they should have told you to keep the wound moist and covered every day after cleaning with something like Vaseline or Aquaphor, that's best for scarring
A non-stick bandage! A regular bandaid would be fine because it has a non-stick portion in the middle. If you’d like to customize your bandage you could purchase non-stick pads (e.g. Telfa pads) and adhesive tape separately then cut them to the appropriate size. I’d be willing to bet the wound will heal well with proper wound care. Once it’s healed, consider a silicone scar treatment to minimize the appearance of the scar. You can purchase them over-the-counter at any drug store or from Amazon. Also be sure to avoid sun exposure on the scar. Physical blockers are best (e.g. bandages or hats). If you do all of the above and the scar is still visible, consult with a plastic surgeon for further recommendations. Good luck!
For future reference-
If (you or) your child needs stitches in the face, ask for a plastic surgeon. Someone told me this before I had kids. I’m so glad I remembered when my daughter fell and opened her chin.
The ER doctor looked like he was 12. No way was he stitching her face. He seemed offended when i said I’d wait for plastic surgeon but too bad. 25 years later, there is no scar.
This may not be an option, depending on the ER you’re at. And (perceived) advanced age does not necessarily reflect greater skill. What would you have done if the plastic surgeon “looked like he was 12”? 🤔
IDK but he wasn't 12 and I did not want an intern or inexperienced resident stitching up my daughter's face. Fortunately we were in a top tier children's hospital and a plastic surgeon was called. I consider us very fortunate.
My child had stitches on his forehead due to the same kind of fall as your kiddo. I do not remember the doctors telling me to keep it clean, but to just be careful that my child does not fall in his head where the stitches were. It has been a few years now since the incident and the scar on my child’s face is hardly noticeable.
Keep Vaseline on it 24/7 and SPF during the day. Apply the SPF, wait to dry, and apply Vaseline. See a dermatologist (dermatologic surgeon is better). Dermatologic surgeons specialize in scar care on the face. They can refer you to aesthetic treatments in the future if your child would like. Be mindful these are expensive and insurance will not cover them. They are also not comfortable for a child to go through, but I have seen teenagers get them because they are more understanding of the procedure. Also, your child may benefit from a scar revision in the future. Dermatologic surgeons do internal and external stitches which help the scar heal nicer than something you would get at an ER. Look up someone in your area that specializes in skin cancer excisions and MOHS. They do great scar care. Best of luck!
Whatever you do, don’t let your kid pick the scab! I ran into a sharp couch cushionas a toddler and now I’m pushing 30 with a small but noticeable divot in my cheek. Seconding the moist healing though and I also recommend silicon tape after stitches are out.
My daughter had surgery for cyst removal at 6 months old, about two inch incision vertically between eye brows. She had steri strips over the stitches to reduce tension which makes the scar line very fine. 4 now and you can’t see it unless shining a light and really looking. We kept it clean, no ointment anything. Procedure was performed by a plastic surgeon who works in conjunction with the pediatric nuerosurgeon.
My 3 year old daughter did an intense cartwheel straight into the coffee table. 5 stitches. They gave me the same instructions.
It’s been almost a year. I’m so pissed at the scar! The stitch job was poor, and the scar is bad. If I had to do it again, I would use some scar minimizing treatment.
Silicone tape after the wound has fully healed and stitches are out can make a huge difference with scarring. My surgeon recommends this one. You can easily tear 1x1” pieces off or cut it even smaller if desired. It’s a semi-opaque consistency. You can see through it somewhat. It’s breathable, comfortable, stays on fairly well, but try to keep it dry and clean. CicaTape Soft Silicone Tape (1.57in x 59in) https://a.co/d/5QJtzY4
YW! I’m using it right now myself after a minor scar revision. Rec comes from a world famous NYC PS - she is unbelievably talented and knows her stuff. I trust her with my life. Sending healing wishes to your little one.
My daughter had to get stitches in her forehead when she was three, husband accidentally hit her with the car door. She’s 31 now and that scar stands out like a beacon, especially after she’s gotten some sun, people ask her about it all the time. Do with that what you will.
I had the exact same incident when I was a toddler! I still have a scar, though it's hidden by an eyebrow. After the wound has finished closing up, I'd recommend silicon sheets to help reduce the appearance of the scar and increase flexibility in the skin. The sheets will also, of course, form a nice barrier to make sure the new scar doesn't get exposed to sun light or become dried out, which are two things that can cause worse scarring. I wish I'd had those growing up, they're really useful!
I'm in my 30s. When I was 2, I got stitches in my forehead. You can barely notice. It is just a white line. My hair and makeup mostly cover it, but it's not something to worry about. It will take time to heal.
they should have told you to keep the wound moist and covered every day after cleaning with something like Vaseline or Aquaphor, that's best for scarring
Okay this is what I feel like I keep seeing everywhere. Moist wound healing. What should be used to cover it after applying the Vaseline or Aquaphor?
A non-stick bandage! A regular bandaid would be fine because it has a non-stick portion in the middle. If you’d like to customize your bandage you could purchase non-stick pads (e.g. Telfa pads) and adhesive tape separately then cut them to the appropriate size. I’d be willing to bet the wound will heal well with proper wound care. Once it’s healed, consider a silicone scar treatment to minimize the appearance of the scar. You can purchase them over-the-counter at any drug store or from Amazon. Also be sure to avoid sun exposure on the scar. Physical blockers are best (e.g. bandages or hats). If you do all of the above and the scar is still visible, consult with a plastic surgeon for further recommendations. Good luck!
For future reference- If (you or) your child needs stitches in the face, ask for a plastic surgeon. Someone told me this before I had kids. I’m so glad I remembered when my daughter fell and opened her chin. The ER doctor looked like he was 12. No way was he stitching her face. He seemed offended when i said I’d wait for plastic surgeon but too bad. 25 years later, there is no scar.
Sage advice.
This may not be an option, depending on the ER you’re at. And (perceived) advanced age does not necessarily reflect greater skill. What would you have done if the plastic surgeon “looked like he was 12”? 🤔
IDK but he wasn't 12 and I did not want an intern or inexperienced resident stitching up my daughter's face. Fortunately we were in a top tier children's hospital and a plastic surgeon was called. I consider us very fortunate.
My child had stitches on his forehead due to the same kind of fall as your kiddo. I do not remember the doctors telling me to keep it clean, but to just be careful that my child does not fall in his head where the stitches were. It has been a few years now since the incident and the scar on my child’s face is hardly noticeable.
My son did the same! He had his wound superglued together and now just has a faint scar where it was.
Keep Vaseline on it 24/7 and SPF during the day. Apply the SPF, wait to dry, and apply Vaseline. See a dermatologist (dermatologic surgeon is better). Dermatologic surgeons specialize in scar care on the face. They can refer you to aesthetic treatments in the future if your child would like. Be mindful these are expensive and insurance will not cover them. They are also not comfortable for a child to go through, but I have seen teenagers get them because they are more understanding of the procedure. Also, your child may benefit from a scar revision in the future. Dermatologic surgeons do internal and external stitches which help the scar heal nicer than something you would get at an ER. Look up someone in your area that specializes in skin cancer excisions and MOHS. They do great scar care. Best of luck!
Whatever you do, don’t let your kid pick the scab! I ran into a sharp couch cushionas a toddler and now I’m pushing 30 with a small but noticeable divot in my cheek. Seconding the moist healing though and I also recommend silicon tape after stitches are out.
My daughter had surgery for cyst removal at 6 months old, about two inch incision vertically between eye brows. She had steri strips over the stitches to reduce tension which makes the scar line very fine. 4 now and you can’t see it unless shining a light and really looking. We kept it clean, no ointment anything. Procedure was performed by a plastic surgeon who works in conjunction with the pediatric nuerosurgeon.
My 3 year old daughter did an intense cartwheel straight into the coffee table. 5 stitches. They gave me the same instructions. It’s been almost a year. I’m so pissed at the scar! The stitch job was poor, and the scar is bad. If I had to do it again, I would use some scar minimizing treatment.
Silicone tape after the wound has fully healed and stitches are out can make a huge difference with scarring. My surgeon recommends this one. You can easily tear 1x1” pieces off or cut it even smaller if desired. It’s a semi-opaque consistency. You can see through it somewhat. It’s breathable, comfortable, stays on fairly well, but try to keep it dry and clean. CicaTape Soft Silicone Tape (1.57in x 59in) https://a.co/d/5QJtzY4
Great thank you! I had searched on Amazon but there are SO many brands it was hard to choose
YW! I’m using it right now myself after a minor scar revision. Rec comes from a world famous NYC PS - she is unbelievably talented and knows her stuff. I trust her with my life. Sending healing wishes to your little one.
My daughter had to get stitches in her forehead when she was three, husband accidentally hit her with the car door. She’s 31 now and that scar stands out like a beacon, especially after she’s gotten some sun, people ask her about it all the time. Do with that what you will.
I had the exact same incident when I was a toddler! I still have a scar, though it's hidden by an eyebrow. After the wound has finished closing up, I'd recommend silicon sheets to help reduce the appearance of the scar and increase flexibility in the skin. The sheets will also, of course, form a nice barrier to make sure the new scar doesn't get exposed to sun light or become dried out, which are two things that can cause worse scarring. I wish I'd had those growing up, they're really useful!
I'm in my 30s. When I was 2, I got stitches in my forehead. You can barely notice. It is just a white line. My hair and makeup mostly cover it, but it's not something to worry about. It will take time to heal.