What chemical peel would be best to improve acne scarring on medium olive skin tone (Fitzpatrick 4)?

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

I do a combination of TCA peels and eMatrix laser for acne scars with patients with olive complexion.  If there is pigmentation then you should consider Cosmelan as well to treat the dark spots since it is amazing with your skin type. Please post photos to help you with specifics.  Best, Dr. Green

I use a compounded combination peel for higher fitzpatrick skin types. I prefer a salicylic based peel for patients prone to acne with topical medications to improve dermal thickening and resurfacing. The peel is considered superficial and safer for Fitzpatrick 4-6  types which are more prone to pigmentation irregularities with deeper peels or lasers. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon@drjohnsonlee

Deep acne scarring with darker skin types would possibly scar with the deeper TCA peels, you’d do better with microneedling and prp.
Choose an expert. Best. Dr Brecht.
Seattle, Wa