Hello. I am Dr. Lee Sang, a dermatologist. The thyroid is an important endocrine organ involved in regulating metabolism and growth. If there is an abnormality in the thyroid, tumors such as thyroid cancer can occur, and in most cases, the cancer is removed through surgery. Thyroid cancer surgery involves an incision in the front of the neck, so there is a very high possibility of a scar remaining on the neck after surgery. Recently, various surgical techniques have been introduced to minimize scars, but in many cases, severe scars remain depending on the individual's condition or constitution. Today, we will learn more about scars remaining after thyroid surgery.
Why do scars occur after thyroid cancer surgery?
Thyroid cancer is generally treated with surgery. Scars are inevitably left during the process of incising the front of the neck to directly remove the cancer. Even with surgery performed by skilled medical professionals, skin incision is a cause of scar formation, and especially in the neck area, where there is a lot of movement and skin tension, scars can become more prominent.
Two key methods for minimizing scars
There are two main methods to minimize scars after thyroid cancer surgery. Greater effects can be expected when these two are used in combination.
- First, using scar-reducing patches or ointments: Scar patches or ointments are known to help prevent scars. However, many people feel that the effect is less than expected. Generally, the scar improvement effect is known to be around 10%.
- Second, starting laser treatment: Starting laser treatment as soon as possible after the scar area has healed is effective in minimizing scars.
When is the best time to start scar treatment?
It is important not to miss the timing for scar treatment. Scar-reducing patches or ointments should be used immediately after the wound has healed. Starting laser treatment as soon as possible also has a positive effect on the overall outcome.
Generally, laser treatment is often started immediately after the stitches are removed from the treated area, and starting within 1 to 2 weeks at the latest greatly helps scar improvement.
What types of thyroid surgery scars are there?
Scars after thyroid cancer surgery can appear in various forms. While some cases involve simply depressed skin, it is more common for them to be raised.
- Red, raised scars: If only the affected area is red and raised, it is likely a hypertrophic scar.
- Scars extending beyond the border: If the scar is severe or invades the surrounding skin beyond the original scar border, it may be a keloid scar.
- Brown pigmentation: Brown pigmentation remaining in the surgical area is also common.
All these types of scars can be expected to improve with laser treatment.
Scar improvement is possible with laser treatment
Scars on the neck vary greatly from person to person, but good results can be obtained through laser treatment. Generally, laser procedures are known to improve scars by more than 50%. For individuals with good constitution, improvement may be almost unnoticeable, while in some cases, scars may still be visible even after the procedure.
Utilizing various lasers
- Whitening lasers are mainly used for brown pigmentation.
- Recently, lasers that can achieve both scar treatment and whitening effects simultaneously have also been developed, and these devices can also be utilized.
- Laser treatment to prevent scar formation can minimize scars, and lasers also exist to restore existing scars.
A comprehensive approach for optimal results
Efforts are made during surgery to minimize scars by aligning them with neck wrinkles, but for individuals who are constitutionally prone to significant scarring or who strongly desire scar improvement, laser treatment is an effective alternative. If treatment to prevent scars and treatment to restore existing scars are combined, there is a high possibility that the scars will improve to the point of being barely noticeable.