What can I do about my scars on my arms. Should I get laser treatment? Or would a tattoo be more efficient? (photo)

Question

I cut myself back in 2012 and also in June of 2013 I have everything figured out and I'm as happy as can be :) but, I have these constant reminder of what I did to myself on my arm and it sucks. Now that summer is approaching I don't know what to do. The most recent ones are still red and now that those are there, the old ones stick out now too. I don't know what to do. I got 1 pulsed dye treatment in a week after it happened but it didn't really yield the results I wanted. Should I get another?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Cutting scars can be improved partially with the fractional co2 laser.  Our office specializes in these scars.  It is important to pretreat the skin with RR Retinoid Repair cream and Plato's Scar Serum before and after the laser. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACSLos AngelesScar Specialist

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination of non-ablative fractional lasers and pulsed dye laser or KTP can help the appearance, but nothing will get rid of them completely. It would take multiple treatments over the course of time to get improvements.  It may be best to treat a few of them first, especially the ones that bug you the most and see if you get a good benefit, and if so, then continue with all the spots.  Seek a dermatologist or plastic surgeon with expertise and experience in the treatment of scars.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

Jan Zemplenyi, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your troubles and am glad you are doing better. Your scars cannot be fully erased but can be greatly improved. Since they are both depressed and elevated in contour I do not believe that tattooing will help enough.  Your scars will benefit from induction of new collagen formation and remodeling. A combination treatment using pulse dye laser (or equivalent) along with fractionated resurfacing lasers as well micro-needling will help. Stepwise improvement from several, sequential treatments is needed. You need to find a provider experienced with scar revision (plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic dermatologist) and come up with a treatment plan. And you need to have patience. Best of luck to you.

What can I do about my scars on my arms. Should I get laser treatment? Or would a tattoo be more efficient? (photo)

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