Concern Over Sudden Facial Scar Discovery
Recently, I noticed an unexpected raised scar on my face, and its sudden appearance has me feeling quite apprehensive about it being permanent. This incident occurred while I was simply waiting in line for my lunch, and surprisingly, I hadn't injured or scratched my skin in any way prior to its emergence. For context, I am a 24-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 115 lbs. I have been undergoing a treatment regimen that includes taking 10 mg of accutane three times each week. About two weeks ago, I also had a microneedling procedure done, which my dermatologist had assured me was acceptable while on a low dosage of accutane. Fortunately, I did not experience any immediate adverse effects from that treatment. However, the sudden onset of this scar-like formation is causing me significant concern. I am eager to understand more about why this happened and whether it is likely to be a permanent change.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 10:01:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about the sudden appearance of a raised scar on your face, especially considering your recent microneedling procedure and your current Accutane treatment. Scarring can occur for various reasons, including skin healing processes, response to irritation, or even changes induced by treatments like microneedling.
Explanation: Accutane (isotretinoin) is a medication used to treat severe acne by reducing oil production and promoting skin cell turnover. While it can lead to improvements in skin texture, it may also increase skin sensitivity and affect the healing process. The microneedling procedure creates tiny injuries in the skin to promote collagen production, which, combined with Accutane, could lead to unusual skin responses such as raised scars.
A raised scar, also known as a keloid or hypertrophic scar, happens when the skin heals with excessive collagen. These can sometimes form without a clear injury or are associated with skin procedures. The fact that you did not notice any immediate adverse effects following microneedling is reassuring, but it’s important to monitor any changes.
Next Steps:
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Keep the Area Clean and Moisturized: Ensure that the area remains clean to prevent infection. Use a gentle moisturizer to help with healing.
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Avoid Picking or Irritation: Do not pick at the raised area as this can worsen scarring. Be cautious with products that might irritate your skin.
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Monitor Changes: Observe the scar over the next few weeks. Note if it changes in size, color, or if you experience any discomfort.
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Consider Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter silicone gel sheets or topical treatments designed for scars may help flatten raised scars. Check with your dermatologist to confirm they're suitable for you, especially while on Accutane.
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Contact Your Dermatologist: Given your concerns and the recent scar development, it may be best to arrange a follow-up with your dermatologist. They can assess the scar and suggest specific treatments or interventions if needed.
Remember, many raised scars can improve over time. Your dermatologist will provide you with the best options tailored to your skin’s needs. If you have more questions or need support as you monitor this situation, feel free to reach out.
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