" long, and it's pink and raised. What can be done for this?

A. If your description of this scar is accurate, it is not a keloid scar, but a hypertrophic scar that is still in the process of maturing.

A keloid scar is a "puckery growth" beyond the original wound; they look like you surgically inserted a flowerette of broccoli or cauliflower under the skin. They can be treated with steroid injections, radiation and excision (to cut out surgically).

A hypertrophic scar is one that is thick, red and raised, but does not protrude like a keloid. These, too, can be treated by surgical excision or steroid injections.

To do anything to your scar without allowing it to mature for one full year would be inappropriate; try to be patient and see how it evolves over the next twelve months.

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