Can I Remove Scars on my Legs with a Chemical Peel?

People who complain of scars on the legs frequently are referring to dark brown spots rather than scarring. Chemical peel exfoliation of the skin can help to lighten skin of the legs but in people of color, peels that are too aggressive can actually darken the skin. If brown spots is what you are referring to, things that can help include tretinoin cream (retin-A), hydroquinone, azelaic acid, and mild cortisone creams for short-term use. I suggest you consult with a board certified... more

Without explicit photos, it is impossible to accurately answer you question. What kind of scars are you referring to? Are they raised? Widened? Keloids? Pigmented? What is your ethnicity. Answer to these along with photos can assist in providing you with a more accurate answer. You can also consider seeking out a consultation with a reputable physician in your area.

No. You certainly cannot remove the scars on your legs with a chemical peel, or with anything else. But I disagree with another responder in that I do think light peels would be of benefit in improving your problem. But it is hard to say without sweeing photos.

This question cannot be answered until we assess the type of scars.  Chemical peels may help in pigmented scars but will not improve thickened or hypertrophic scars. 

A Scar is permanent and can never be removed. In some cases, a scar can be REVISED and can be made much better. Chemical peeling involves the use of a caustic substance that burns a top layer of the skin. By limiting the action of the chemical to the superficial layers, the REMAINING layers of skin (especially hair and oil / sweat glands) allow the skin to regenerate in a smoother, less blemished fashion. BUT - 1. Skin below the face does NOT have a high enough concentration of oil / sweat... more

Hello Joycelp, It's impossible to say which treatment would be best for you without know what kind of scars you have. We have successfully treated pigmented scars on the legs from old bug bites using q-switched lasers. Unfortunately for textured (surgical or trauma) scars, we do not have a good suggestion. Good luck.

Unfortunately, scars on the legs are usually permanent. Sometimes, scar revisions can be performed to soften them. Some lasers can be used to lighten them.

Hello, Chemical peels on the legs can lead to poor results as the blood supply there is not nearly as abundant as it is on the face. For this reason, performing peels other than on the face carries much more risk. Healing may not be so kind. Maybe consider scar revision for the larger scars.

A very light chemical peel can be done on the body and trunk but be very careful in this area or you will end up with more scars and areas of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Totally avoid TCA peels anywhere but on the face. A light peel is unlikely to make scars on the legs any better.