Question:
I visited Dr Epstein a couple years ago regarding a repair procedure. I have significant ridging in the hairline and at the time Dr Epstein had mentioned a surgical procedure to address the ridging problem. He said at that time it was very new/experimental. I was wondering if this procedure has been further advanced or pursued, and if it is a viable option. I have tried a series kenalog injections with Dr XX – went up to kenalog 40 cc – but with no reduction in the ridging. Thanks in advance.
Answer:
The procedure you are inquiring about is the endoscopic removal of the scar tissue causing the ridging. Essentially this is done through 2 relatively small incisions, then under endoscopic guidance I am able to remove a moderate to significant amount of the scar tissue from below. On the patients I have performed this on, all but one have had a significant reduction in scar tissue, while the fourth has an improvement but it is not quite enough and we are contemplating doing it again for me to get more aggressive with the removal.
This procedure has relatively few risks, and has a reasonable chance of reducing the ridging by 40 to 50%. Once the ridging is removed, you may benefit from routine injections of Kenalog for the first 6 months or so to prevent the scarring from recurring.
It would be a pleasure to consider you for this procedure.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
